Friday, November 10, 2023
As a courtesy to the artists and for the uninterrupted enjoyment of your fellow patrons, please turn off all electronic devices. No portion of this performance may be photographed, recorded, filmed, taped, broadcast or mechanically reproduced without the written consent of the Artist and/or the Presenter. Mayo Performing Arts Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Program subject to change.
Celtic Thunder: Odyssey In 2007, producer Sharon Browne embarked on an innovative project by filming the inaugural Celtic Thunder show at the Helix in Dublin, Ireland. The concept behind this groundbreaking endeavor was to assemble a group of talented men from Ireland and Scotland, spanning ages from 21 to 42, and curate a performance that celebrated their shared Celtic heritage. The resulting show presented a captivating blend of musical genres, ranging from traditional Celtic tunes to international chart-toppers, interwoven with original compositions. The current lineup of Celtic Thunder comprises a diverse ensemble of performers, including Damian McGinty, Emmet Cahill, Neil Byrne, and Ronan Scolard. Each member of Celtic Thunder is a formidable talent, both in solo and ensemble performances. Supported by the dynamic Celtic Thunder Band, their live shows are renowned for their dramatic lighting effects, intricate choreography, and a stage set reminiscent of ancient Celtic pathways, evoking the legends of Celtic lore. The Celtic Thunder ODYSSEY live theatrical production embodies the essence of these Public Television stars. It serves as a captivating exploration of Irish music and culture, spanning traditional Irish rhythms, contemporary beats, and innovative
arrangements that define the group's distinctive sound. The show’s strength lies in the shared musical chemistry of Celtic Thunder’s lead vocalists, each contributing their unique voice and charisma to create a harmonious blend that resonates with a wide range of musical preferences. Since 2008, Celtic Thunder has released a remarkable total of 17 shows on CD and DVD. By the end of 2023, they will have completed 15 coast-to-coast tours of the United States and Canada, as well as four tours of Australia, performing over 1000 shows and captivating millions of fans. Additionally, Celtic Thunder has ventured into the world of Entertainment Cruises, hosting five Caribbean cruises, each accommodating over 4,000 fans for a fourday musical extravaganza. The impact of Celtic Thunder’s music has earned them prestigious recognition, including being named BILLBOARD’s Top World Music Artist five times, along with accolades for Top World Music Imprint and Top World Album in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2016. Their official YouTube channel, “Thunder Tube,” has garnered over 300 million views since its inception in 2008, boasting an active subscriber base of 325,000. Furthermore, Celtic Thunder enjoys a dedicated following, with over a million followers on their official Facebook page.
Bios David Munro - Music Director David, a graduate of Glasgow University, embarked on his musical journey as a concert pianist before shifting his focus towards ballet and opera. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a multitude of esteemed organizations and artists, including The Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Singapore Ballet, Mark Morris Dance Company, Jiri Kylian’s Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), Random Dance, and London Contemporary Dance Theatre (L.C.T.D), among others. As a prolific composer, David has left a significant mark in the world of music. His
composition “The Musical Story Book,” created for B.B.C. Radio 4, garnered recognition and was nominated for a Sony Award in the United Kingdom. In 2011, David took on a pivotal role when he joined Celtic Thunder as its Musical Director. Since then, he has been an integral part of the show, contributing his musical expertise to their tours and performances. David has also showcased his songwriting talents within Celtic Thunder, crafting several original songs for the group. His responsibilities extend to overseeing all musical and vocal arrangements for recent Celtic Thunder tours, including Voyage, Mythology, Celtic Thunder Symphony,
November 10, 2023 Very Best of Celtic Thunder, Legacy, Celtic Thunder X, and Celtic Thunder Ireland. David’s approach to Celtic Thunder’s music can be summarized in one word: collaboration. He emphasizes the immense creativity that goes into every aspect of a Celtic Thunder show, from the initial notes struck in rehearsals to the final touches added to each track in the studio. He seeks the best possible arrangement for each song, and his dedication to excellence shines through in the group's performances. With a team of outstanding singers, musicians, and engineers, David ensures that Celtic Thunder delivers music of the highest quality to its audience. Neil Byrne Neil Byrne’s passion for music ignited at a young age, when he discovered the magic of rhythm by using suitcases as makeshift drums. However, it was a pivotal moment at the age of six that sealed his destiny in the world of music. Witnessing his father’s three-piece band perform at a wedding left an indelible impression on him. Neil vividly recalls the experience, noting that while he may not have fully grasped the intricacies of the music, he instinctively recognized its profound beauty. Soon after, Neil embarked on his professional music journey by joining his father's band. His musical horizons continued to expand as he delved into jazz, and he eventually ventured into forming a retro funk band called Hipple Street. Neil’s association with Celtic Thunder began when he was approached to record backing vocals for the first Celtic Thunder DVD in 2007. Over time, he transitioned from backing vocals to lead guitar and, in 2011, assumed one of the lead vocalist roles in the show. His tenure with Celtic Thunder has seen him extensively tour the United States, Canada, and Australia with the ensemble. Additionally, Neil has been a part of all Celtic Thunder Cruises held in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2022 and 2023. In 2015, Neil embarked on a creative collaboration with animator Aidan McAteer.
Together, they composed the musical score for a new Irish short film titled Deadly. Their work, in collaboration with Celtic Thunder’s musical director David Munro, earned them the prestigious Best Film Score award among 110 films at the Underground Cinema Awards for Short Film. Notably, Neil has also pursued a solo career under the name “Pale Blue Jak,” releasing several albums. Additionally, he has teamed up with his Celtic Thunder castmate Ryan Kelly for collaborative projects such as “Acoustically Irish,” “Live in Australia,” and “Echoes,” showcasing his versatility as a musician and performer. Emmet Cahill Emmet Cahill originates from Mullingar, situated in County Westmeath, Ireland. His early musical journey began in Mullingar, where he attended high school on a music scholarship. During this time, he expanded his musical skills by delving into piano, organ, violin, and vocal training. His dedication to music led him to graduate from the renowned Royal Irish Academy of Music, where he earned a university degree in Music Performance. Emmet’s exceptional talents and commitment to music earned him prestigious accolades. Notably, he was honored with The John McCormack Bursary, recognizing him as the most Promising Young Tenor. He also earned the distinction of being named the most promising young singer at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and achieved multiple prizes at the National Feis Ceoil singing competition. These achievements brought him to the attention of Celtic Thunder Producer Sharon Browne, marking the beginning of Emmet’s journey with Celtic Thunder during their Heritage tour in 2011. In his solo career, Emmet has mesmerized audiences across the United States and Canada, having performed concerts in more than 80 cities. His solo concert debut at New York’s renowned Carnegie Hall was a monumental success, receiving enthusiastic reviews. Emmet introduced his debut solo album, titled Emmet Cahill’s Ireland, in
Celtic Thunder: Odyssey collaboration with Sony Music. This album made an impressive entry into the World music Billboard charts, claiming the No. 1 spot. His solo performances have graced various venues, ranging from churches and theaters nationwide to symphony halls, where he has shared the stage with some of America’s finest orchestras. Emmet Cahill’s musical journey continues to captivate audiences with his remarkable voice and musical artistry. Damian McGinty Damian McGinty is a multi-genre singer/ songwriter from Derry, Northern Ireland, who now calls Nashville his home. He currently splits his time as an independent solo artist and a principal performer for Celtic Thunder, sprinkled in with occasional acting jobs and other pursuits. Over the years Damian’s career has taken him around the world on nearly two dozen tours through the United States, Canada, Australia and more, including nine tours with Celtic Thunder and five self-managed solo tours. He is a featured performer in eight Celtic Thunder PBS specials, a highlighted performer in two additional PBS specials, and appears on eight Celtic Thunder DVDs and a dozen Celtic Thunder CDs. In his solo work, Damian’s Irish roots blend with pop, folk, adult alternative contemporary, and country influences and a lyrical storytelling style to create a sound that is both familiar and unique. Damian’s original songs range from bright summer bops to deeply intimate ballads, capturing moments that are specific yet timeless; individual yet universal. As an independent recording artist, Damian has released three full-length CDs, four EPs, and multiple singles. His voice is featured in the Circle Round storytelling podcast The Piper and The Pooka. Damian was featured as Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month on The Today Show. His TV credits include two seasons of Glee™, one season of The Glee Project™, and the lead role in the family Christmas movie Santa Fake™.
Ronan Scolard Ronan Scolard hails from Dublin, Ireland, where he has made a name for himself as both a composer and a vocalist. He pursued his passion for music at Trinity College Dublin, initially focusing on classical music. Subsequently, he expanded his academic horizons, earning a postgraduate degree in Music Technology and a master’s degree in composition. Ronan’s musical journey has taken him across the globe as an arranger and touring artist. He has lent his talents to various renowned groups and artists, including Adele, Celtic Woman, Riverdance, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Utah Symphony Orchestra, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with notable performers like Mark Feehily, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Wallis Bird, and Mairéad Carlin, among others. Ronan’s performances have graced diverse venues such as the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Carnegie Hall, and the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. Moreover, Ronan is an integral part of Trinity, a dynamic Irish Crossover vocal group. Trinity’s journey gained momentum after their debut PBS special, Trinity: Classically Irish, aired in North America during the Spring of 2022. They have since embarked on extensive tours in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Beyond his vocal prowess, Ronan Scolard has also made significant contributions as a composer. He spent several years deeply entrenched in London's film music scene, collaborating with industry leaders at legendary studios like Abbey Road Studios and AIR Studios. Additionally, Ronan holds the role of Director of Admissions at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe and is a valued faculty member specializing in Composition and Orchestration.