The Club in Mina Zayed is opening its doors for an evening with the Irish trio The Celtic Tenors.
Musicians Daryl Simpson, Matthew Gilsenan and James Nelson have scored three platinum albums, as well as number ones in Ireland and Germany, two in the UK and top ten in the US and Canada. They have performed for the likes of former US President Bill Clinton and former secretary-general of the United Nations Kofi Annan, and on 16th January the band will be in the UAE capital.
We caught up with Daryl Simpson (left in photo) to find out more.
How did The Celtic Tenors start?
We met on the operatic stage. Inspired by the three tenors – Spanish singers Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and the Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti – we created our own version, with a focus on Celtic music. Fifteen years later we are still going strong. Last month we did 23 concerts in four countries in 28 days. We are like brothers; we share good times and hard times and have great respect for each other.
What kind of music do you listen to in your free time?
Recently we were driving through Minneapolis, Minnesota in the US listening to American country artists Willie Nelson, Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood and we all enjoyed it.
What will you sing in Abu Dhabi?
It will be a mix of Celtic and Irish songs, classical, pop and folk music, such as Randy Newman’s ‘Feels Like Home’, Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘La Donna è Mobile’, or the Irish folk song ‘Danny Boy’. Our set moves quickly through years and genres.
What is your most memorable moment on stage?
Once, during a dramatic pause at a serious concert with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, a lady in the audience shouted, ‘You can put your shoes under my bed any time!’ which left everybody in stitches.
Any secrets you’d like to share?
Matthew used to be an engineer. Whenever he sees large machinery he stops and looks at it in awe – especially in Abu Dhabi where there is so much construction going on.
The Celtic Tenors will perform on 16th January at 8pm at The Club’s main beach. Members AED 125; non members AED 150; special offer: buy nine tickets, get one free. Tickets are available at The Club’s gatehouse and reception.
For more information contact: 02 673 1111 [email protected]
www.the-club.com www.facebook.com/theclubabudhabi
