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January 2010
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Upcoming Events

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy - Masters of the Fiddle

January 23, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Location: Phillips Center

Genre: World

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Buy tickets online!
Prices: $39.25, Pit, Orchestra Rows A-P and Mezzanine; $28.50, Orchestra Rows Q-Z; $23.25, Balcony. (Prices include tax. Pit seating is limited and subject to availability.)

Sponsored by Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors and WUFT.

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Did you know…

These masters of the fiddle have been married since 2002 and have three young children.

Both Natalie and Donnell also have wildly successful musical careers in their own right. Natalie has her own band and Donnell’s family band – Leahy – is made up of himself, his three brothers and four sisters.

Natalie is one of the best-known musicians in the tradition of Cape Breton fiddle music, and has made a highly successful career as a touring musician, traveling to Europe and Asia and doing as many as 250 shows in a year.

Together, Donnell and Natalie have a collection of 15 fiddles; each with their own story.

Natalie began playing the fiddle at the age of 9, and made her performing debut the same year at a square dance in Glencoe Mills, Nova Scotia. When she was 16, she released her first album, Four on the Floor, and a second album, Road to the Isle, followed in 1991.

In February 2009 Natalie and Donnell welcomed their third child into the world, daughter Clare Marie.

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15 Responses to “Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy - Masters of the Fiddle”

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  1. Ruth Johns says:

    We saw the show last night. We hadn’t realized this was their first tour together. They were fabulous! all of us clapped and stomped and shouted our enthusiam for their performance. At the end they said they hoped we will ask them back. Mr. Blachley, you have your orders. A really wonder show. Ruth Johns

  2. Jacki Levine says:

    Wonderful show. We enjoyed it thoroughly and hope to see them again at the CPA soon.

  3. Sharon Hawkey says:

    I have enjoyed previous performances by Natalie MacMaster. The recent performance with her husband was wonderful. The piano players were an additional treat. Such enthusiasm from the performers and the audience.

  4. Bob P. says:

    Agreed … very interesting to hear the different fiddling styles. Please try to get them back again.

  5. Kim Winter says:

    A little better than WONDERFUL. My wife & I enjoyed their performance tremendously.Our only regret is they did not play longer. Perhaps you will consider presenting the entire Leahy group?
    We have attended several other performances both together & seperately… it just keeps getting better & better.

  6. Scotty Adams says:

    What a fantastic performance! Natalie and Donnell, with the two piano players made me feel as if we were part of their family. Their ability to play these wonderful Irish and Scottish songs and weave stories between each song gave me a sense that I was part of their family. I truly can’t do justice with words in describing how much I loved this performance. I hope they will be back because I’m going to grab everyone I love and bring them to the best show I’ve seen in a very long time.

  7. Alexandra Harvey says:

    Over all fantastic concert!! Everyone onstage were ubertalented. (I know that’s not a word but it fits the situation.) Personally, I enjoyed the Cape Breton style better than the Irish, darker style of music. I’ve attended Natalie’s concerts before and really liked the bright energy of her backup band and style of music.

    These four were amazing and put on a terrific show.

  8. Graig and Kris Shaak says:

    An exemplary performance! The narrative in the UFPA 09/10 Guide is accurate, “It is remarkable how (Donnell) can play with this intense power, but maintains the sweetness and tone of the instrument.”
    Natalie’s and Donnell’s different styles complement each other very nicely.

    Natalie blends world-class talent with charm and humor and is an absolute delight.

    Kris and I just loved the show and appreciated the opportunity to meet them in person after the show.

  9. Sue Hartman says:

    Gainesville is so lucky to have performances of this caliber booked in our very own Performing Arts Center. Thanks to all involved in making this a special evening.

  10. Pat Spencer says:

    FANTASTIC! What energy! It was so much fun seeing such great performers and learning about their families. I never was interested in fiddling before but now I’m a big fan. I hope they come back and I’d love to see the whole Leahy group, too.

  11. Sally Simonis says:

    Great fun. Made me want to get up and dance!Now I’m looking forward to Joshua Bell.

  12. Ed Wolcott says:

    They were excellent. Some of the best fiddle playing I have heard.

  13. Ken Chapin says:

    This was a vey well done concert and very enjoyable. Besides excellent and lively music, the commentary humor was delightful. A very nice family and worth having back again.
    Respectfully,
    Ken Chapin

  14. Dana says:

    Totally AWESOME!! Natalie’s charm was endearing and Donnell’s powerful performance was incredible. We hope to see them or the Leahys (or better yet both)next year. Thanks to Mr. Blachly for scheduling such a wonderful group of musicians.

  15. Jack and Sally Hayes says:

    We have followed the Leahys since they were teens and younger. With Natalie added they make awesome music. (The standing ovation - at Intermission for gosh sakes - was wonderful to be part of) They truly made you feel involved and wanting more. I hope Mr. Blachly can bring them back soon) After this performance I have decided to become a supporter.

    Respectfully,

    Jack Hayes

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