Sharon Browne and Phil Coulter joined forces to create Celtic Thunder, a male counterpart to the highly successful Celtic Woman project, with which Browne had previously been involved. Celtic Thunder made their debut performance at The Helix in Dublin in August 2007, following the blueprint of Celtic Woman. A CD and DVD capturing the magic of their Dublin concert were released in March 2008, garnering widespread popularity.
The group quickly embarked on tours across North America, consistently releasing new material along the way. Their talent and appeal earned them the title of Top World Album Artist by Billboard in 2008, 2009, and 2011, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the world of music. Their immense popularity even led them to open the 2009 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC, showcasing their ability to captivate audiences on a grand scale.
Celtic Thunder’s live performances are a testament to their versatility, featuring solo acts, group performances, and captivating duets like the one showcased in the video of “The Sound of Silence” by Colm Keegan and Keith Harkin. The seamless harmony between their voices, coupled with the orchestral accompaniment, creates a truly mesmerizing experience for the audience. This performance, recorded for their 9th TV special and released on the Mythology album in 2013, harks back to the group’s beginnings at The Helix Theater in Dublin.
Transitioning to a more stripped-down yet equally powerful rendition, the group’s acapella rendition of the 18th-century hymn “Amazing Grace,” recorded for the Celtic Thunder Christmas DVD in 2015, showcases their ability to deliver emotional depth and resonance without the aid of instrumentation. This poignant performance, featuring the late George Donaldson in his final solo, pays tribute to his memory and serves as a poignant reminder of his contribution to the group.
Throughout their journey, Celtic Thunder has experienced changes in leadership, notably with Phil Coulter’s departure as music director in 2011 and the subsequent tenure of David Munro. Munro’s arrival brought a fresh perspective, as evidenced by the evolution of the group’s sound and style. While some fans may have divided opinions on the different eras of Celtic Thunder, Munro’s talent as an arranger and director is undeniable, with six of his albums reaching number one on the World Music Album charts of Billboard, iTunes, and Amazon.
Whether one prefers the magic of Coulter’s era or the innovation of Munro’s tenure, there’s no denying the enduring impact and musical prowess of Celtic Thunder, whose captivating performances continue to enchant audiences worldwide.