Mairéad Carlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mairéad Carlin
|
|
|---|---|
Mairéad Carlin at a Brisbane Concert in January 2014
|
|
| Background information | |
| Native name |
Mairéad Ní Cearbhalláin
|
| Also known as | Jennifer |
| Born | Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels |
|
| Associated acts |
|
Mairéad Carlin is a talented singer from Ireland. She is known for being a member of the famous music group Celtic Woman. Mairéad was the first person in the group to be born in Northern Ireland.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Roots
Mairéad Carlin was born in Derry, a city in Northern Ireland. She grew up in a very musical family. Mairéad once said that Derry is a place full of music and culture. In her family, they would often sing together around the fire while drinking tea. This early start helped her love for music grow.
Starting Her Singing Career
Mairéad began her singing journey when she was just 15 years old. She won a competition called 'Young Singers' by BBC Talents. This led her to play the main role of 'The Rose' in an opera called The Little Prince. This opera was shown on TV channels like BBC Two and PBS in America.
Mairéad later studied singing at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. After she finished her studies, she was offered a special scholarship for musical theatre. However, she decided to sign a music deal with Decca Records instead. She continued to train her voice with famous teachers like Mary Hammond and Simon Lee.
Special Performances and Collaborations
Mairéad has performed for many important people and at big events. She sang for the President of Ireland. She also sang the Irish Anthem for a rugby match between England and Ireland, which millions of people watched on TV.
In 2013, Mairéad performed with popular bands like Snow Patrol and The Priests. This was at a concert called ‘Sons and Daughters’ to celebrate Derry being the City of Culture. She also recorded a song for the City of Culture called ‘Let The River Run’. She sang this song with Damian McGinty, who was a star from the TV show Glee.
The famous singer Carly Simon was very impressed by Mairéad's singing. Carly Simon later invited Mairéad and Damian McGinty to sing with her in Los Angeles. This was at a special concert for Oceana, an ocean protection group. Important people like Hillary Clinton were also there. Carly Simon then released the song on her own music label.
Mairéad also toured the UK and Ireland with American singer-songwriter Don McLean. She performed in many sold-out concerts, including one at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2013, she sang with the National Symphony Orchestra for RTÉ TV. She was also the main soprano singer on a song called 'White Light' in the movie Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa.
Mairéad often uses a quote from a famous poet, Seamus Heaney, as her motto: ‘Sing yourself to where the singing comes from.’ She believes this means finding your true voice and passion in music.
After finishing her degree, Mairéad signed with Decca Records. She recorded her first album, Songbook, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. She described this album as showing a more sensitive side of her voice. She felt like she was growing up through the music on this album.
Joining Celtic Woman
On August 5, 2013, the group Celtic Woman announced that one of their members, Chloë Agnew, would be taking a break. On August 23, 2013, it was announced that Mairéad Carlin would be joining Celtic Woman to take Chloë's place.
Mairéad was a member of Celtic Woman for many years. On January 13, 2021, she announced she was taking a break to work on other projects. However, in 2023, she shared exciting news. Mairéad announced her return to Celtic Woman for their Christmas 2023 tour. She also joined them for their special 20th-anniversary celebration.
Personal Life
In September 2016, Mairéad Carlin married Ronan Scolard, who is also a singer and dancer.
Music Albums
Here are some of the albums Mairéad Carlin has released:
- Solo Albums
- Songbook (2013)
- With Celtic Woman
- Celtic Woman: Destiny (2015)
- Celtic Woman: Voices of Angels (2016)
- Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas (2017)
- Celtic Woman: Homecoming Live from Ireland (2018)
- Celtic Woman: Ancient Land (2018)
- Celtic Woman: The Magic of Christmas (2019)
- Celtic Woman: Celebration 15 years of Music and Magic (2020)
See also
In Spanish: Máiréad Carlin para niños
