Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas
Cherish the Ladies brings its Celtic Christmas program to Strathmore’s Music Center, blending traditional holiday music with Irish instrumental playing, rich vocal harmonies, and lively step dancing. Led by flutist and whistle player Joanie Madden, the Grammy-nominated ensemble draws on four decades of Irish traditional music, 18 albums, international touring, and collaborations with symphony orchestras.
The concert includes Celtic arrangements of carols such as “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “The First Noel,” and “Silent Night,” with material developed through the group’s holiday recordings *On Christmas Night*, *A Star in the East*, and *Christmas in Ireland*. Guest singers, guitarists, and step dancers join the core ensemble for a performance grounded in Irish musical tradition.
When: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Venue: Strathmore’s Music Center
Tickets: $28–$68
Lineup: Joanie Madden; Mirella Murray on accordion; Nollaig Casey on fiddle; Hannah Collins on piano; Mary Coogan on guitar; and Cheryl Prashker on percussion. Vocalists and guitarists Kate Purcell, Don Stiffe, and Bruce Foley also perform.
Step dancers: James Greenan, Tyler Schwartz, Joe Harrison, and Nathan Pilatzke.
Program: Traditional Christmas carols, Celtic instrumentation, vocal harmonies, and Irish step dancing.
Ticket exchanges: Requests for a credit or exchange for another Strathmore Presents performance must be made at least 48 hours before the show. No refunds, exchanges, or credits are available after the performance; refunds are available if the show is canceled or rescheduled.
Community access tickets: Strathmore offers tickets priced below $30 for Music Center programs through a request process. Requests should be submitted at least one full week before the performance, and the tickets are intended for community use rather than resale.
Food and drink: Allegro Kitchen offers à la carte dining, and the venue generally offers a reserved-seating, multi-course Prelude Buffet. Buffet reservations are encouraged, with reservations opening on the first day of the preceding month. Bars operate before the concert and during intermission. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Security: All guests undergo security screening before entering the Concert Hall lobbies.
Accessibility: Accessibility information is available through Strathmore’s accessibility resources.
Venue policies: Guests should review Strathmore’s Music Center policies, including prohibited items, health and well-being guidance, directions, parking, and other visit information.