Album Notes

From the New Country by na Fidleiri is this groups debut recording. Featuring traditional Irish melodies played on violins with backup featuring piano, guitar, banjo, and percussion, Na Fidleiri performs dances, airs and songs from the Celtic tradition arranged for string orchestra to show the many facets of this lovely tradition. This recording goes beyond the usual "session" environment of virtuoso soloists "jamming" together, and enters into a world of tightly orchestrated arrangements that bring out the subtleties of this fine literature.
Na Fidleiri (Irish for "the Fiddlers") is a group of about 20 young fiddlers ages 9 to 16 based in Charleston, SC. The ensemble studies primarily the performance, history, style, and theory of traditional Irish folk music, including dances, airs, and songs. Members of the group are also classically trained and have anywhere from 1 to 9 years of playing experience. The group rehearses weekly in downtown Charleston and holds auditions every year. As older players go on to college and other endeavors, new members are auditioned and integrated into the existing ensemble.
Na Fidleiri has performed with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in a performance described as "a night of first rate entertainment, full of Celtic pathos and toe tapping energy". (Charleston Post & Courier) Na Fidleiri has also performed at the International Festival in Florence, SC, the Augusta Irish Festival in Augusta, GA, First Night Charleston, The Scottish Games in Charleston, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, and the opening ceremonies at the Special Olympics in 2002.