Our regular readers will no doubt be familiar with Irish supergroup Celtic Woman. Founded in 2004, the all-female quartet – and several of the artists who have been members over their 20+ year history – has graced the pages of Celtic Life International many times.

There is also no doubting the band’s impact on the Celtic Diaspora, including “down under,” where a seven-member musical homage – Australian Celtic Woman – are passing that influence along.

“We came together through our shared Celtic roots, and a deep passion for Celtic music passed down through our families,” shares the group’s award-winning singer and Bodhran player Miranda Starr in an email exchange. “Although each of us was born in Australia or New Zealand, our heritage is richly woven with connections to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Every member of our band has grandparents or great-grandparents from these Celtic nations, which has inspired and influenced each of our musical journeys.”

“The band’s genesis was during the 2021 Australian Celtic Festival, when I thought to myself ‘life is short, and I fancy a Celtic jam’. Watching my husband’s band playing, I said, why not? But the songs my husband’s band plays were too manly and pub-centric for my taste – we weren’t ready to swap five-star venues for sticky floors.”

Taking a cue from their Irish counterparts, Starr decided to form an all-woman Celtic group – ultimately naming it in honour of the original – and began planning and putting a crew together during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

“The whole band is passionate about music. We’ve all won awards in our various disciplines. I have performed overseas in residencies at numerous five-star venues and resorts in corporate bands. Our fiddler, Melinda Coles, plays 13 instruments and won a scholarship at the age of seven to study with Dr. (Shinichi) Suzuki in Japan. Two of our lead vocalists – Kathryn King and Gabrielle Jack – are both award-winning, classically trained singers who have dazzled audiences worldwide with their breathtaking performances. Pianist Jeannine Phelan also trained classically at the Conservatorium, while Camille Layt, our bagpiper, has played internationally as a pipe sergeant and soloist, and has even written books on the instrument.

Lastly, but not least, our drummer Melanie Smith has travelled extensively across 35 countries, playing primarily in rock and metal bands, and is now savouring the energy, passion, and fun of Celtic music.

“Every member in the band has performed professionally for years in their own fields, and we all love music – it must be in the genes! We also wanted to champion older women in music, so everyone in the band is over the age of 35, seasoned, and diva-free. Rehearsals kick off with a drink and a giggle – with our Celtic roots, everybody just loves to tap along with music and have fun.”

Australian Celtic Woman often collaborates with other Celtic performers from across the outback. As they started booking bigger venues, the band began working with the Scottish/Irish troupe The Shamrock Dancers, as well as local and area pipe and drum bands looking to share the stage.

“For us, its all about having a great time, producing a quality show, and also ensuring everyone in the band is allowed to express themselves and show off a little,” says Starr. “We rehearse a lot to ensure the quality of our songs is top notch. But we also have fun on stage and off, and it shows.

“In addition, because we come from diverse musical backgrounds, we all have a lot to share, and we come up with different ideas about our songs and our shows. We can go from haunting cello, tinkling ivories, and soaring vocals to a rock anthem, or we might just dance around stage to a jig while encouraging the crowd to join in. We even throw in an opera song or two, to keep the audience guessing.”

Ultimately, Australian Celtic Woman is all about brining the Celtic vibe.

“It’s not uncommon to see the crowd laughing one minute and tearing up the next,” notes Starr “While it’s more of a concert vibe, we love when people get up and dance. At festivals, we take it up a notch by diving into the crowd to dance and sing with everyone – it’s like a Celtic celebration on overdrive!”

The secret, Starr shares, is in the music; each song needs to connect with some part of the listener’s heart – something that, luckily, Celtic music is well-known for.

“Whether it is sad, emotive, or just plain fun, a good song is a song that makes you feel, and we want to make the audience feel something. Every song has the opportunity to take you back to a time when you smiled, cried, or remembered something important to you – an ability to take you out of the day-to-day drudgery and simply enjoy life in the moment.”

Australian Celtic Woman is only a few years into its tenure, and Starr admits that juggling the responsibilities of home life and day jobs while trying to grow the band can be a challenge. But the challenge is worth it in exchange for what the gig gives back to them.

“Performing in an all-woman Celtic band offers a multitude of rewarding experiences that extend beyond the music itself.

“It is a unique platform for celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Celtic traditions that run deep here in Australia, while also promoting female empowerment and collaboration…”

“The camaraderie and shared passion among band members foster a supportive and inspiring environment, encouraging creativity and innovation in musical expression. In addition to all this, it’s about being able to work with amazing people that we genuinely care about and enjoy spending time with.”

She and her bandmates don’t plan on resting on their laurels – or riding the name recognition of their northern hemisphere predecessors – they have hit the ground running in 2025.

“We have just finished recording our first CD and are currently writing originals for our next one. We have been asked to record a Christmas album, but that might have to wait until next year. We have a number of ticketed shows at cultural centres, town halls, and entertainment venues coming up this year, and we’re also hoping to continue our momentum and travel to France to the legendary Festival Interceltique de Lorient in 2026 or 2027. So, yes, we are busy, but we are loving every minute of it.”

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