Recently voted Billboard Magazine’s Artist of the Year for the 5th time, the group CELTIC WOMAN,  currently comprising Mairead Carlin, Lisa Lambe, Mairead Nesbitt and Susan McFadden,  put on a great show for Sydneysiders last Friday night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

The heart of their show was their wonderful, rousing, lilting renditions of Irish music.

Mairead Nesbitt proved herself to be the absolute show-woman as she raced back and forth across the stage, playing the violin with breathtaking speed and a lovely soulfulness.

The ladies were supported by a great band- bass guitarist Eoghan O’Neil, drums Ray Fean and Brian McGrane, electric guitar Ewan Cowley, piano and keyboards David Downes- also the concert’s composer and musical arranger, Tommy Martin on Bagpipes, Uilleann Pipes and Whistles, with support by Anthony Byrne also on bagpipes.

The audience spent much of the concert clapping their hands and tapping their feet to the passionate Celtic tunes.

As a bonus, the show also featured some lovely renditions of classic songs including ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and ‘Danny Boy’, as well as a medley of favourite Broadway tunes.

With their charm, their elegance and an abundance of musical talent, this highly successful group is well placed to stay  in the spotlight for many years to come.