The group is touring a Christmas show to symphony orchestras across the country
Celtic Woman enchanted the Kennedy Center in DC on their winter symphony tour this Saturday night (Dec 14th). The National Symphony Orchestra accompanied the female Irish group.
The NSO showcased their fine form with a Celtic-infused Christmas overture before the women of “Woman” took the stage with a wintery “Carol of the Bells.” The four were dressed in green gowns and offered Christmas classics all night long. Their harmonies were hypnotized with perfect pitch and a beautiful Irish lilt that elevated everything they sang.
Returning member Lisa Lange offered a beautiful Gaelic Christmas tune about Bethlehem. While your ace reporter didn’t catch the song’s name, it was captivating and the most awe-inspiring number of the first portion.
The women harmonize extremely well. Original member Mairéad Carlin plays her fiddle with energy and finesse. A solo Carlin performed an instrumental “Silent Night,” with the NSO offering a sweeping arrangement to back it. Christmas magic, indeed!
In the second half, bagpipes turned “We Three Kings” into a haunting Christmas sea shanty. The four immediately followed that with the traditional Irish tune “Danny Boy,” a staple of Celtic Woman live shows.
Also in the second half, the group showcased the musical traditions of their homeland. The NSO conductor for the night was Celtic Woman’s own Lloyd Butler. His original composition “December Air” was combined with the traditional “Farewell to Ireland” for a wistfully transportive instrumental featuring Ms. Carlin, the group’s fiddler. “The Wexford Carol” is another old Irish holiday tune, paying tribute to the eponymous county.
Celtic Woman’s Holiday tour offers the perfect blend of classic Christmas music and the emotionally transfixing Irish music that earned them arena-filling fame. And with the National Symphony Orchestra adding an ethereal richness and depth, the night of music was exactly what a Christmas concert should be.
