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The Celtic Tenors

{{short description|Musical group}}

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{{Infobox musical artist

| name = The Celtic Tenors

| image =

| caption = The Celtic Tenors in concert

| background = group_or_band

| origin = Dublin, Ireland

| genre = Classical crossover, opera, Irish traditional, pop

| years_active = 1999–present

| label = EMI Classics, Dara Records, Universal Music, Telarc

| website = [https://www.celtic-tenors.com Official website]

| current_members =

  • Matthew Gilsenan (1999–present)
  • James Nelson (1999–present)
  • Daryl Simpson (2006–present)

| past_members =

  • Niall Morris (1999–2006)

}}

The Celtic Tenors is an Irish trio of tenor singers. The trio comprises Matthew “Gilly” Gilsenan, James Nelson, and Daryl Simpson. Known for their signature harmony-rich style, they blend opera, classical, Irish traditional, and pop influences. The group was formed in 1999 by Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson, and Niall Morris. Niall left the group in 2006 and was replaced by Daryl Simpson.{{r|susan|p=42}}

Initially signed to EMI Classics in 1999, they released their debut album, The Celtic Tenors,{{cite web |title=The Celtic Tenors Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio ... |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/celtic-tenors-mn0000055035 |website=AllMusic |access-date=16 December 2024 |language=en}} in 2000, which topped the classical music charts in the UK.{{cite web |title=Matthew Gilsenan - The Celtic Tenors Interview |url=https://www.beyondthecurtain.co.uk/2023/08/matthew-gilsenan-celtic-tenors-interview.html |access-date=16 December 2024}} Over the years, they have released three albums with EMI Classics.

Discography

The Celtic Tenors have released several successful recordings:

  • The Celtic Tenors (2000) – No. 1 in Ireland and No. 2 in the UK.
  • So Strong (2002) – Winner of the Echo Award in Germany.
  • The Irish Album (2003), featuring The Dubliners.
  • We Are Not Islands (2005).
  • Remember Me (2006).
  • Hard Times (2008).
  • Feels Like Home (2011).
  • Christmas (2013).
  • Timeless (2015).
  • An Irish Songbook (2019).

Origins and precursor group

The Celtic Tenors trace their roots back to The Three Irish Tenors, a precursor group that featured James Nelson, Niall Morris, and Paul Hennessey.{{cite web |title=The Celtic Tenors |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/1541618-The-Celtic-Tenors |website=Discogs |access-date=16 December 2024 |language=en}} This earlier ensemble made its debut on RTÉ’s Theatre Nights program in October 1995. However, The Celtic Tenors, as a reimagined trio, officially launched in 1999 and established their distinct identity.

Symbolism and harmony

Representing three of Ireland's four provinces—Matthew Gilsenan (Leinster), Daryl Simpson (Ulster), and James Nelson (Connacht)—the group emphasizes unity and harmony. Their collaboration symbolizes overcoming historical divisions in Ireland, particularly the North-South divide, with their performances often including harmony-rich a cappella arrangements.

= Notable performances =

The Celtic Tenors have performed for several distinguished figures, including:

  • President Bill Clinton at Dublin Castle.{{cite news |title=Sligo's Celtic tenor |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/lifestyle/sligos-celtic-tenor/27584591.html |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=Irish Independent |date=28 September 2011 |language=en}}
  • A private performance for Kofi Annan and his wife Nane's birthday at Farmleigh in Dublin.{{cite news |last1=Egan |first1=Barry |title=The Celtic Tenors |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/the-celtic-tenors/34630614.html |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=Irish Independent |date=16 April 2016 |language=en}}

References

{{reflist|refs=

Susan H. Motherway (2013). [https://books.google.com/books?id=ZYS1CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA42 The Globalization of Irish Traditional Song Performance] (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series). London; New York: Routledge. {{isbn|9781409434238}}.

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Further reading

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  • Mark Fitzgerald, John O'Flynn (editors) (2016). [https://books.google.com/books?id=M4cWDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA243 Music and Identity in Ireland and Beyond]. London: Routledge. {{isbn|9781472409669}}.

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External links

  • {{official|http://www.celtic-tenors.com/ }}

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Category:Irish tenors

Category:Tenor vocal groups

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