Before starting the next song Chloë said that since these were all Christmas and holiday favorites, we should know them so there was no excuse for us not to sing along. The next song was “White Christmas” performed by the three vocalists. Chloë sang the first part, then Lisa Kelly, then Lisa Lambe. I have never heard a more beautiful version of that song and I loved it. It was Lisa L’s first solo next, and it was “Away in a Manger.” Lisa performed it beautifully, but I think I still prefer Órla’s version of the song. Maybe I’m just used to Órla’s lower vocal range. Even though it wasn’t Lisa’s shining solo for me, her moment was yet to come. The other three soloists returned to the stage and they all sang “Ding Dong Merrily on High.” I liked the harmony part they added during the “Gloria” where they all started it on a high note, then the Lisa’s started again on a lower note, and Lisa K finished off the third part on an even lower note. A nice change they added in and it was beautiful.
It was then time for Lisa Kelly’s first solo. She began by speaking to us, saying that when she thinks of Christmas she thinks of Christmas Eve, about the excitement and anticipation of what’s to come in the morning and therefore not being able to sleep. And then she started her song, “The Christmas Song.” I don’t remember if the orchestra was in it or not, but it might have been the “Lisa and David” number of the night. Of all the solos in the show, this one was my favorite one, I absolutely loved it. Lisa was really amazing in it and really gave it her all, and she performed it beautifully. This was a fantastic final tour for her before she goes on her break.
It was Máiréad’s turn for a solo and she started with “Shenandoah.” I hadn’t heard this one since Long Beach in November of 2009, but it was as beautiful as I remembered. I’m glad I was able to hear it again. The second part of her solo was one I heard before but couldn’t recognize. Rachel and I both thought it was “The Contradiction” though it didn’t quite sound like it. After the show, Scott said it was “The Butterfly.” The second night, I found out he was right, it just didn’t have the slower introduction. It skipped right into the fast part, the part in the four count. I had never seen this one live and seeing half of it live was awesome. I would still love to hear the whole thing, though, but Máiréad was still amazing with just half the song.
Chloë and Lisa K were on stage and the most amazing thing happened on the second night. Chloë knew one of her biggest Chloëvers was in the audience, and called him out by name! And even called him, her, “little drummer boy, Jeremy!” We were all happy for Jeremy on that one! The other two nights the little drummer boy was Andy, and Chloë and Lisa even made a note that he was the little drummer boy, as they waited for him to put on his drum. For the third show, Chloë and Lisa came out and Chloë introduced the next song as being written by an American, Katherine Kennicott Davis. She turned to Lisa and asked, “are you impressed?” and Lisa replied, “I am” and then Chloë revealed, “I Googled it this morning.”
(I love that Chloë!
) Then “The Little Drummer Boy” began. Lisa did the first part and Chloë did the second. Unfortunately there was no choir for them to hide behind,
but it was still wonderfully done and very beautiful. For the ending, Andy finished his drum beat from center stage.
Lisa L and Máiréad returned to the stage and the four of them performed “Christmas Pipes.” I noticed it sounded more acoustic without the choir. It was beautiful and I enjoyed it, but for me it didn’t quite have the power as the DVD version. So for me, score one for the DVD. For the next one, stools were brought out for the girls to sit on. Lisa L spoke and said, “I don’t know if you noticed but the Irish love to sing!” She introduced the next one as being an anthem for the Irish, being beautiful and sublime, but with a Christmas twist, and it turned out to be “Danny Boy.” Different from the “Songs from the Heart” tour was this time it was sans Máiréad, and they added the piano and orchestra. Beautifully done by the vocalists, but my favorite version is still Méav’s version. Máiréad returned to the stage, and then Chloë started “O Holy Night.” This was one song I was looking forward to, and I was really blown away by it. I know I’ve said this about all the songs so far, but this one was really beautiful. It was the perfect song to end the perfect first half.
After a fifteen minute intermission John returned to the stage and the orchestra performed a wonderful version of “Sleigh Ride.” (Many of us agreed that we’re hoping the girls will perform it in a future symphony show). Then Máiréad appeared and she performed “In the Bleak Midwinter” beautifully. She finished playing but the orchestra kept going, and it transitioned to “The First Noël,” just like on the DVD. This one was another highlight for me. I loved it on the DVD and it was even more beautiful here.
Stools were once again brought out for this one, and while introducing it, the girls were very outgoing and talkative. I’ve never seen them like this on stage, chatting and giggling with each other, it made for a very intimate and special introduction. It felt almost as if it was a gathering of close friends. I loved it. They spoke of some of their favorite things to do around the holidays. Some things mentioned were listening to songs by a fire, or while sitting in a big, comfy chair. Chloë asked Tommy, and he said eating lots of food.
They also spoke about things they would have around house during the holidays, and David chimed in that he would have a grand piano at his place. Chloë replied, “that must be a classy party. If we came dressed like this can we go to your house?” Everybody laughed.
On the third night, Chloë asked Rachel, “what would you like to do for the holidays” and Rachel replied, “to spend it with you!” and Chloë joked, “thank you for that! Your check is in the post!”
Lisa K finished off by saying she hoped we felt as if we were listening while sitting by a fire, in a big comfy chair, and then they began “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Different from the DVD, this one had David on the piano for accompaniment, but no orchestra. It was beautiful, as I expected, and I loved it.
A Lisa K solo was next. She started by teaching us the chorus to “Green the Whole Year Round” and wanted us to sing along when the time came. A light bulb went off in one of us after the first night, and someone got the idea to sing to Lisa the chorus to “Green Grow the Rushes” during her introduction. We had trouble getting it going on our first try, but Lisa did stumble on her words when she tried to tell us the words. On our second attempt, Lisa knew what we were up to, and when Scott tried to get it going from front row center, Lisa hushed him by pointing at him. I think we gave her a hearty farewell from her last performance in California. Hehe She then sang “Green the Whole Year Round” beautifully, and everyone would be glad to know that we did not cause her to mess up once during the song.
Next Máiréad performed her holiday version of “Granuaile’s Dance.” With no band behind her I could hear the piano more, and it did sound a bit jazzier, to me. It was an interesting version, and very beautifully done. We were given only a sample of Máiréad’s Pixie-like dancing, as she toned down her movements, but it did fit in very well with the mood of the show, and I would say we were given the best of both worlds, as she still had the audience clapping along all three nights. It was then Lisa Lambe’s turn to speak, and went on by saying the next song started as a poem by Robert Burns, or “Robbie Burns” (said in a, I think it was, thick Scottish accent) as how it is spoken where she’s from. And in Celtic countries, this song means freedom, hope, friendship, and fellowship, and about remembering the past and looking forward to the future. She asked us to cross our arms and hold hands with our neighbors towards the end of the song, and sway back and forth. And then she went on so to sing “Auld Lang Syne.” This was her star song of the night for me, and it was one the best versions of the song I’ve ever heard. It was very beautiful. Add this to the list of songs that must be put on CD. Lisa remained on stage and Chloë and Máiréad joined her and the three of them performed “Don Oíche Úd I mBeithil.” The harmonies were beautiful between Chloë and Lisa, and Máiréad’s violin was heart-warming. I enjoyed it.
Lisa and Máiréad then left Chloë alone on stage. She mounted the mic on its stand and began the Schubert version of “Ave Maria.” This one was one of the most beautiful numbers in the show, Chloë was amazing. She sang it with such power and emotion, and showed much precision and restraint, even though it was obviously a very difficult song. When it was over, she let out a “whew” and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Well done, Chloë! She received a standing ovation all three shows, and even during the second show, the girls were ready to start the next song, but couldn’t because we were still applauding that marvelous performance. Another well done to the audience, THAT is how you applaud a Celtic Woman song.
It was all four soloists once again on stage, and Máiréad’s time with a mic. She said the next song is an old favorite that we all should know, so she wouldn’t have to teach it so us. On the second and third nights, someone asked, “is it Jingle Bells?” and Máiréad answered laughing, “no, it isn’t Jingle Bells!”
But it did turn out to be “You Raise Me Up,” a beautiful song to end a beautiful concert. Lisa K even included her, “thank you all so much, you’ve been a wonderful audience.” The finale ended up being “O Come, All Ye Faithful” another highlight for me, as it was the first song we all heard Lisa L sing with the group, so to end the show with it just felt special, and they performed it beautifully. The girls left the stage and came back out for an encore, “Let it Snow.” This was the most fun I’ve ever seen them on stage, and they were having an absolute blast. Not much choreography of any kind, but they did move and prance about the stage with the carefree mood of the music. Chloë even included her “you tell ‘em, Lise” on the second and third nights, and on all three nights they whispered in the mic, “let it snow,” even Máiréad. On the first night we were treated to a second encore, “Spanish Lady,” the perfect song to have us hopping out of the theater, but unfortunately they decided not to include it in the second and third shows.
ConclusionWhen I saw Believe in Atlanta I thought that was the group’s most intimate and personal show, but Symphony topped Believe in that category. I really did feel like I was sitting by a fire in a big comfy chair, watching old friends perform, throughout the show. Just something about it, made it feel warm and comforting. Maybe it was the songs, or the extended chatter, or the fact that they used the hand-held mics the entire show, or maybe it’s a combination of everything. But whatever the reason, Symphony is a winner. It’s a very magical show, and a very special show, and I hope this turns to be a yearly tradition, in one form or another. Have I mentioned enough just how beautiful this show was and how each song was breathtakingly beautiful?
Plus it was a little bit extra special for me, because Symphony show #1 was my 10th Celtic Woman show. I am now in double digits! Yay!
EDIT: Forgot to include merchandise section, as well as the photo of us in front of the theater.
MerchandiseThey had four things for sale, the Christmas CD and DVD, an ornament, and a program.
