With a voice that feels both timeless and achingly present, Celtic Thunder’s Keith Harkin delivers a show-stopping moment in the ensemble’s latest production, Celtic Roots.
And nowhere is that more evident than in his haunting performance of “Rosa”—a stripped-back, emotionally rich ballad that has quickly become a standout in the show’s repertoire.
Filmed at Dublin’s Helix Theater, where Celtic Thunder first debuted in 2007, Celtic Roots marks the group’s 12th production under the direction of founder Sharon Browne.
Watch his performance below.
It’s a fitting homecoming—one that aims to trace the path of Celtic heritage through song, culture, and tradition. With its lush soundscape of traditional Irish ballads and folk-pop crossovers, the production breathes new life into age-old stories of identity and belonging.
Within this evocative tapestry, Harkin’s “Rosa” emerges like a whispered memory. With nothing but his voice and a spare arrangement, he strips the song to its emotional core.
The moment he begins, the room shifts. There’s no spectacle—just storytelling, rendered in pure vocal form. As he delivers each line with gentle precision, it’s as if the lyrics were etched directly onto the hearts of those listening.
Harkin’s rendition doesn’t rely on theatrics or vocal acrobatics. Instead, it’s the sincerity in his tone, the rawness of his phrasing, and the depth of connection he brings to the song that makes it unforgettable.
Audience members describe the performance as “impossible to shake,” with many saying that once you hear him sing “Rosa,” the melody lingers long after the final note.
It’s this kind of understated brilliance that has defined Celtic Thunder’s enduring appeal. Celtic Roots as a whole is a tribute to the legacy of the Celtic people—their legends, songs, and spirit—told through timeless classics like “Danny Boy,” “Carrickfergus,” and “She Moved Thru The Fair,” alongside spirited renditions of “The Rocky Road To Dublin” and “Summer in Dublin.” Yet, it’s Harkin’s soulful take on “Rosa” that many say encapsulates the emotional weight of the show in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re new to Celtic Thunder or a longtime fan, Celtic Roots invites you on a musical journey back to the heart of the Celt. And with Keith Harkin leading the way, it’s a journey you’ll never forget.
