"She has presence, a powerful and flexible voice, and the intelligence to understand how music and words work together." Martin Adams, The Irish Times on Celine Byrne

"Erraught has the true mezzo's rare ability to illuminate the most ordinary segment of the human voice." Andrew Johnstone, The Irish Times on Tara Erraught

This season's first classical tour showcases two of Ireland's brightest operatic talents. Following performances at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and the National Concert Hall, Celine Byrne has recently become familiar to audiences worldwide thanks to her collaboration with the tenors José Carreras and Roberto Alagna. Winner of First Prize at the 2007 Maria Callas Grand Prix in Athens, Celine is a soloist with several Opera companies and has also performed with the classical stars such as percussionist Evelyn Glennie and conductors David Giménez, Robert Houlihan and Colman Pierce.

Mezzo soprano Tara Erraught's star is definitely in the ascendant, having won a slew of awards in recent years, including first prize in the Jakub Pustina International singing competition in the Czech Republic, the Washington National Opera prize and the Houston Grand Opera prize at the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition in Vienna. She is currently artist in residence with the highly respected Bavarian State Opera, Munich.

The two singers are accompanied by the incomparable Dearbhla Collins, a prize-winning solo pianist who is equally known for her work as a chamber musician and vocal coach, and for her knowledge of the song repertoire.

Together they will take us through a delightful programme based on the theme "Songs for Cecilia" including a piece specially commissioned for this tour by RTÉ Lyric fm from Ian Wilson, songs and duets by Purcell, Mozart, Schumann, Strauss, Puccini as well as arias from Cosi fan Tutte, The Barber of Seville, Madam Butterfly and Norma.

On Tour: Wednesday 4th November, KILLORGLIN (Intermediate School, 8pm), Thursday 5th November, CARLOW (The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, 8pm) Saturday 7th November, WATERFORD (Christ Church Cathedral, 8pm), Sunday 8th November, KILKENNY (Castalia Hall, Ballytobin, Callan, 4pm), Monday 9th November, CASTLEBAR (Linenhall Arts Centre, 8pm), Tuesday 10th November, DUBLIN (The Coach House, Dublin Castle, 8pm), Wednesday 11th November, NAVAN (Solstice Arts Centre, 8pm), Thursday 12th November, DUN LAOGHAIRE (Pavilion Theatre, 8pm).