20 Years of Celtic Woman!

20 years! That is quite a milestone in any relationship! And what a musical relationship it has been between Celtic Woman and the audience. I remember the buzz when they were first launched in the early 2000s. That was the time when everything was exciting in the music world. Riverdance has entranced the international audience a few years earlier. The Lord of the Dance was at its full height. The Lord of the Rings craze peaked, and Enya’s May It Be was nominated for the Academy Awards. So, there was so much Irish visibility in that decade. So it did not surprise that Celtic Woman immediately became an overnight success. The launch introduces subsequent albums and DVDs, including TV specials. They toured around the world and became a smashing success.
I can hardly believe 20 years has passed. And although the lineup has changed, the pillars that make up the Celtic Woman sound and stage production remain the same. If you love the Celtic lore and myth, this is for you. I am writing this while watching their PBS show via YouTube. I know nothing compares to being one with the audience, but thanks to technology, we can explore music and culture worldwide. As for the songs, they performed old classics like Scarborough Fair and Mo Ghile Mear. 60% of the songs are what you’ve probably heard from Clannad albums in the 70s, including Dulaman. So this is a welcome mix for old and new fans.
It is the songs that bring people back. Sure, the presentation is grand(including the dance choreography), and the playing is tight. But the songs make you tap your feet and make your heart sing. The songs take you to a place untouched by anxiety and fear. That, for me, is good enough. Cheers to the 20 years and another 20 years ahead!