It is Deirdre's unique range of experience and style which makes her such a wonderful communicator.
"Every time I see Deirdre perform, I always get the impression that she is singing just for me".
Deirdre is one of the brightest new talents to emerge on the classical cross-over music scene. This versatile singer, classically trained in Ireland at Dublin's College of Music, embarked on a solo career after an illustrious series of achievements in critically acclaimed singing groups and shows around the world.
Deirdre's music career began in 1996 when she was welcomed into the exclusive Irish choir Anúna, where she soon became a prominent soloist in concerts all over Europe. She featured on their album Behind the Closed Eye with The Ulster Orchestra.
In 1997, she was chosen by Michael Flatley to be the soloist in his smash hit sensation Lord of the Dance. Cast in the role of Erin the Goddess she performed extensively in the U.S.A., Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico to name but a few, to great critical acclaim. She often returns to sing in the show.
Early in 2002, she featured as the soloist with respected Irish/American pianist Eily O'Grady on her sell-out US tour, paying tribute to Eily's late husband, Frank Paterson. On her return from America Deirdre joined forces with the legendary Dionne Warwick and completed a sweeping tour of the UK.
Her performances have placed her on some of the world's most prestigious stages such as The Royal Albert Hall (London), The Royal Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), The Point Depot (Dublin), Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall (New York).
For Deirdre, television recordings have been many, most notably The Celtic Tenors Special filmed for PBS TV that aired in America coast to coast and on prime-time German and Irish television. In 2003 Deirdre recorded the vocal soundtrack for a historical documentary series called The Island, commissioned by Ireland's national TV channel, RTE. This soundtrack was subsequently released as an album, also called The Island.
Live TV appearances include Britain's major annual event, Music Live, commissioned and aired by the BBC, performing alongside Jamie Cullem, Bob Geldof, Brian Kennedy and Moya Brennan. Other appearances being on CBS Morning News and Fox Morning TV (USA), The Jules Holland Show (UK), The Late Late Show, Kelly Live and Open House on Irish television.
Her ability to 'cross-over' diverse singing styles has made her equally comfortable performing and recording with a wide range of artists such as The Chieftains, Michael Crawford, Elvis Costello and Air Supply on their new recording of I'm All Out of Love. Deirdre has featured as guest soloist with the Celtic Tenors for the last number of years and has toured with them in virtually every continent. She features extensively on their latest album We Are Not Islands (Ireland)/ Remember Me (Worldwide).
Deirdre toured the USA as a soloist in the hit show Celtic Woman, their album of which remained at the top of the World Music Charts for over 45 weeks, earning Deirdre a gold and platinum disc from EMI Manhatten in the process. She left the show to begin work on her self titled album Deirdre Shannon and to pursue her solo career. Her highly acclaimed song 'The Prayer' won her two awards for Track of the Year and Album of the Year.
Deirdre joined Debra Stuart (Scottish Mezzo Soprano) and Gina Hanley (Irish Soprano) to form the Celtic Divas, where they released a new album One More Day with The Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the musical direction of David Munro. The Celtic Divas successfully toured with the Canadian Tenors this past year and more recently, Deirdre combined her talents with Derek Moloney & Cora Smyth in Frank McNamara's show If You're Irish.
Currently, Deirdre has returned to the stage portraying Erin the Goddess in Lord of the Dance.
Check out her official site at http://www.deirdreshannon.com/ to learn more or to purchase this wonderful album!
