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Michael Londra
Michael Londra
Michael Londra
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Michael Londra (born 13 April 1965) is an Irish singer, TV host and theatrical producer.

Biography

[edit]

Londra was the lead singer in Riverdance in the US National Tour where he performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and the MGM Grand Las Vegas. In 2000 and 2001, Michael was the lead singer in Riverdance on Broadway. He also performed in Broadway on Broadway, which was televised at Times Square. He sang with Heather Headley in First You Dream: A Tribute To Christopher Reeve in the New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway.[1]

Londra is the creator and director of Radiocelt, a Celtic internet music station, which is part of the Accuradio network.[2]

He released an album entitled Celt, which includes several of his own compositions.[2] His singing is the background sound of the "Look Around Ireland" DVD.[3]

Londra was the lead singer in The Passion of the Christ Symphony based on the score of the movie directed by Mel Gibson. The score was written by Oscar nominee John Debney.[2]

As ambassador for Concern Worldwide in the US, he released a charity single on their behalf to raise funds and to bring attention to their fight against poverty.[4]

He co-produced his own TV special, "Beyond Celtic" with Mindfox Productions, for PBS television in 2011, earning 2 Emmy nominations.[5]

In June 2013, he was invited to perform in Arlington, Virginia at the graveside of President John F. Kennedy as part of the JFK 50 celebrations. He also performed in New Ross for visiting guests including Caroline Kennedy and many members of the Kennedy family. He performed Amazing Grace with Judy Collins [6]

He was made Wexford Ambassador in 2012 along with Eoin Colfer, Colm Toibin and Dermot O'Leary.[7]

In 2015 he partnered with Steve Peters of Venuworks, to form a theatrical production company. Their first venture, NOËL, is a musical written by Eoin Colfer and Liam Bates debuted at the National Opera House, Ireland in December 2016.[8][9]

He hosts Ireland with Michael on public television.[10][11]

Discography

[edit]
  • Riverdance on Broadway
  • Celt
  • Concern single
  • Beyond the Star
  • The Road Not Taken
  • Beyond Celtic

Photography for all projects was shot by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli.

Filmography

[edit]
  • Look Around Ireland DVD
  • Beyond Celtic DVD

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Londra

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Londra is an Irish , singer, television host, and renowned for his contributions to and Irish cultural programming. Born and raised in Wexford, a coastal town in Ireland's Sunny Southeast known as the nation's capital, Londra began his professional singing career in the early 1990s after initial training in classical choirs and operas. Londra rose to international prominence as the lead for the Broadway production and U.S. national tour of from 1998 to 1999, where he performed leading roles in the acclaimed spectacle. His musical career includes collaborations with prominent Irish groups such as and Téada, as well as solo recordings like the album Celt in the 2000s, which topped charts in Korea and was released in 15 countries. Notable performances encompass appearances with the of and the world premiere of Symphony, alongside a widely viewed recording of "" that has amassed over 11 million views. In addition to music, Londra has made significant marks in television and production. He produced and starred in the 2011 PBS special Beyond Celtic, which earned two Emmy nominations, and has toured his shows as producer and lead singer across 20 countries. Since 2021, he has hosted and produced the PBS travel and music series Ireland with Michael, which explores Irish , , and landscapes, reaching 97% of U.S. households through over 65,000 airings; the show's sixth season is scheduled for January 2026. Londra also leads annual guided tours of for international fans, blending his expertise as a performer with his passion for showcasing the country's heritage.

Early Life

Childhood in Wexford

Michael Londra was born in April 1965 in Wexford, a small coastal town in Ireland's Sunny Southeast, renowned as the nation's opera capital due to its hosting of the annual Wexford Festival Opera. He grew up in a working-class musical family, the eldest of three children, with parents Michael (known as Micky Joe) Londra Sr., originally from neighboring Kilkenny, and Margie Londra; his siblings are Paul and Majella. The family home fostered a deep appreciation for music, blending traditional Irish folk tunes with operatic influences, as singing was a regular part of daily life and gatherings. Wexford's vibrant cultural scene profoundly shaped Londra's early years, with the town of around 18,000 residents buzzing each October during the international Wexford Festival Opera, established in 1951 to showcase lesser-known works in intimate venues like the historic Theatre Royal. As a child, he often wandered the streets near rehearsal halls, eavesdropping on arias spilling out from open windows and occasionally glimpsing international opera stars, which instilled a sense of global artistry in the local community. This , alongside the town's maritime heritage and strong choral , created an environment where permeated everyday life, from church services to informal pub sessions. Family traditions further nurtured his passion for performing, including Christmas gatherings where Londra sang carols at local services and joined post-holiday outings to pubs on St. Stephen's Day for lively music sessions with family and friends. Gazing out at Slaney River estuary from his childhood home, he developed an early , dreaming of adventures beyond the bay while being grounded in Wexford's tight-knit, song-loving community. These experiences, free from musical elitism, encouraged a versatile appreciation for both folk ballads and , laying the groundwork for his lifelong engagement with .

Education and Initial Influences

Michael Londra was born and raised in Wexford, , where he attended local schools during his formative years. Growing up in a working-class family with a strong musical bent, he was immersed in the town's vibrant cultural environment, particularly its renowned traditions centered around the annual Wexford Festival Opera. This exposure fostered an early appreciation for both classical and traditional Irish folk music, shaping his vocal style without the constraints of musical elitism. As a youngster, Londra received classical singing training through involvement in local choirs and opera productions, honing his voice amid Wexford's singing-centric community. He participated in amateur performances, including at services in town churches, which provided his initial experience and reinforced his passion for performance. These early endeavors, combined with informal music lessons and family encouragement, laid the groundwork for his artistic development, blending operatic technique with the emotive qualities of Irish song. Following , Londra pursued higher studies to qualify as a behaviour therapist, working for a decade with individuals facing learning difficulties while singing part-time in local venues. In the mid-1990s, at age 31, he made a deliberate "leap of faith" to transition to a full-time professional singing career, leaving behind his stable profession to follow his musical calling. This pivotal decision marked the end of his formal educational phase and the beginning of his focused artistic journey.

Career

Musical Beginnings and Riverdance

Michael Londra began his professional singing career in the early , transitioning from local performances in Wexford to becoming a leading man in Dublin's musical theater scene. His initial gigs included prominent roles in Irish productions, where he honed his voice amid the vibrant theater community. Influenced briefly by the Wexford scene during his formative years, Londra's early professional path emphasized ensemble stage work that showcased traditional Irish musical elements. Londra's breakthrough came in 1998 when he was cast as the lead tenor for 's U.S. National Tour, performing at major venues such as in New York and the MGM Grand in . He delivered key vocal performances that integrated seamlessly with the show's high-energy dance sequences, contributing to its dynamic fusion of Irish step dancing and music. In March 2000, he took on the role of lead singer for the Broadway production, succeeding Brian Kennedy and performing through 2001, which solidified his presence as the "voice of ." His renditions, including solo numbers that highlighted Celtic storytelling, were instrumental in the show's theatrical appeal. The tenure marked a pivotal shift in Londra's career, propelling him from Irish theater obscurity to international acclaim and opening doors to a broader recording and performance platform. The production's success, with its sold-out runs and cultural impact, elevated his profile globally, establishing him as a prominent figure in and paving the way for subsequent U.S.-based opportunities. This role not only amplified his vocal arrangements within the show but also contributed to Riverdance's enduring legacy in popularizing Irish performing arts worldwide.

Solo Performances and Collaborations

Following his breakthrough role as the lead tenor in on Broadway and its U.S. national tour, Michael Londra launched his solo career in the late 1990s, transitioning from ensemble performances to independent showcases of his Irish tenor voice. This shift allowed him to emphasize personal storytelling through song, drawing on his Wexford roots to perform across theaters and concert halls worldwide. Early solo engagements included headline appearances in the U.S. and , where he presented original arrangements of traditional Irish ballads, marking his emergence as a solo artist distinct from group productions. Londra's live performances as a have spanned over two decades, featuring ethereal renditions of classics like "," which has garnered millions of views online and become a signature piece. He has toured more than 20 countries, often leading as both performer and producer, with notable concerts backed by ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra of . A highlight was his 2011 PBS special Beyond Celtic, filmed in and earning two Emmy nominations for its blend of live music and cultural narrative; the production showcased Londra's command of large-scale stage presentations, including orchestral accompaniment and dance integration. High-profile collaborations have elevated Londra's profile in the classical and crossover genres. In 2009, he contributed to the Universal Records compilation Arias Ancora, sharing the album with luminaries including , , , and ; his track on the project highlighted his operatic timbre alongside these artists' interpretations of arias and popular standards. Additional partnerships include performances with Irish folk groups and Téada, as well as performing alongside at the JFK 50th anniversary celebrations in , , commemorating President Kennedy's 1963 visit. These collaborations underscore Londra's versatility in bridging and folk traditions. Key solo concerts and tours have centered on Londra's Irish tenor style, with ongoing productions like Ireland With Michael LIVE, a multimedia show that combines his vocals with Irish instrumentation and dance. These events, performed in venues across North America and Europe, emphasize intimate yet grand interpretations of Celtic music, often featuring surprise guest artists. His command of the stage in such formats—touring annually since the early 2010s—has solidified his reputation for evoking Ireland's heritage through soaring tenor delivery. Throughout his solo work, Londra's musical style has evolved to fuse operatic precision with folk authenticity and traditional Irish elements, influenced by Wexford's culture and formal vocal training. This synthesis is evident in his phrasing of ballads, where he layers emotional depth from Celtic lore with classical techniques, creating a signature sound that appeals to both enthusiasts and folk audiences. Performances often incorporate narrative interludes, enhancing the blend of genres without diluting cultural specificity.

Television Hosting and Producing

Michael Londra began hosting the public television series Ireland with Michael in 2021, serving as both host and producer to showcase 's cultural through music, history, and scenic exploration. The Emmy-nominated program, which premiered its first season on May 25, 2021, features Londra traveling to diverse locations such as the Slaney Valley in his hometown of Wexford, the medieval city of Kilkenny, and Derry, emphasizing themes of , traditional music, and local traditions. By 2025, the series had aired five seasons, with the fifth season launched in January 2025 and exploring various regions including Northern 's landscapes and stories, while production was underway for a sixth season set to debut in January 2026. Throughout the series, Londra collaborates with notable figures in Irish arts, including Clannad's and opera singer Gavin Ring, to highlight musical performances and cultural narratives that draw from his background as a . Episodes often blend travelogue elements with live music, such as explorations of historic sites like stables and the of the Sunny South East, celebrating Ireland's vibrant heritage. The show's format has resonated with audiences, reaching over 65,000 airings nationwide as of November 2025. In addition to hosting, Londra has taken on producing roles for television specials, including a one-hour Halloween program filmed in October 2025 for 2026 broadcast and the Christmas concert special An Irish Christmas with Michael Londra, filmed on November 15, 2025, at Iowa PBS and featuring traditional Irish holiday songs for PBS pledge drives. He also serves as lead producer for the Broadway-bound musical Get Happy, scheduled to premiere in 2025, which adapts the life and music of Judy Garland. Londra has made guest appearances on music and travel-related programs, such as The Jim Masters Show in 2020, where he discussed his career and upcoming PBS projects.

Tours and Travel Ventures

Michael Londra initiated guided tours of nearly a decade ago, personally leading groups to explore the nation's historic sites, scenic landscapes, and through custom itineraries designed to provide authentic experiences. These ventures emphasize immersive travel, allowing participants to connect deeply with Irish traditions beyond typical tourist paths. In 2024, Londra expanded his tour offerings through a partnership with Quest Travel Adventures, introducing a series of exclusive group tours focused on diverse themes such as coastal explorations and cultural immersions. Representative examples include the Wild Atlantic Way itinerary, which traces 's rugged western coastline, and the Northern Lights tour scheduled for May 2026, combining natural phenomena viewing with visits to northern destinations like . Additional options, such as the Southern Charms of Ireland in September 2026, highlight southern regions' historic estates, vibrant pubs, and local festivals, fostering a sense of cultural engagement. To support travelers, Londra authored the Ireland with Michael Travel Companion, a comprehensive 200-page guide featuring practical travel tips, Gaelic language basics, colorful , and insights into Irish history and customs, directly tied to the themes of his tours. This publication serves as a preparatory resource, enhancing participants' understanding before and during their journeys. A distinctive element of Londra's tours is the incorporation of live and dance performances, where he performs as the lead alongside surprise guest artists, integrating through song at key stops to enrich the cultural narrative. These in-person events draw from his background in Irish , creating memorable highlights that blend entertainment with educational travel. The tours complement his series Ireland with Michael by translating televised explorations into hands-on adventures.

Personal Life

Family and Residence

Michael Londra has been in a with his male partner since 1998, as he publicly shared in 2013 after 15 years together. He has described his partner as a key source of personal support, emphasizing the role of close relationships in his life alongside his Irish family and friends. Londra resides in , where he has made his primary home in the United States. His partner works at in Ames, influencing their shared base there, though Londra frequently travels and maintains deep connections to . With roots in Wexford, , Londra balances his time between his U.S. residence and visits to his family in his hometown, where he has spoken of the enduring influence of his Irish heritage on his . He often highlights these family ties as a grounding force amid his international career.

Philanthropy and Interests

Michael Londra has been a dedicated ambassador for in the United States, leveraging his platform to combat global and through music and advocacy. He has released multiple charity albums and singles in partnership with the organization, including the 2009 Christmas album Beyond the Star, which raised significant funds for relief efforts. Additionally, Londra has undertaken high-profile visits to on behalf of , highlighting the impacts of and supporting emergency aid initiatives. In his hometown of Wexford, , Londra actively supports local arts and music education programs, particularly through initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent. In October 2025, he established the Michael Londra Bursary in collaboration with the Oyster Lane Theatre Group (OLTG), providing professional lessons for one year to an emerging performer, with the goal of fostering the next generation of Irish artists. This effort underscores his commitment to preserving and promoting Wexford's vibrant cultural scene, including its ties to traditional music and theater. Beyond , Londra's personal interests center on promoting traditional Irish customs and heritage through immersive cultural experiences. He has expressed a passion for sharing Ireland's , , and seasonal traditions, often weaving these elements into his performances and travel hosting. In 2025, he participated in the touring production Irish Christmas in America, a multimedia show that celebrates Irish holiday customs with songs, dances, and stories to preserve and share Celtic heritage with global audiences. Londra also serves as a for Happy Doggo, an charity focused on rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in , reflecting his broader interest in compassionate causes.

Artistic Works

Discography

Michael Londra's discography primarily consists of studio albums showcasing his interpretations of traditional Irish songs, Celtic ballads, and holiday classics, often emphasizing his voice in emotive arrangements. His releases frequently support charitable causes, particularly through partnerships with organizations like . Londra has also contributed to compilation albums featuring prominent and classical artists. His debut , Celt, released in 2006 by LML Music, features a collection of Irish folk songs including "" and "The Water Is Wide," produced by Steve Skinner, who previously worked on the Rent soundtrack. In 2009, Londra released the Christmas album Beyond the Star in partnership with , comprising 11 holiday tracks such as "" and "," with proceeds benefiting the charity's humanitarian efforts. The same year, he contributed the track "The Water Is Wide" to the compilation Arias Ancora on Universal Records, alongside , , , and . In 2010, Londra issued a double A-side single for Concern Worldwide's 24 Hour Fast campaign, featuring "Danny Boy" and "Star of Cartagena," available digitally on with funds supporting aid in 29 countries, inspired by his visit to . Subsequent releases include (2011, ), a studio album of original and traditional material, and Beyond Celtic: The Soundtrack (2011, ), drawn from his live PBS special blending Irish and global influences. In 2013, he released the album Danny Boy: The Songs of Ireland, focusing on classic Irish repertoire, and the single "Song for John." Londra's most recent album, the holiday collection Snowbound (2019), includes festive tracks like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and remastered versions of earlier songs such as "."

Filmography and Television Appearances

Michael Londra's television appearances primarily feature him as a lead performer in musical specials, highlighting his vocal talents in Irish and Celtic-themed productions. In 2011, Londra starred in the television movie Michael Londra's Beyond Celtic, a live variety musical special that explored global influences on through performances led by Londra alongside guest artists such as fiddler Frankie Gavin. The production, taped in March 2011, aired nationally on public television stations over 400 times and was released on DVD, emphasizing Londra's role as the central vocalist and storyteller. In 2025, Londra headlined the live concert special An Irish Christmas With Michael Londra, performed on November 15 in , where he delivered traditional Irish holiday songs, Celtic Yuletide melodies accompanied by pipes and fiddles, and personal stories of Irish Christmases. This event marked one of his recent on-screen performances outside of hosting duties, blending music and narrative in a festive format broadcast on public television.

Awards and Recognition

Emmy Nominations

Michael Londra received two Emmy nominations in 2013 for his television special Beyond Celtic, which he co-produced with Mindfox Productions. The special, filmed as a performance showcasing Irish and culture, aired across U.S. public television stations and highlighted Londra's role as performer and producer. These nominations, from the of Television Arts & Sciences, recognized the program's excellence in programming, in the categories of Best Special Television Event and Best Direction. The recognition elevated Londra's profile in television production, paving the way for his later hosting and producing role in the series Ireland with Michael, which debuted in 2021 and explores Irish travel and music themes. This early Emmy acclaim underscored his contributions to public broadcasting's portrayal of Irish heritage, increasing visibility for his multifaceted career in music and media. No further Emmy nominations have been publicly documented for Londra's subsequent television projects as of 2025.

Other Honors

In 2011, Michael Londra received the Irish Music Award for Best Irish , recognizing his vocal performances in traditional and contemporary Irish music. He was also nominated in the same year for Best at the awards, highlighting his contributions as a leading in the Irish music scene. For his role as the lead in the Broadway production of , Londra was honored with the Local Treasure Award by the Ames Community Arts Council in in 2021. The accolade acknowledged his eight years of residence in Ames and his support for local nonprofits through performances, as well as his efforts to promote Irish culture via his series. In recognition of his promotion of Irish heritage and traditions, Londra was named an official Wexford Ambassador in 2015 by Visit Wexford, with a mayoral reception held at the National Opera House. This honor celebrated his role in elevating the profile of Wexford, known as Ireland's opera capital, through international tours and media appearances.

References

  1. https://www.michaellondra.com/about
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/michael-londra-mn0001374668
  3. https://worldfootprints.com/guest/michael-londra/
  4. https://wbaentertainment.com/michael-londra/
  5. https://www.pbs.org/show/ireland-michael/
  6. https://www.intelius.com/people-search/michael-londra/
  7. https://rip.ie/death-notice/michael-mickey-joe-londra-wexford-wexford-town-577067
  8. https://www.netaonline.org/episode/ireland-michael-0
  9. https://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/music/q-and-a-michael-londra-of-tenors-and-and-traditions
  10. https://www.voanews.com/a/tenor-michael-londra-celebrates-irish-christmas-79923627/416641.html
  11. https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/working-abroad/christmas-story-brings-wexford-tenor-back-home-from-us-1.2914058
  12. https://www.pbs.org/video/slaney-valley-ireland-michael-jwoyqb/
  13. https://www.irishmusicdaily.com/michael-londra
  14. https://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/others/a-sneak-preview-michael-londras-beyond-celtic-video-119689459-238079511
  15. https://fairbanksconcert.org/michael-londra/
  16. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/new-ross-news/how-riverdance-propelled-michael-to-success/27495581.html
  17. https://www.allmusic.com/album/arias-ancora-mw0002047266
  18. https://visitwexford.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/international-line-up-announced-for-jfk50-celebrations/
  19. https://www.michaellondra.com/concert
  20. https://www.pbs.org/video/rose-mooncoin-ireland-michael-0blbbu/
  21. https://www.pbs.org/video/702-f83ykx/
  22. https://www.michaellondra.com/
  23. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-londra-609bb03b
  24. https://www.irishcentral.com/travel/ireland-with-michael-pbs-third-season
  25. https://www.iowapbs.org/events/13183/studio-3-live-irish-christmas-michael-londra
  26. https://irishamericannews.com/irishamericannews/index.php/community/1097-emmy-nominated-ireland-with-michael-londra-celebrates-50-000-episodes
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xpGIV4QzB8
  28. https://www.wrbl.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/720177090/quest-travel-adventures-announces-partnership-with-pbs-star-and-irish-singer-michael-londra-for-exclusive-ireland-tours
  29. https://questtraveladventures.com/destinations/europe/ireland/southern-charms-ireland-ireland-michael-september-25-2026
  30. https://www.michaellondra.com/book
  31. https://questtraveladventures.com/blog/ireland-michael-expands-new-itineraries-and-departures
  32. https://www.irishcentral.com/news/irishvoice/michael-londra-warmed-by-fans-reaction-as-he-comes-out-via-facebook
  33. https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2021/03/10/michael-londras-ireland-with-michael-concert-5-things-to-know/
  34. https://www.amestrib.com/story/entertainment/2023/03/02/michael-londras-pbs-series-ireland-with-michael-live-at-stephens-auditorium-ames/69958331007/
  35. https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Star-Michael-Londra/dp/B002OJGGJE
  36. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/lifestyle/wexfords-michael-londra-supporting-the-next-generation-of-talent-nothing-makes-me-happier-than-seeing-kids-shine-in-an-oyster-lane-show/a427004935.html
  37. https://irishchristmas.com/bio
  38. https://www.happydoggo.com/our-story
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/26579963-Michael-Londra-Celt
  40. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Irish-Tenor-Michael-Londra-Releases-New-Christmas-Album-Called-BEYOND-THE-STAR-113-20091006
  41. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/michael-to-release-song-for-concern/27664178.html
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/15076783-Michael-Londra-The-Road-Not-Taken
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/15076956-Michael-Londra-Beyond-Celtic-The-Soundtrack
  44. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/michael-londra/79561812
  45. https://www.michaellondra.com/music
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2016943/
  47. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/gorey-news/localnotes/singer-londra-proud-of-emmy-nominations/29282920.html
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7l6grKOs-k
  49. https://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=72842
  50. https://www.amestrib.com/story/news/2021/06/17/join-ames-community-arts-council-live-music-local-art-awards-iowa-state/7689945002/
  51. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/michael-honoured-for-work-as-wexford-ambassador/31255162.html
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