About

Master of Theology (Th. M), Master of Music in Church Music (M.M.C.M.), L.L.C.M., Dip. I.B.S.D.

IMRO and Hymn Society member

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Born in Ireland, Elizabeth Nolan (also known as Liz Madden) is a mezzo-soprano, song & hymnwriter, voice-over artist, producer, and music educator whose life and work radiate a profound love for God, music, and storytelling. Through her voice and passion for writing, Elizabeth is dedicated to spreading faith and hope through her work and love of hymnody and congregational song. She holds a Master of Music in Church Music and a Master of Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas, along with a Licenciate in Performance from the London College of Music. Elizabeth has contributed to Christian worship ministries, including serving as Worship Arts Director at Oakridge Baptist Church San Antonio, Artist-in-Residence at First Baptist Church of Burleson, and leading music in churches in Europe and the South Pacific Islands. She is a published author in the Journal of Congregational Song, Christian Librarian Journal, the Artistic Theologian, the Hymnology Archive, and the Armed Forces Network Magazine. Elizabeth co-wrote and narrated the DVD documentary Wearing the Green.

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With a family legacy rooted in Irish traditional music, Elizabeth began her career in musical theater before founding the internationally renowned classical Celtic duo, RUA (with Gloria Mulhall). ​A classically trained vocalist, she studied under esteemed teachers such as Dr. Ben Caston and Sheila McCarthy-Cannon. Her global music career has taken her to stages at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient (France), the Nobel Women’s Initiative, World Music Festival (Israel), the 7th Folk & Art Festival (China), the Eurovision Song Contest, and Albuquerque Folk Festival (USA). She has performed with artists such as Carlos Nunez and Edyta Górniak, and has collaborated with prestigious orchestras such as the RTE Concert Orchestra (Ireland), Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (USA), and the R'annana Orchestra (Israel), 

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Elizabeth produced and performed in the live show and DVD Meeting at the Crossroads, which was showing on PBS USA. Her most recent album, "Legacy", written and produced with Fionan de Barra (RUNA, Clannad), brings together her passion for storytelling and Irish heritage. The album features notable artists like Joanie Madden (Cherish the Ladies) and Eamonn de Barra (Slide). Her current projects include a worship album and book, both set for release in 2027 and she is currently a producer of the new show We Humble Ourselves: Turning a Nation back to God.

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Her original compositions have been featured in international TV shows, films, and commercials, reaching audiences across the globe. From "My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox" (KBS Korea), "Plus or Minus 2 Degrees" (climate change documentary Asia) to the award-winning sitcom "Hello Franceska", her music resonates with viewers and listeners everywhere. Her work has included narrations by Irish actor Gabriel Byrne and Choctaw Elder Gary White Deer and used by global giants FUJI and Oksusu Tea for their TV commercials across Asia, plus by French artist Lacrim on his track "On Se Reverra". Collaborations include acclaimed artists like Michael Whalen (Emmy winning composer), Billy Sherwood (YES), Richard Cottle (Tina Turner, Eric Clapton), JMZ (Bjork), and Nigel Clark (Carol Kidd), Saby O' (Award winning German Artist), Paul Barrett (U2, Sinead O'Connor), which have further solidified her standing in the music world. 

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​​As a music educator and voice teacher, Elizabeth brings a deep understanding of both classical and contemporary vocal techniques, guiding her students to unlock their full potential. Integrating faith and music, she teaches students to use their talents as an expression of worship and devotion. Her experience as a classically trained mezzo-soprano and professional artist allows her to offer invaluable insights, helping students develop their voice and musicality while fostering a love for God's music. Elizabeth's approach combines technical expertise with a nurturing spirit, empowering students to grow as both performers and worship participants.

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Beyond her work in music, Elizabeth is a working professional in the voice-over industry, clients include global companies such as Deloitte, Vodafone, and Novartis. She has also voiced audio books, documentaries, and video games including the Elder Scrolls/Skyrim Project.  ​

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Awards & Recognition

• German Rock & Pop Preix Music Awards 2020 – Best Alternative Album, Best English Album of the Year

• German Rock & Pop Preix Music Awards 2017 - Best English Album of the Year (2 tracks)

• New Mexico Music Awards 2015 – Nomination for Best Folk Song ("White Willow")

• Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2016 – Finalist with "Fado, Fado"

• Tipperary International Song of Peace 2014 – Winner: Best Irish Entry, Runner-up Overall with "Open Up"

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