You may or may not know that March is Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8th. In the spirit of this, I thought I would highlight some of the women who have most inspired me as a singer. Over the course of this month, I’ll be writing short blog posts about nine different women who have inspired me to sing and make music for one reason or another, and I hope to introduce you to some amazing artists along the way.
Orla Fallon
Orla Fallon is an Irish singer and harpist who I first discovered in 2004 when she performed in the debut Celtic Woman concert on PBS. I was in 6th grade, and found myself mesmerized by a woman who stood playing a small Irish harp while singing. For the first time I actually realized my two passions, singing and playing the harp, went together perfectly. Primarily performing Irish music, Orla is an extraordinary storyteller, and in that moment I first saw her perform, I suddenly
knew exactly what I wanted to be able to do someday.
I’ve followed Orla Fallon from her days in Celtic Woman through her solo career. I even had the opportunity to meet her during a tour of the United States when I was in college, seven years after I had first seen her on television.
Interested in seeing the performance that so captivated me? Here is the original clip from 2004 of Orla performing one of my favorite songs, Isle of Inisfree.
I discovered Orla at the same time as you, the CW PBS special. I was approaching retirement though. You may have seen two of my former students when you met her. Jonathan and Jordan Lawson and Jonathans wife Cassandra had a 4 piece band that toured with Orla for 6 months around the time you mentioned. I believe she had two different tours with a different backup group for each, I am not sure which you might have seen. The CW group and associated individuals are among my favorite musicians. Nice to see your blog. I hope your sister is doing well.
Shannon, I’ve just been sitting here listening to Ona Falon over and over and to the other selections of Celtic music. I don’t think there’s any more beautiful music in the world! What a glorious way to start my day. I’m so glad for your website