Performer Biographies
Victoria Johnston
Victoria Johnston is a No.1 iTunes chart-topping Irish singer-songwriter, award-winning composer and is a director of Celtic Calling. She holds a BMus in Composition from TUD's Conservatoire, and has an MPhil from Trinity College Dublin. As a solo artist, Victoria was shortlisted for 'Song of the Year' at the 2021 63rd Grammy Awards with her song 'Tar Liom'.
Chris Comhaill
Chris Comhaill is a guitarist and composer trained in classical, contemporary and traditional music and is a director of Celtic Calling. As a solo artist Chris has performed across his native Ireland and internationally; from the National Concert Hall of Ireland to The Florence Academy of Art, performing for crowds at festivals such as Electric Picnic and Body & Soul as well as for An Uachtarán, the President of Ireland. He has played support for and shared the stage with acts such as The Script, George Ezra, Kurt Elling, KÍLA, Mundy and Mik Pyro. Chris studied music at UCD, BIMM and DCU and holds an Honours Degree and Masters Degree, as well as a performance Diploma (achieved with distinction) in Guitar Performance. He is a DLR musician in residence for 2022. As a solo guitarist Chris is developing material for his project ‘Dúchas’, a programme of traditional yet contemporary Irish music.
Rachel Nic Thomás
Rachel Nic Thomás is a singer trained in classical singing and opera, but also loves performing jazz, musical theatre, folk music and has a great love for Irish traditional music and song. She has completed a Masters in Vocal Performance with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Rachel is also a composer with a passion for the Irish language.
Eilís Dexter
Eilís Dexter is a singer from Dublin who studied Music at Trinity College Dublin and was awarded scholarships for vocal tuition at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Eilís performs a variety of Irish and classical music with her cellist brother Patrick Dexter (who went viral with his outdoor rural performances during lockdowns). Eilís is also a composer and vocal arranger and is a DLR musician in residence for 2022.
Laura O’Keeffe
Laura O’Keeffe is a soprano hailing from Killarney, Co. Kerry. Laura completed her BMus (Hons.) degree at the MTU Cork school of Music, specialising in performance, before receiving a place on the MMus Vocal Performance Masters at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. Laura has had many competition successes and has performed as a soloist on both national and international stages. During her time in Wales, Laura was also a bursary holder with the BBC National Chorus of Wales and was offered a place on the Welsh National Opera placement scheme. Laura enjoys Irish folk music and has performed Irish Ballads and airs at Irish music events across Munster.