Cherish The Ladies
PROJECTS:
For four decades, Cherish the Ladies has captivated audiences worldwide as one of the most celebrated Irish music ensembles in history. Renowned for their exhilarating mix of traditional Irish music, stunning vocals, and propulsive step dancing, they have won the hearts of audiences and critics alike. As The Boston Globe aptly puts it: "It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do!"
This Grammy-nominated group has forged a path for women in the male-dominated Irish music scene, leaving a lasting legacy with 18 critically acclaimed albums and thousands of performances worldwide, from prestigious concert halls to the Olympics and even the White House.
Led by the dynamic flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden, a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award, Cherish the Ladies offers an unforgettable experience of music, song, and dance—a true masterclass in entertainment. Alongside Madden are stellar musicians; Mary Coogan on guitar, Mirella Murray on accordion, Kathleen Boyle on piano, Nollaig Casey on fiddle, vocalist Kate Purcell, and a talented ensemble of world-class dancers.
The New York Times praises their sound as "passionate, tender, and rambunctious," while The Washington Post marvels at their "astonishing array of virtuosity." The group has been honored as the BBC’s Best Musical Group of the Year and crowned Top North American Celtic Group at the Irish Music Awards. Their impressive list of collaborations includes the Boston Pops Symphony, Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, The Chieftains, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.
Their continued success as one of the best-loved Irish groups rests on their blend of virtuoso instrumentals, beautiful vocals, traditional and original arrangements along with stunning step dancing — all presented with extraordinary talent, creativity, and humor.
SYMPHONY
As the most celebrated Celtic Pops act in history, Cherish The Ladies have spent over four decades sharing timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide. Their signature blend of virtuosic instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, and stunning step dancing translates seamlessly in their symphonic arrangements of both their traditional and Celtic Christmas programs. The Ladies have performed over 300 exhilarating shows with orchestras across North America and released a Grammy Award nominated album with the Boston Pops. Conductor Keith Lockhart says, “Cherish the Ladies is a wonderful group of entertainers: energetic, fun and innately musical. They are a joy to work with and quickly earned the admiration and affection of audience and orchestra alike.”
CELTIC CHRISTMAS
In a joyful celebration of the season that’s sure to lift your spirits, fill your heart with holiday magic, and have you singing along to your favorite Christmas classics, Cherish The Ladies put their signature mark on classic carols such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night”. Drawing from their three critically acclaimed holiday albums, On Christmas Night, A Star In The East, and Christmas In Ireland, these festive arrangements highlight the group’s unique Celtic instrumentation, beautiful harmonies, and spectacular step dancing.
IRISH HOMECOMING
Irish-American powerhouses Cherish The Ladies and legendary vocalist Maura O’Connell join forces with an all-star cast of special guests in a unique program that blends amazing musicianship, exquisite vocals, and dazzling step dancing. An Irish Homecoming is an immensely humorous and entertaining evening, devoted to the music of the Emerald Isle and enthusiastically hosted by Grammy Award winning whistle and flute player, Joanie Madden. One of the most engaging and successful ensembles in the history of Celtic music, Cherish The Ladies have shared timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for forty years. Grammy Award nominated Maura O’Connell has always shown her unmistakable deep, rich, flexible voice and her ability to pull the listener into the heart of a song. Filmed at Bucknell University, An Irish Homecoming television special has aired on PBS stations nationwide.
PRESS QUOTES:
“It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do”
The Boston Globe
“The five women who form the Celtic band delivered a thoroughly engaging performance brimming with spirit, with and soul”
The Washington Post
“Expands the annals of Irish music in America…the music is passionate, tender, and rambunctious”
The New York Times
