Concert Review: Celtic Woman “Isle of Hope Tour” Philadelphia, PA

I went to see Celtic Woman’s new “Isle of Hope” concert at the Mann in Philadelphia with my girlfriend over the weekend. The concert was spectacular, but if you’ve seen them perform on PBS or bought any of their CDs or DVDs, you already know that. Seeing them live was very cool and having such great seats helped a lot. The Mann is outdoors (covered) so having nice weather is an important factor. Luckily, the weather was excellent. Celtic Woman are 5 women who do a mix of traditional Irish songs, new-age style music, pop covers, and instrumental songs with their violinist Mariead.

The songs were terrific as was the energy of the entire show. The lighting and costumes were cool too. I especially liked the drum sets/procession and the guys were working their butts off to keep up with all songs. Their version of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” was especially powerful live, as were the new songs “Isle of Hope” (a touching tale about a youngster immigrating to the US from Ireland) and “Oh, America”, which got a standing ovation from the Philadelphia audience. I also enjoyed the first song called “The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun” and their cover of Enya’s new-age classic “Orinco Flow” (Sail Away). A wonderful, no-frills version of “Danny Boy” really highlighted the ladies strong vocal talent.

Celtic Woman are well-worth checking out live. If you can’t see them live, they are filming their concert for PBS/DVD at the end of July over in Ireland, and I’m sure it will look and sound amazing. There’s something for everyone at their concert and the show was a joyous two hours that I won’t soon forget.

Grade: A-

Celtic Woman performing their new single, O America:



8 Responses to “Concert Review: Celtic Woman “Isle of Hope Tour” Philadelphia, PA”

1. That Guy says:

   June 22, 2009 at 1:54 pm

   Sounds hot. I love me some Celtic ladies – RAWR!
2. Mike says:

   June 22, 2009 at 6:37 pm

   ….?
3. Paladin says:

   June 23, 2009 at 9:28 pm

   Sounds great! The violins make them come off as being like “Bond” which is pretty cool.

   Nothing beats pretty girl’s with loads of instrumental talent and songs that you can personally enjoy.
4. Julie says:

   July 4, 2009 at 3:19 pm

   Does anyone know if the sheet music for O America has been published yet? I desperately want it!
5. Ccfmds says:

   July 4, 2009 at 6:24 pm

   I do not know Julie. You could try celticwoman.com, that is their official site. Register and check out their forums. I’m sure someone on there will let you know if it has been published or not.
6. Edsol Crowder says:

   July 21, 2009 at 11:16 am

   I was astounded to see and hear this song in the internet. I heard it in person in Pensacola Florida and have been waiting anxiously for the DVD to come out. Celtic Woman is a masterful group, and I have fallen in love with each and every one. May they live long and prosper.
7. phvolt220 says:

   August 30, 2009 at 12:24 pm

   “O, America” was originally a instrumental piece written by William Joseph called “Sweet Remembrance of You.” You can just look it up at any online store that sells sheet music such as Musicnotes.

   http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=mn0068931
8. francis says:

   October 5, 2009 at 3:05 pm

   i love you LISA,thank’s for the e-mail.kiss