Biography
Renowned vocalist Deirdre Shannon has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, including The Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, Grand Ole Opry and Radio City Music Hall.
Deirdre has one of the purest voices around which is evident whether she is singing a traditional Irish song or something classical. As a result, her appeal crosses all musical boundaries.
On Tour
In 1996, Deirdre’s touring career was kick-started when she joined Anúna Ireland’s National Choir where she soon became a prominent soloist in their European concerts. In 1997 Michael Flatley invited Deirdre to be the vocal soloist in his world-renowned smash hit sensation Lord of the Dance. In the role of Erin the Goddess Deirdre performed extensively in the USA, Canada, South America, Africa and Europe, receiving enormous critical acclaim along the way.
In 2006, Deirdre was invited to join the big box office hit Celtic Woman. Deirdre toured the USA as soloist in the successful show and it was here Deirdre earned both a gold and platinum disc from EMI Manhattan. Celtic Woman, the album, maintained its position at the top of the World Music Charts for over 68 weeks.
Albums
Deirdre has released two solo albums. Deirdre’s debut album, released in 2006, received the prestigious ‘No Celtic Boundaries’ Album of the Year award. In the same year her track ‘The Prayer’ won the 2006 Celtic Radio Music Award in the “Roots Traditional” category. Her second album, released in 2011 is called Anamcéol. The English translation of this Gaelic word, ‘Music for the soul’ is the perfect description for Deirdre’s exquisite vocal compositions.
Deirdre has participated in many television recordings and filmed performances which include The Jools Holland Show, The Celtic Tenors’ PBS Special and the 3-D movie Lord of the Dance by Michael Flatley.
Deirdre was born on the 19 of July 1974 in County Meath and is sister to Celtic Tenors singer Matthew Gilsenan.