An Old World carol states, “Good fortune attend each merry man's friend to do the best that he may, forgetting all wrongs in carol and song to drive the cold winter away.” With that in mind, Golden Bough created a special collection, incorporating Old World Carols and other Celtic songs of Christmas and Winter with their own compositions, written especially for the Yuletide season.
Specializing in the traditional music from the seven Celtic nations, Golden Bough has become a popular and in-demand group on both sides of the Atlantic. Margie Butler, Paul Espinoza, and Kathy Sierra perform on an array of acoustic instruments, including Celtic harp, accordion, tin-whistle, violin, viola, mandolin, mandola, guitar, and bodhran (Celtic hand drum), supporting the pristine vocal harmonies that have become a Golden Bough trademark.
From the concert hall to the festival stage, Golden Bough has captivated listeners with the magic and beauty of Celtic music since 1980. Annual tours have taken these modern-day minstrels throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. Fans and critics alike have expressed their enthusiasm for the performances. The press, on both sides of the Atlantic, has acclaimed Golden Bough’s recordings. In 2001, the St. Andrew Association in Scotland bestowed the Diploma of Honour on Golden Bough in recognition of the remarkable merits of its cultural contribution.
Golden Bough performs not only the more familiar music of Ireland & Scotland, but also the lesser-known Celtic music of Wales, Cornwall, The Isle of Man, French Brittany and Spanish Galicia. The musicians have carefully researched the authentic music of these Celtic nations, expanding on the styles to create a sound uniquely their own.
The artists offer three distinct concert programs, plus special Celtic holiday shows, varying the repertoire each year. In Journey through the Celtic Lands, Golden Bough reflects the musical diversity of Celtic culture with haunting ballads, beautiful airs, toe-tapping jigs and reels, and lively sing-alongs. In the newest program, America Bound, Golden Bough follows the journey of the Irish and Scottish immigrants as they sailed to the New World, bringing along the music of their homelands, music which later evolved into America’s best-loved folk melodies. In Christmas in a Celtic Land, Golden Bough celebrates the holiday spirit with an array of traditional and modern melodies from the British Isles.
Residency activities for youth are an important facet of Golden Bough’s touring. The narrated educational performances introduce elementary through high-school students to Celtic, International, and American folk music. Golden Bough offers four distinct educational programs: Ireland to America, American Folk Songs, Around the World with Folk Music, and A Winter Holiday. Golden Bough has also been the featured artist at numerous Youth festivals and concerts.
In the recording studio, as well as on stage, Golden Bough captures the essence and joy of traditional music. Top International folk and ethnic music label, ARC Music, distributes the trio’s recordings worldwide. In 2001, ARC Music presented Golden Bough with the ARC Label Gold award for outstanding global sales of their recordings.
Golden Bough continues to be a driving, creative force in Celtic music. The music of Golden Bough creates an atmosphere in which the listener can enjoy unique entertainment and music that is loved by all ages.
This joyful Celtic Christmas collection is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to gather together to celebrate and drive the cold winter away. with Golden Bough's unique Yuletide presentation. You'll be hard put to sit still once the fire of Celtic music is flamed by these fine musicians. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!
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