The Celtic Tenors

Musical group

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "The Celtic Tenors" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

The Celtic Tenors

Origin| Dublin, Ireland
Genres| Classical crossover, opera, Irish traditional, pop
Years active| 1999–present
Labels| EMI Classics, Dara Records, Universal Music, Telarc
Members|

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

Past members|

* Niall Morris (1999–2006)

Website| Official website

The Celtic Tenors is an Irish trio of tenor singers. The trio comprising Matthew 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.[1]: 42

Initially signed to EMI Classics in 1999, they released their debut album, The Celtic Tenors,[2] in 2000, which topped the classical music charts in the UK.[3] Over the years, they have released three albums with EMI Classics.

## Discography

[edit]

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

[edit]

The Celtic Tenors trace their roots back to The Three Irish Tenors, a precursor group that featured James Nelson, Niall Morris, and Paul Hennessey.[4] 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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

* President Bill Clinton at Dublin Castle.[5]
* A private performance for Kofi Annan and his wife Nane's birthday at Farmleigh in Dublin.[6]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Susan H. Motherway (2013). The Globalization of Irish Traditional Song Performance (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series). London; New York: Routledge. ISBN 9781409434238.
2. ^ "The Celtic Tenors Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio ..." AllMusic. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
3. ^ "Matthew Gilsenan - The Celtic Tenors Interview". Retrieved 16 December 2024.
4. ^ "The Celtic Tenors". Discogs. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
5. ^ "Sligo's Celtic tenor". Irish Independent. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
6. ^ Egan, Barry (16 April 2016). "The Celtic Tenors". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 December 2024.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Mark Fitzgerald, John O'Flynn (editors) (2016). Music and Identity in Ireland and Beyond. London: Routledge. ISBN 9781472409669.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF

National|

* United States

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

This article about an Irish band or other musical ensemble is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

|

* v
* t
* e

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template