CranberriesItalia has a first-hand report of today’s press conference for the Vatican Christmas Concert, where Dolores O’Riordan got to talk a little bit about tomorrow’s performance and also her forthcoming solo album.

Dolores confirmed that her debut solo CD will release in late spring, either May or June of 2006. She confirmed that The Cranberries are currently separated, but did not rule out a future reunion. She told the journalists present, “This is a moment where all of us really want to experience new ways of making music and new ways of expressing what we feel inside. I absolutely am not against playing
together with the band in the future, but right now we have no plans.”

Orchestra conductor Renato Serio introduced Dolores, saying that since this is her third time at the Vatican, she is considered “one of the family.”

CranberriesItalia got a chance to speak briefly with Gian Luca Terranova (pictured), who will duet tomorrow with Dolores on “Adeste Fideles.” Terranova admitted to “loving Dolores’s voice and her way of performing pieces in a unique and intimate way. [It’s] an attitude and a way of singing that many Italian singers have often tried to imitate.”

According to the program, Dolores will be singing “Linger” and “Adeste Fideles” as reported on Wednesday. CranberriesItalia writes that Dolores will sing “Linger” because “she wants to consider it an homage to all the fans of The Cranberries and also an auspicious song for the future.” Lastly, the program confirms that Dolores will take part in an ensemble performance of “White Christmas” with all artists present.

Zombieguide will have the lastest photos and media from the Vatican Christmas Concert over the next 24 hours. If you have a link or photos, send them in!

Source: CranberriesItalia