The Celtic Tenors is an Irish trio of

tenor A tenor is a type of male singing voice whose vocal range lies between the countertenor and baritone voice types. It is the highest male chest voice type. Composers typically write music for this voice in the range from the second B below m ...

singers. The trio comprises Matthew “Gilly” Gilsenan, James Nelson, and Daryl Simpson. Known for their signature harmony-rich style, they blend opera, classical, Irish traditional, and pop influences. The group was formed in 1999 by Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson, and Niall Morris. Niall left the group in 2006 and was replaced by Daryl Simpson. Initially signed to

EMI Classics EMI Classics was a record label founded by Thorn EMI in 1990 to reduce the need to create country-specific packaging and catalogues for internationally distributed classical music releases. After Thorn EMI demerged in 1996, its recorded mus ...

in 1999, they released their debut album, ''The Celtic Tenors'', in 2000, which topped the classical music charts in the UK. Over the years, they have released three albums with EMI Classics.

Discography

The Celtic Tenors have released several successful recordings: * ''The Celtic Tenors'' (2000) – No. 1 in Ireland and No. 2 in the UK. * ''So Strong'' (2002) – Winner of the Echo Award in Germany. * ''The Irish Album'' (2003), featuring The Dubliners. * ''We Are Not Islands'' (2005). * ''Remember Me'' (2006). * ''Hard Times'' (2008). * ''Feels Like Home'' (2011). * ''Christmas'' (2013). * ''Timeless'' (2015). * ''An Irish Songbook'' (2019).

Origins and precursor group

The Celtic Tenors trace their roots back to ''The Three Irish Tenors'', a precursor group that featured James Nelson, Niall Morris, and Paul Hennessey. This earlier ensemble made its debut on

RTÉ (; ; RTÉThe É in RTÉ is pronounced as an English E () and not an Irish É ()) is an Irish public service broadcaster. It both produces and broadcasts programmes on television, radio and online. The radio service began on 1 January 1926, ...

’s ''Theatre Nights'' program in October 1995. However, The Celtic Tenors, as a reimagined trio, officially launched in 1999 and established their distinct identity.

Symbolism and harmony

Representing three of Ireland's four provinces—Matthew Gilsenan (Leinster), Daryl Simpson (Ulster), and James Nelson (Connacht)—the group emphasizes unity and harmony. Their collaboration symbolizes overcoming historical divisions in Ireland, particularly the North-South divide, with their performances often including harmony-rich a cappella arrangements.

Notable performances

The Celtic Tenors have performed for several distinguished figures, including: * President

Bill Clinton William Jefferson Clinton (né Blythe III; born August 19, 1946) is an American politician and lawyer who was the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party, ...

at Dublin Castle. * A private performance for

Kofi Annan Kofi Atta Annan (8 April 193818 August 2018) was a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh secretary-general of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006. Annan and the UN were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. He was the founder a ...

and his wife Nane's birthday at Farmleigh in Dublin.

References

External links