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After an exciting debut at the Phillips Center in 2005 and a sold-out performance in 2006, the Soweto Gospel Choir returns to their “U.S. home” once again. The ensemble’s mix of tribal, traditional and popular African gospel makes for a moving, awe-inspiring and unforgettable evening for the entire family.
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.
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.
Comments?
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Questions about tickets or seat availability should be directed to the Box Office.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
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
January 26th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Wonderful show. We enjoyed it thoroughly and hope to see them again at the CPA soon.
January 26th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
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.
January 26th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Agreed … very interesting to hear the different fiddling styles. Please try to get them back again.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
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.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:35 am
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.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:42 am
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.
January 27th, 2010 at 10:23 am
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.
January 27th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
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.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
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.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Great fun. Made me want to get up and dance!Now I’m looking forward to Joshua Bell.
January 28th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
They were excellent. Some of the best fiddle playing I have heard.
January 29th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
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
January 31st, 2010 at 1:31 pm
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.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:30 pm
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