THEATRE

Celebrating its 10th anniversary of sold-out concerts around New England, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn is again returning to Boston, Worcester, Providence, RI while returning for the second year to the stunning setting of the Shalin Liu Centre in Rockport. National broadcasts of the Christmas edition of O’Donovan’s radio program, A Celtic Sojourn over the past 28 years have proven extraordinarily popular. Celtic Pagan and Christian traditions have a very strong link to the music of this season. The live version of the program, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn was first launched in 2003 and reflected the easy, relaxed and diverse offerings of the yearly national radio program. With music director Seamus Egan returning, his ground breaking group Solas will be back on stage as well. In 2010, harpist Catriona McKay and fiddler Chris Stout created quite a stir on stage during these shows. They have agreed to return for this anniversary edition. The virtuosity of Winifred Horan on fiddle and Natalie Haas on cello has for two editions of the show in the past, created a lush string sound. Add in the the bass of long time participant Chico Huff with percussionist Ben Wittman rounding off the band, some spectacular instrumentals and song arrangements are expected. When the Chieftains visited WGBH in March of this year, the singing of Alyth McCormack from Scotland created quite a stir and she has agreed to join the cast of A Christmas Celtic Sojourn in December! We are so excited. Navan, one of the very first groups to perform in the show back in 2003 will return with their unique four part harmonies. With Lindsay O’Donovan again returning (10th year) and the great vocals of Mick McAuley and Eamonn McElholm and, of course, host Brian O’Donovan who has been known to join in now and again, the songs will be just terrific. Also from the regular touring line-up of the Chieftains, brothers Jon and Nathan Pilatske, and Cara Butler will bring their unique approach to Irish dance, blending in much of the drama of the Ottawa Valley in Canada where the boys were raised. And what would A Christmas Celtic Sojourn be without the young dancers from the Harney Academy of Irish Dance in Walpole. They have truly become part of the tradition. Artistically directed again by Paula Plum for the 10th straight year, this promises to be one of the most exciting Christmas Celtic Sojourns concerts yet.