Born in Dublin, the ensemble blends Irish folk, classical training, and pop sheen. The A New Era banner signals a refreshed cast and newly polished arrangements after years of natural lineup shifts.
Fresh voices on familiar roots
The musical identity stays clear: soaring harmonies, a lyrical fiddle, and delicate harp under a steady acoustic pulse. Expect staples like
You Raise Me Up,
Orinoco Flow,
Mo Ghile Mear, and a closing
The Parting Glass. The crowd skews multi-generational, from choir kids and parents to long-time PBS fans, dressed smart-casual with splashes of green and tartan.
Notes from the road and studio
Their first TV special was cut at Dublin's Helix theatre, led by Riverdance alum David Downes as musical director. A quiet quirk: keys and harmonies get tweaked to suit the current cast, and the band often features uilleann pipes and bodhran for color. For transparency, song choices and staging described here are projections based on past tours, not a locked set.
Green Threads, Warm Chorus
Folk pride with concert polish
You will see emerald scarves, subtle Celtic knot jewelry, and the odd kilt or tartan tie beside smart dresses and jackets. People chat kindly before the show, then fall quiet for airs and rise fast for big finales. Handclaps pop during fast reels, and the chorus of
Mo Ghile Mear often turns into a gentle call and response.
Little rituals that bind the room
Many fans bring program books to get signed, and merch leans to CDs, tour books, and practical items like mugs and shawls. You might hear soft hums on the intro to
You Raise Me Up, then a full-room sing on the last refrain. The vibe feels communal but respectful, more like a seasonal concert than a rowdy night out. It draws families, choir members, and folk fans who enjoy tradition presented with care.
Arranged Airs, Quiet Fire
Harmony as the headline
The show centers on close-harmony vocals that pass the lead smoothly from one singer to the next. Arrangements keep the melody upfront while guitar, harp, and piano braid a soft frame that lets the fiddle sing. Drums stay restrained, building from brushes to full hits so crescendos feel earned rather than loud.
Old tunes, new bones
A neat detail for music fans: the guitarist often uses DADGAD tuning to create droning chords that feel ancient and wide. Expect a few live reshapes, like a hushed first verse of
Orinoco Flow before a quicker skip-beat kicks in. Faster pieces ride a bodhran pulse, while ballads hang on long notes that give the harmonies air. Lights favor soft washes and starfield looks that shift with the tempo, supporting the music without stealing focus.
Kindred Spirits, Shared Stages
Fans of harp and high notes, start here
Fans of
The High Kings will recognize the trad melodies and community sing-along moments, even if the delivery here leans more choral.
Loreena McKennitt appeals to listeners who like Celtic textures painted with global colors and a storyteller's pace. If you enjoy the theatrical sweep and bell-clear soprano of
Sarah Brightman, this show offers similar drama with folk roots. The rich blend and formal polish of
Il Divo map well to the crossover ballads and elegant stagecraft on display. All four acts prize melody first, favor dynamic builds over volume, and treat the crowd with courtesy. If that balance of warmth, precision, and tradition speaks to you, this night will feel natural.
