Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, singer Máiréad Carlin began her career in 2003 at the age of 15 when she landed a role in the opera The Young Prince by winning the BBC Talents "Young Singers" competition. After training in London at the Trinity College of Music, she was offered a deal with Decca. Her varied career included performing for the President of Ireland, singing the Irish Anthem at the England-Ireland Rugby International, and performing with Snow Patrol and the Priests. In 2013, she recorded the City of Culture anthem "Let the River Run" with Glee star Damian McGinty. The song was written by Carly Simon, who later invited Carlin to perform with her at an Oceana benefit in Los Angeles. She has toured with American folk singer Don McLean and performed with the National Symphony Orchestra in Ireland. She is a member of the theatrical musical ensemble Celtic Woman and in 2016 released her debut album Songbook. ~ Timothy Monger