Emmet Cahill, principal vocalist of Celtic Thunder and an accomplished solo artist, is returning to Phoenix as part of his North American tour supporting his album Blessing of Music.
The Irish tenor is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. on February 19 at St. Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix, with the concert benefiting the basilica’s building restoration fund. Tickets are priced at $30 to $45 and are available online or at the door.
For Cahill, the new album is deeply connected to the concert experience. Blessing of Music brings together Irish and liturgical songs that hold personal meaning for the singer while also reflecting the music audiences have come to love.
“For Blessing of Music, I chose Irish and liturgical songs that meant a lot; not only to me, but to the audiences as well,” Cahill said. “This album was recorded very much with the new show in mind, and I can’t wait to see what the folks think.”
A Musical Journey That Began In Childhood
Cahill’s connection to music began when he was a child. Growing up in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland, he developed his skills through formal training and music scholarships, studying instruments including piano, organ and violin before continuing his education at the prestigious Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. He ultimately earned a degree in Music Performance.
His classical training and competition successes helped establish him as a young tenor to watch. Among his honors were the John McCormack Bursary for the Most Promising Young Tenor, recognition as the most promising young singer at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and multiple prizes at Ireland’s National Feis Ceoil singing competition. He was also named Tenor of the Year by the Irish Music Association.
That background eventually led Cahill to Celtic Thunder. He became part of the internationally known Irish music group in 2011, beginning a long association with the ensemble and its audiences around the world.
From Celtic Thunder To A Solo Career
Cahill expanded his career beyond the group in 2015, adding solo artist to his accomplishments.
Two years later, he released Emmet Cahill’s Ireland, a collection built around traditional Irish repertoire and recorded with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. Released through Sony Music USA, the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard World Music chart.
The album reflects the traditional Irish repertoire that has remained central to Cahill’s musical identity. Celtic Thunder’s own description of the project highlights songs including “I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen,” “An Irish Lullaby,” “Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and “The Parting Glass.”
His solo career has also taken him to some of the most prestigious venues in the United States. Cahill performed to a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall in 2018, while also appearing as a guest artist with symphonies in Tennessee, Florida and New York City. He later joined Celtic Thunder’s 75-city tour celebrating the group’s 10th anniversary with Celtic Thunder X.
His solo performances have since included concerts across more than 80 cities in the United States and Canada, as well as appearances with symphony orchestras.
More Than An Irish Music Concert
While Blessing of Music will provide part of the evening’s repertoire, the Phoenix performance is expected to move well beyond traditional Irish songs.
Cahill’s set will include Broadway standards, nostalgic favorites, church hymns and operatic arias, giving the audience a broad look at the singer’s classical and contemporary influences.
One of the most anticipated portions of his concerts is his popular “request medley,” in which audience members can suggest songs and sometimes create unexpected moments during the performance.
Cahill is also encouraging the Phoenix audience to become part of the show themselves.
“I’ve always had a wonderful time visiting Phoenix on my tours. I can’t wait to come back and see everyone again. The church has stunning acoustics, and we’ll create a special atmosphere on the night,” he said. “I’ll also be asking the audience to sing along with me — so have those voices ready and warmed up!”
A Concert With A Cause
The performance at St. Mary’s Basilica is not only a showcase for Cahill’s voice and repertoire. Proceeds will benefit the historic Phoenix basilica’s building restoration fund, giving the evening a charitable purpose alongside its musical one.
With Irish classics, sacred music, Broadway favorites, opera and audience requests all part of the program, Cahill’s Phoenix appearance promises a concert built around the musical traditions that have shaped his career — and the songs that have connected him with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
