We got to take a look at opera singer Celine Byrne’s playlist!
Hi Celine! What music do you have on repeat?
At the moment I’m listening to a lot of 80s feel-good music. With my job, I am trapped at present in Belgium performing the role of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. I do miss home, especially at times when I miss out on important occasions. This time, I will miss my son’s debs and I’m a little bit disappointed over that. So when I feel a little bit down I just put on 80s music and it always cheers me up.
What tracks gives you a serotonin boost?
Definitely Africa by Toto and Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. Before a concert, I listen to these on full blast to get me in a great mood before I perform. I need to be focused and prepared for a performance, of course, but sometimes I just need to switch off and get the adrenaline flowing and have a private disco in my dressing room.
What do you listen to when in a bad mood?
I listen to Abba. I’m sure people would have thought I listen a lot to classical music but it depends. Funnily enough, when my daughter is feeling a little bit down or wants to cheer herself up, she listens to Christmas music no matter what time of year so now this has made it to my playlist too.
Which artist are you loving at the moment?
When I’m learning a role or preparing for a concert I listen a lot to different recordings. At the moment I’m preparing for more Puccini roles next year so I’m listening to different recordings to get different interpretations of the roles. Of course, Maria Callas is my favourite. I’m so looking forward to the movie coming out, which stars Angelina Jolie. In 2008 I won the Maria Callas Grand Prix in Athens so since then I feel I have a strong affinity with her.
What did you listen to growing up?
Everything! My house now, and always has been, an eclectic mix. My brother loved AC/DC and my sister loved the 80s hits, mainly Kylie, Rick Astley, and Tiffany. My dad listened to classical music and country. My mom just went with the flow as we (her children) “ruled the roost” when it came to the radio stations. When I grew up the radio station of choice was Atlantic 252.
Best concert you’ve ever been to?
I’ve been to a lot of concerts, especially classical concerts, my favourite being pianist Barry Douglas performing Beethoven. I have been to many operas and of course concerts with the children too. I think the best concert I’ve ever been at was with my daughter when we went to see One Direction when she was younger and to see the absolute joy and delight on her face was priceless. As a mom to see your kids happy is the most fulfilling feeling ever. The best concert I’ve ever performed would have been with Jose Carreras in Arena de
Verona and, of course, performing with Andrea Bocelli in the 3Arena for the Pope. I also love the Christmas Gala which I do every year at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.
What does music do to you?
Music is everything to me. It’s in my heart, my soul, my body and my being. I am blessed that I have had such a great career and that’s because of music; my family have got to travel the world and see places that they wouldn’t have seen if it hadn’t been for music. I absolutely love my job and can’t think of anything else that I would like to do.
Celine Byrne plays the INEC club in Killarney, on December 6th, Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin, on December 16th, and Watergate Theatre Kilkenny, on December 21st.
