A CHRISTMAS CELTIC SOJOURN Returns This December

A highlight of New England's holiday performance calendar, WGBH presents A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan returns to The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale.

Brian O'Donovan's "A Celtic Sojourn" has entertained and enlightened radio audiences since 1986. For the last 15 years, the Christmas-time live version of the show has drawn on Celtic, Pagan and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of the season. First launched in 2003, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn reflects the compelling and diverse offerings of the weekly and national radio programs.

This year, music director and multi-instrumentalist, Seamus Egan returns, as well as assistant music director singer/pianist/harpist Maeve Gilchrist. Long-time collaborators Ben Wittman and Chico Huff return with percussion and bass respectively. Owen Marshall makes his second appearance on Guitar/Bouzouki/Harmonium. And Christmas would not be the same without the cello gravitas of Natalie Haas. Making their debut in this year's program will be concertina player extraordinaire, Brenda Castles from Co. Meath in Ireland, and the outstanding folk string quartet, The Fretless from Canada.

Young Scottish phenomenon Hannah Rarity will be the featured singer this year. Rarity was named Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year by BBC in February. Her new CD will be released in September. The four-part vocal harmony group Windborne also returns for A Christmas Celtic Sojourn. These wonderful voices, combined with host Brian O'Donovan, his wife Lindsay, Gilchrist and Castles, will bring particularly strong harmony singing to this year's show, along with individual performances throughout.

Kevin Doyle returns as dance director for 2018. Doyle received a National Fellowship from the N.E.A in 2012 and has regularly performed with A Christmas Celtic Sojourn. The kids from The Harney Academy of Irish Dance from Walpole will return with their special brand of Christmas joy, as well.

With Paula Plum as artistic director for the 16th straight year, this promises to be one of the most exciting A Christmas Celtic Sojourn presentations yet!

Tickets to WGBH presents A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan start at $45. Discounts are available to members of The Hanover Theatre and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available online at TheHanoverTheatre.org, by phone at 877.571.SHOW (7469) or at The Hanover Theatre box office located at 2 Southbridge Street in downtown Worcester. For more information on group sales, contact Daniella Marie at 508.471.1763 or daniella@thehanovertheatre.org.

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