Biography of The Chieftains
The Chieftains evolved directly out of Ceoltoiri Cualann, a group created in 1960 by composer Sean O'Riada. O'Riada's visionary innovation was to produce an Irish ensemble based on traditional instruments and classical orchestral principles. With piper Paddy Moloney at the helm, and such important musicians as Matt Molloy, Martin Fay, and Derek Bell aboard, The Chieftains have evolved beyond O'Riada's original concept, but their music still maintains strong affinities to classical music. ~ Steve Winick
Biography of Anúna
Formed in 1987 by composer/arranger Michael McGlynn, the Irish/Celtic choral group Anúna has performed with the Chieftains, Sinead O'Connor, Sting and Máire Brennan -- though they also record on their own for the Celtic Heartbeat label. Anúna, originally known as An Uaithne, performed at international choral festivals and selected churches around Great Britain, but didn't begin to record until two demo tapes appeared in 1991. Several TV appearances helped promotion as well; by 1993, the group had changed their name and recorded their self-titled first album. A year later, Invocation was released and Anúna appeared in a successful touring production, Riverdance - The Show. Signed to the American Celtic Hearbeat label in 1995, the group re-released both of the first albums and recorded another in 1996, Omnis. ~ John Bush
Biography of Brenda Fricker
No biography available
