The name Emmett apart from it’s famous historical associations means ‘all containing, universal and strength’, and that name is appropriate for Emmett Cahill who is one part of the internationally successful and universally appealing Irish band Celtic Thunder, that, true to its name, has been growing in thunderous thor like strength and is all containing in the breadth of diversity of musical styles it provides.
Emmett hails from county Westmeath, located in the almost middle or heart of Ireland. This fact is very symbolic for a young man, one of quintet who are capturing hearts world-wide.
The gentleman of Celtic Thunder will be returning to Australia next January after a successful Australian tour earlier this year. It seems the world cannot get enough of Celtic Thunder as they travel from continent to continent with their spectacular high energy show.
The show was cleverly conceived by their manager Sharon Browne who wanted an act featuring five male soloists of different ages and styles that would have universal appeal, the ages of the group range from teen to forties and they sing the whole gamut of genres from classical, musical theatre, folk to rock and pop, to Irish traditional and as Emmett says ‘they cover all the bases’. Each member has their own distinct ‘character’ to play and as well as singing as part of the group takes part in solo performances showcasing their individual talents. For Emmett musical theatre is his forte and he mentions to me that he admires Australian opera and musical theatre singer Anthony Warlow, especially his rendition of ‘This is the moment’ a song which is one of Emmett’s set pieces. So if Mr Warhol stumbles on the fact of Emmett’s admiration for him maybe there might be a possible duet in the future?
As Emmett says there is something for everyone in the show and refreshingly anyone from young children to grandparents can be comfortable attending a show. Perhaps the word which most comes to mind is entertainment without a ‘taint’ of anything offensive.
Emmett comes from a musical family, his dad is a piano player and his older sister and younger brother are also musical with voice and flute. Emmett himself plays piano and violin and utilises the former in his work with Celtic thunder. When Emmett is not on his job travelling the world with the ‘Thunder’ he is part of the family quartet regularly performing at weddings and church.
Presently in North America for 7 more concerts. I speak to Emmett from Canada where a rare day off before performing a number of concerts in a row.
Emmett says although the show looks high energy and gruelling at times, the group are buoyed on by the enthusiastic audience.
Emmett is no stranger to high energy activity being a sport mad fan who may have opted for the Irish GA if he hadn’t found a perfect outlet for his talent with Celtic thunder. He is a little sad that the tour will not coincide with AFL pre-season but maybe next time!
Emmett tells me that the boys are eager to get back to Australia and he promises fans a bigger and better show than last time. With the performances continually evolving there is much to look forward to with this eclectic and accessible band of musicians.
For further information and tour dates go to www.celticthunder.ie
Paula Xiberras
