Máire Breatnach

by Craig Harris
A passionate approach to the traditional music of Ireland has made violin and viola player and composer Maire Breatnach one of the most promising newcomers to Celtic music. According to Bill Whelan, the composer of "Riverdance", the production in which she first attracted attention, Breatnach has "an ability to compose original music while drawing deeply from the well of her beloved tradition." Breatnach has continued to inspire listeners as a soloist. "Fiddlestix" called her debut album, "Angel's Candles", released in 1995, "A work of genius that begs to be heard by every discerning fan of Celtic music". Breatnach has further built on her reputation with two subsequent albums -"Branohm/Voyage Of Bran", based on an ancient Irish myth, and "Celtic Lovers"-both released in 1997. A student of classical and traditional music as a youngster, Breatnach has incorporated both traditions into her style. In addition to playing fiddle and viola on Sinead O'Connor's recording of "You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart", featured on the soundtrack of the film,'In The Name Of The Father", Breatnach has recorded with Mary Black, Phil Chevron, Donovan, Mike Scott and Nigel Kennedy. In 1998, she recorded an album as a member of Donal Lunny's all-star band, Coolfin.