Here’s an article from The Toronto Sun written by DARRYL STERDAN
Woman of the world
Youngest member of rising Celtic musical ensemble finally legal in all four corners of the globe
Chloe Agnew has just become a full-fledged Celtic Woman. No, the Irish soprano didn’t just join the classical-pop vocal ensemble. She’s been there for every moment of the group’s seven-year career. But in June, she celebrated a different milestone: Her 21st birthday. “I’m still the baby of the group,” insists Agnew from a tour stop in the Maritimes. “Nobody can take that away from me. But yeah, I’m finally a real Celtic Woman. I almost can’t believe it, really. It’s a little bit scary. It’s all over now!”
Hardly. If anything, the group’s star is still on the rise. The foursome — which also includes singers Lynn Hilary and Lisa Kelly, along with violinist Máiréad Nesbitt (vocalist Alex Sharpe left in May) — recently released their “fifth CDDVD Songs From the Heart. Their TV special of the same name just earned creator, composer and mastermind David Downes an Emmy nomination for outstanding music direction. And the ensemble are currently in the midst of their largest Canadian tour to date. Before heading west, the globally legal Agnew called up to chat about all that and more. Here’s some of what she had to say:
They say there’s a woman behind every great man. Does that make David Downes the great man behind Celtic Woman?
Exactly! Or you could say there’s four great woman behind David Downes. Really, it’s a collaborative effort. We wouldn’t be where we are without David, and I like to think he wouldn’t be where he is without us. It’s a family kind of thing.
But it’s also a huge machine. Do you ever feel like just a cog in a wheel?
Yeah, I do. But you have to think like that. You have to be part of a team to make things happen. Everybody has to work together to make this happen.
How much creative input do you and the other women have?
There’s a huge creative team involved, and so many people who are so brilliant at what they do. We’re quite happy to sit back and let them do what they do best. At the end of the night, it’s our job to get up and sing the music the way we do and make it special. That’s our part. We do have a bit of input in what colour dress we’re
going to have or something. But this is really David’s baby, so we’re quite happy to let him choose the music. He knows us so well. I started working with him when I was 11. So he has watched me grow. And has continually chosen music that not only challenges me, but helps me grow.
But you’re 21 years old. I know you don’t listen to Gaelic music.
No, of course I don’t! I’m a typical … I was going to say teenager, but I guess I’m not that anymore. But yeah, we’re very normal girls. We like to go shopping or to the cinema. After the show, we get into our pajamas and slippers and watch Glee or Law & Order.
But when you watch Glee, don’t you wish you could do songs like that?
Of course! We totally think that all the time — ‘Boy, wouldn’t it be great to do Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey?’ And we’ve done some pretty decent covers over the years. But there is a point when you have to be realistic!
What does it take to be a CelticWoman?
Gosh. I think you have to be able to turn your hand to anything. The beauty of this show is that there is such a wide variety of music. Lisa came from a musical theatre background. Lynn came from a classical background. My father is a classical musician and my mom is an entertainer, so I had a mix. But I never thought I would be singing Gaelic songs or traditional Irish music or light classical opera. So you have to be open. And you have
to have a lightheartedness and be ready to become part of a family. The other girls are like mothers and sisters and best friends to me.
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“Celtic Woman – Songs from the Heart”
Live from Powerscourt House and Gardens
“Celtic Woman – Songs from the Heart” marks the 5th collaboration between the multiplatinum group and the Public Broadcasting System of America.
The special was recorded in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Ireland at the historic Powerscourt House and Gardens – location for such films as Barry Lyndon, The Count of Monte Cristo and the cable series The Tudors. The special was shot on July 29th and 30th 2009 in front of an audience of 1,000 fans (many of whom flew in from the states for the taping). Shot in HD, the breathtaking gardens (based on the gardens at the Palace of Versailles) were an ideal location for the musical vision of musical director and composer David Downes and the 5 women who comprise Celtic Woman.
Celtic Woman stars vocalists, Lisa Kelly, Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary and Alex Sharpe together with Celtic Violinist, Máiréad Nesbitt. Their 6 piece Celtic Woman band was augmented for this event with the 12 member Aontas Choir, 27 piece film orchestra, the 20 member Discovery Gospel Choir, 10 member Extreme Rhythm Drummers and an 11 piece Bag Pipe ensemble, in order to bring David Downes’ cinematic musical vision to life.
To the delight of their dedicated fans, the musical repertoire ranges from spirited celtic fiddle and bodhrán pieces to lush arrangements of Irish classics, contemporary covers and original compositions. Celtic Woman makes their own of favorites such as Jimmy Webbs “The Moons a Harsh Mistress”, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Pie Jesu”, Sting’s “Fields of Gold”, Billy Joel’s “Good Night My Angel”, Bing Crosbies “Galway Bay”, Mariah Carey’s “When You Believe” as well as “My Lagan Love”, “Nil Sé’n Lá”, “The Call”, “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears” and more. Their latest hit single, “O, America” features the Discovery Gospel Choir and a fireworks display in the Irish sky.
For the event, an elaborate outdoor stage was constructed in the gardens by production designer Alan Farquharson. The results are breathtaking, allowing the audience to feel as though they are part of the show!
Renowned Irish lighting designer Tom Kenny (employee of David Bowie, The Who and Eric Clapton) had the daunting task of lighting the 13th century castle and surrounding 47 acre estate, using more lights than U2’s current 360 Tour.
The event was a first time co-production between Irish based Brennus Productions and the U.S. company Alex Coletti Productions.
The special was directed by Alex Coletti, produced by Scott Porter and Alex Coletti, Co-Produced by Elizabeth Kelly and choreographed by Daryn Crosbie.
CELTIC WOMAN “ISLE OF HOPE” TOUR WOWS AUDIENCES SECOND LEG OF 2009 U.S. TOUR KICKS OFF OCTOBER 7
The international Irish music phenomenon, Celtic Woman, returns to U.S. shores this fall for the 2nd leg of their “Isle of Hope” tour. The journey continues October 7 in Waukegan, Illinois making stops in over 35 cities on its way to a November 22 finale in Long Beach, California.
The multi-platinum group appeared on several national television shows including Dancing With The Stars, Today Show and Good Morning Americawhile wrapping up its five month U.S. tour in July. Celtic Woman returned home to Ireland in August and was awarded “Best Celtic Group” at the 2009 Ireland Music Awards.
Now, the enchanting four vocalists Chloë, Lisa, Lynn, and Alex along with Celtic violinist Máiréad return to perform their heavenly renditions of Irish standards, classical favorites and contemporary hits.
The 2009 tour has received huge acclaim by fans and accolades from the media. The Grand Rapids Press praised the “heavenly, angelic voices that floated through every song,” by “one of the most wildly popular singing groups on the planet,” (Cincinnati Examiner) while Pittsburgh’s Tribune Review declared “it was hard, if not impossible, to avoid a standing ovation.”
During the 2009 “Isle of Hope” tour, fans have the opportunity to experience Celtic Woman’s most magical production yet, featuring renditions of “Fields of Gold” and “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” as well as the patriotic song “O, America!” written exclusively for Celtic Woman by Brendan Graham (renowned for his inspirational song “You Raise Me Up”) , along with William Joseph. Musical Director David Downes has composed stunning new music for the 19-member ensemble featuring the wonderful voices of Celtic Woman and the energetic musical inventiveness of Celtic violinist, Máiréad.
The show will also feature cornerstone favorites such as “The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun,” “Danny Boy,” and “Spanish Lady,” among others that are featured on their latest release Greatest Journey: Essential Collection CD/DVD.
Celtic Woman has been winning over audiences of all ages and captivating millions with inspiring songs of hope and love. In just four short years, the group has played eight U.S. tours, released 4 CDs and 4 DVDS totaling more than 3 million in sales and performed for more than 800,000 people. Meanwhile, the four Celtic Woman PBS Specials have aired more than 13,658 times on 685 PBS stations across the country, covering 97% of US television households.
Named the #1 Top World Music Artist by Billboard Magazine, Celtic Woman albums (Celtic Woman, A Christmas Celebration, and A New Journey) have held the #1 position on the magazine’s World Music chart for 90 consecutive weeks. Their 2008 album, The Greatest Journey Essential Collection, debuted at #1. Celtic Woman’s Musical Director is David Downes, Producer Scott Porter and Executive Producer Dave Kavanagh.
For further press information, please contact, JR Rich, EMI Music; 212-786-8628; e: JR.Rich@emimusic.com or Renee Pfefer, On Tour PR; 914-273-0007; e: Renee@ontourpr.com
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