In the twenty years since Celtic Woman brought its harmonious cocktail of classical or contemporary covers and originals to the masses, they’ve been named Billboard’s #1 “World Music Artist Of The Year” six times and had a dozen studio albums debut at the top of those same charts.

The Grammy-nominated foursome can also boast recording sales of more than ten million, streams topping three billion and moving four million tickets, statistics that are sure to grow with the “20” album and “20th Anniversary Show” PBS television special/DVD turned tour to mark the milestone occasion.

Chicago Concert Reviews connected with Emma Warren, the latest addition to the line-up after five years as lead dancer in “Riverdance,” to find out what’s in store when the ladies land at the Rosemont Theatre on Sunday, April 7 and how they hope to bridge Irish creativity and culture.

What are you looking forward to as you make your way to the Rosemont Theatre?

Emma Warren: I’m so excited to go to Chicago and perform in the Rosemont Theatre. I’ve never performed there with Celtic Woman before, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing the audiences there and hopefully exploring Chicago a little bit too!

What do you have planned for this anniversary?
 
Warren: The “20th Anniversary Show” is such a special one. It really encapsulates the last 20 years, but also has some new, exciting elements. One of my favorite moments in the show is a new duet, written by Brian Byrne and Kasey Jones, called “Sionann.” It’s such a beautiful piece and it’s an honor to perform it for the first time on this tour. I also get to incorporate a little bit of Irish dancing into one of the numbers, which is really special. There’s something for everyone in this show, some great uptempo new numbers, and of course, the Celtic Woman favorites too!

Does the significance of this occasion bring any specific types of reflections to mind?
 
Warren: I remember watching Celtic Woman as a teenager and growing up with their music, so it’s truly a dream come true to join the group on their “20th Anniversary.” The music is just timeless and people connect to it from all over the world. It’s incredible to get to continue the legacy of Celtic Woman and celebrate it each night on this tour.

This is a chance to fully recognize what the group was starting when the “Celebration – 15 Years Of Music & Magic” Tour was interrupted by COVID. What type of perspective did you take away from that whole period?
 
Warren: I think since COVID, I have a newfound appreciation for live theatre. It’s something I will never take for granted, whether that’s on stage performing or getting to experience a show from the audience. There’s nothing quite like connecting in person through music and the escapism from the outside world the moment you walk into a theatre. Just to switch off and fully immerse yourself in a performance is such a beautiful thing. We give it our all every night and enjoy every moment. We can feel from the audiences that they appreciate it, and we feed off their energy, which has just been incredible so far!

How would you describe the direction of Celtic Woman throughout the last half-decade up through the new “20” recordings?

Warren: Celtic Woman is always evolving each time new music is released or a new production is out on the road, while of course, remaining true to the roots of the group, and the songs that the fans know and love. I think the new “20th Anniversary” album and tour is a perfect mix of both. There is something for everyone in this show, and so far, the audiences have been absolutely loving it, clapping and singing along with us each night.

What role has PBS played in your popularity and can you think of any other major ways you’ve gotten to connect with fans over the years?
 
Warren: PBS has played a major role in helping us reach audiences and fans over the years, which we are so grateful for. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of fans during our “20th Anniversary” Tour so far, and everyone has been so lovely and welcoming. I know how much people love Celtic Woman and many fans have been following them since the very beginning, so it’s an honor to now be a part of the group’s journey, which I know will continue for many more years to come.
 
What is your relationship with fellow members like both on and off the stage?
 
Warren: I have to say everyone in the company has been so incredibly welcoming and lovely. It can be quite daunting being the newest member of an already established group, but those nerves quickly disappeared once I met Tara [McNeill], Muirgen [O’Mahony] and Mairéad [Carlin]. Not only are they incredibly talented, but they were so kind and helpful in rehearsals, and really helped me feel comfortable and confident, both on and off stage. We have great craic too. Not a day goes by without a good laugh or chat over a cuppa tea.

Out of your experiences with Celtic Woman, what are the ones that have meant the most?

Warren: Having just joined the group last year, I’ve been so lucky to have some amazing experiences so far, from my first “Christmas Symphony” Tour to this year’s tour, but I have to say the PBS “20th Anniversary” special is a performance that stands out. That was my first ever performance with Celtic Woman, and to be joined on stage by the original members, Chloë [Agnew], Méav [Ní Mhaolchatha], Lisa [Kelly] and Máiréad [Nesbitt], was a moment I’ll never forget. The special took place in The Helix Theatre in Dublin, so a lot of my friends and family got to come along to watch it, which was very special too…and to have it on DVD forever is so cool!

In what ways did the group’s earlier journey help lay the foundation for today?
 
Warren: I think the earlier journey of Celtic Woman is a testament to its success now 20 years on. Their talent, passion and artistry was incredible, and they captured audiences’ attention all over the world. Celtic Woman is still touching audiences with the beauty of the music and evolving arrangements, which is something I am so thankful for as it’s given me the opportunity to continue on this journey and share the Irish culture worldwide.

Along the way, you’ve really become musical ambassadors of sorts for Ireland. What qualities and characteristics of your culture do you hope to leave with audiences as you continue to travel?
 
Warren: We are so lucky that we get to travel the world and bring a little bit of Ireland with us everywhere we go. Irish music, song and dance is such a huge part of our heritage. We hope to continue to reach as many people as possible, giving them a taste of Irish culture and even helping some people feel a little closer to their family or ancestors who may have been from Ireland. As I said before, I think Celtic Woman is timeless and I just hope the audiences continue to leave our show with a little spring in their step after feeling the joy and passion that we have for our Irish music and culture!
 

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Celtic Woman performs at the Rosemont Theatre on Sunday, April 7. For additional details, visit CelticWoman.com and Rosemont.com/Theatre.