David Downes (Irish composer) facts for kids

David Downes is a talented composer, pianist, and music director from Ireland. He is famous for his work with the popular shows Riverdance and for creating the music group Celtic Woman.

David Downes' Musical Journey

David Downes was born in Dublin, Ireland. He studied Music and Composition at Trinity College, Dublin. He has performed his music in many famous places around the world. These include Boston Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall. He has also played with well-known artists like James Galway and the group Boyzone.

He has recorded music with artists such as Moya Brennan and Clannad. David also helped create the music for Riverdance on Broadway.

Creating Riverdance and Celtic Woman

David Downes became the Music Director for Riverdance. He worked on the Broadway show and its tours in America and Europe. Later, he and Sharon Browne started the music group 'Celtic Woman'. This group has toured all over the world. Their albums have sold millions of copies in places like the US, Australia, and Japan.

Performing for Leaders

David has also directed music for important events. He was the musical director for Irish President Mary McAleese's inauguration in 2004. He has even performed for U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

New Musical Creations

Recently, David composed a new piece called there will be no silence. This work combines piano, cello, and spoken words. He created it with the poet Adam Wyeth.

Songs and Shows by David Downes

David Downes has written many original songs. He created most of these for Celtic Woman.

Original Songs for Celtic Woman

Some of his popular songs for Celtic Woman include:

• The Soft Goodbye
• Send Me a Song
• One World
• The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun
• At the Céili
• Sing Out!
• Granuaile's Dance
• The Lost Rose Fantasia
• The Blessing
• The Call
• Green the Whole Year Round
• Walking The Night
• Tabhair Dom Do Lamh

He often worked with lyricists like Caitríona Ní Dhúill and Brendan Graham.

Music for TV, Film, and Theatre

David has also composed music for various TV shows and plays. His work includes music for Thou Shalt Not Kill and The Enemy Within. He also worked on plays at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.

He produced songs for the Disney movie Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure. He also arranged the choir music for it. More recently, he composed music for a play called The Cordelia Dream. He also worked on the movie Riverdance: An Animated Adventure.

Collaborations with Other Artists

In 2007, David helped Hayley Westenra, a former Celtic Woman member. They recorded The Last Rose of Summer for her album Treasure. David led the orchestra for this song. He has also worked with singer Bryan Adams through his foundation.

Awards and Recognition

David Downes' work with Celtic Woman has earned many awards. Their albums have sold incredibly well, reaching "platinum" status in many countries. Their concert DVDs have also sold millions of copies. They are very popular in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

In 2010, David Downes was nominated for an Emmy Award. This award was for Outstanding Musical Direction for a televised event. Other nominees that year included the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games.