Special Guests Join International Irish Group for Holiday Extravaganza
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS is an uplifting, spirited holiday celebration hosted by the international
Irish music group The Celts, along with special guests Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh from the world famous Donegal group Altan,
Riverdance/Lord of the Dance piper Ivan Goff, The Gael String Orchestra, The Nashville Irish Step Dancers and the Children’s
Celtic Choir. Filmed at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium, CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS airs Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:00 p.m.
on WTVP-HD.
Described as “modern meets ancestral,” CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS combines fiery new arrangements of
modern seasonal classics, including John Lennon’s “Happy Christmas,” with ancient carols discovered by producer/musical
director Ric Blair — some dating as far back as the 12th century and with shockingly relevant lyrics, presented on PBS
for the first time.
The show has the energy of a rock concert, combining a brilliant nine-piece band, smoking-hot fiddling and
piping from the world’s best, electrifying drums, moving and dramatic vocals, spirited Irish dancing, a rousing string
orchestra and a children’s choir.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS is the perfect holiday perennial to deliver the spirit of the season for the entire
family. is the perfect holiday perennial to deliver the spirit of the season for the entire family.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS includes the following songs:
“Farewell to Ireland”
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
“Little Drummer Boy”
“Baloo Lammy/Foxhunter’s Jig”
“Treble Reel Dance”
“The Wexford Carol”
“Palm Sunday/Atholl Highlander”
“Don Oiche Ud i mBeithil (To That Night in Bethlehem)”
“Toss the Feathers”
“The Greatest Gift”
“What Child Is This”
“O Holy Night”
“Happy Christmas”
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For further information contact Linda Miller, WTVP Vice President of
Programming,
at (309) 495-0591 or linda.miller@wtvp.org
