Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
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Natalie and Donnell have 7 children and their family is extremely talented. It was amazing to experience the arrangements, the energy, the movement during each tune. The kids could stand alone in their talent. Put them all together and there is magic. They emanate joy!
Training with the New Hampshire Fiddle Ensemble, my teachers speak about stage presence. Look up! Smile! It’s important to engage with the audience. It matters. If you want to connect with your audience.
Well, I must say, the stage presence of this family band was beyond ANYTHING I have experienced, and I have seen a lot of live shows. Out of their pores seep their joy, enthusiasm and love for Celtic music. I scanned the crowd and saw nothing but smiles and sparkly engaging eyes in the audience at Portsmouth Music Hall.
One of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s most important exports and a superstar in the Celtic music world (though she’s far too humble to admit it), fiddler and step-dancer Natalie MacMaster has built a sterling, multi-decade career on electrifying playing and must-see live performances.
The love, support and pride amongst the family is palpable. My face hurt smiling from so much :).
Thank you, MacMaster and Leahy family, for sharing your music with the world and for allowing me access to photograph your amazing performance.
Alongside his wife and musical collaborator, Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy has cemented his reputation as a peerless instrumentalist able to synthesize traditional influences with more contemporary Celtic/folk sensibilities.
Thank you, Portsmouth Hall for sharing your beautiful in such a warm and welcoming way.