Tickets on Sale for Etherredge Center's Cultural Series

Four Celtic Voices Open the Season

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AIKEN, SC (08/15/2018) Tickets for the University of South Carolina Aiken's Etherredge Center Cultural Series performances are now on sale for the 2018-2019 season.

Single-performance tickets and annual subscriptions can be purchased through the box office, located on the USC Aiken campus at 471 University Parkway Aiken S,C, 29803; by phone: (803) 641-3305; or on online at etherredge.usca.edu. Box office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Click here to learn more about all the performances slated for this season.

"We have a lively and energetic season lined up that is sure to please audiences of all ages," said Michael St. John, Etherredge Center box office manager.

"The 2018-2019 season offers audiences an array of entertaining performances and unique sounds from all over the world."

The 32nd annual Cultural Series kicks off Nov. 15, with Four Celtic Voices, sponsored by White Rose Eclectics.

Four Celtic Voices strike a vibrant, vivacious and fresh Celtic sound. With emphasis on the music and poetry of the Ancient Celtic tradition, Four Celtic Voices perform a spellbinding journey through the magic and wonder of the Celtic Lands. Mesmerizing audiences with exceptional vocal harmonies and Celtic instruments such as the bowed psaltery, flute and Celtic harp, Four Celtic Voices bring a riveting musical experience. Time-honored traditional pieces, such as "Molly Malone," "Isle of Innisfree," and "Danny Boy," blend seamlessly with vocalist, Celeste Ray's upbeat originals and psaltery dances. Four Celtic Voices will transport their audiences to the ancient Lands of the Celts.

All four members of the group have been performing music from a young age, some with notable artistic lineage.

Celeste Ray, founding member of Four Celtic Voices, began playing piano at age six and today boasts six CD recordings to her credit.

"Celeste's voice is a warm and pleasant instrument," wrote the Los Angeles Times.

Ray's performances on double bowed psaltery are of the highest technical caliber, and her vocals are a big part of her signature sound. She has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York under the direction of famed composer John Rutter; Government House in Brisbane, Australia; and recently as a guest artist for Pete Seeger in New York City. She also writes, directs and produces the ensemble.

Carol Crittenden began her love of music at an early age and is known to light up the stage when she performs. As the daughter of esteemed opera director and teacher, Richard Crittenden, her love of music now expresses itself through her many virtuoso singing and songwriting styles. A professional actress and musical theatre performer, Crittenden has worked with the New Vic Theatre of London, performed in regional tours throughout the United Sates, and various productions in New York City and Los Angeles. Carol was a featured soloist on the CBS television special, "An American Christmas."

Alison Crossley, a New Jersey native, received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in flute performance from Carnegie Mellon University and her Master of Arts Degree in music performance from New York University. She has performed nationally and internationally as an orchestral and chamber musician. Highlights include appearances at The Tribeca Film Festival, The National Flute Association, and The Greater Boston's Flute Conventions.

Maria Banks started playing the harp at the age of seven; within 10 years, she debuted as a concerto soloist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. She has performed for several operas and musicals, including "Wagner Ring Cycle," "A Chorus Line," and "The Fantasticks." Banks' exquisite performances have been featured on NBC, at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, and live on CNBC. She has also performed extensively throughout the United States, Japan, Puerto Rico, and Australia, including several festivals such as the International Jazz and Pop Harpfest and the Festival del Desierto in Mexico.

Four Celtic Voices' album "Four Leaf Clover" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Chart and in the Top 10 on multiple Heatseekers Charts. They are currently recording their new CD, "Four Celtic Seasons," which features songs for each changing season. Presenting a wide range of repertoire, from popular titles "Danny Boy" and "Molly Malone" to original psaltery dances, jigs and reels, Four Celtic Voices raise their voices in lush three-part harmonies while performing on authentic Celtic instruments.

Despite their renowned success, there will only be two public performances in the United States. One performance will be in California and the other in Aiken at USC Aiken's Etherredge Center.

On Nov. 15, Four Celtic Voices will grant Aiken an exclusive peak into Celtic tradition and music as part of the Etherredge Center's 2018-2019 Cultural Series season.