Celtic Woman

Celtic Woman Set to Dazzle the Frank Erwin Center

Celtic Woman has swept the nation and the world with dazzling performances since being introduced in 2004. Find out from Lynn Hilary, one of the vocalists for Celtic Woman, what it is like touring and performing with this critically acclaimed group. This question and answer session was taken from the Celtic Woman official website at www.celticwoman.com.

How was your first performance? Did you have some butterflies in the stomach?
The first performance was a bit nerve-wracking, but I’d plenty of rehearsals and the girls were really supportive, and relaxed and that was the main thing, and everyone around me was relaxed and telling me not to be too nervous about it. They said to relax and enjoy it. So I was nervous, but that really helped.

How do you feel your subsequent performances have strengthened?
Actually I found that for the next few shows, I got a bit more nervous, as the magnitude of the whole thing dawned on me and I realized what a big amazing show I was stepping into. So, for a couple of days after, I felt a bit overwhelmed, but that now has passed and I really enjoy it now.

What is your favorite part of getting ready for a Celtic Woman performance?
I love hair and Make-up. It’s great to have someone else do your hair and make up for you, it makes me feel really spoiled, but I like it. Plus, we have so much fun when we do it, as we’re always laughing and joking, so it’s a good time.

Do you have any rituals before you go on stage?
Well, I have to do my own private warm-up. It’s a little strange, I have to make very high-pitched noises, almost like animal noises, but they are to warm up the top part of my voice and to clear my throat. I have to do that right before I go on. That’s probably my ritual.

What reaction have you received from Celtic Woman fans?
The fans have been unbelievably supportive to me. They’ve been really understanding about me adjusting to the role and they have given me space and time to get used to the show. Overall they have been very friendly, very enthusiastic and respectful.

Have you gotten used to living out of a suitcase?
Not quite. I’m still getting used to that. The reason is, I like to shop and buy new things, but it’s really hard to remember that I can’t go home and put them in my drawer. I have to always think about what I can fit in my suitcase and what I can buy when I go shopping. My suitcase is very heavy and it’s hard to lug around everywhere. That’s the most difficult thing about being on tour for me, that I’m not allowed shop too much, but I’m getting used to it.

How have the other girls treated you since you arrived?
They have been really supportive, really laid back, which has been so important to me because any nerves I might have had have been put to rest. They have been so easy going, and everyone else has been too. No one has been really panicky and there is absolutely no Diva behavior. With these girls, what you see is what you get, and that has made it really easy for me, as a newcomer, to walk into this show.

Be sure to catch Lynn and the other vocalists of Celtic Woman on February 19 in The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center.