Dáithí Sproule and Laura MacKenzie
Biography
Performance Arrangements: Duo
Music from Ireland, Scotland and Minnesota on an array of wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, pipes, voice and guitar
For Dáithí Sproule:
"A seminal figure in Irish music"
—The Rough Guide to Irish Music
—The Rough Guide to Irish Music
"One of Irish music’s greatest guitar accompanists"
—Steve Winick, All Music Guide
—Steve Winick, All Music Guide
For Laura MacKenzie:
"Celtic music wizard"
—Minneapolis Star Tribune
—Minneapolis Star Tribune
"High Priestess of Celtic music"
—Minnesota Public Radio
—Minnesota Public Radio
Dáithí Sproule and Laura MacKenzie have been making music together in various ensembles for two decades, and now perform as a concert duo, featuring a rich gamut of traditional Irish and Scottish music plus Dáithí’s compositions.
MacKenzie’s arsenal of wind-powered instruments (flutes, whistles, pipes, and concertina) is featured, joined by Sproule’s fresh and innovative guitar accompaniments and solos. They are both esteemed singers as well, and selections from their treasure trove of traditional song are presented in beautiful arrangements.
Sproule and MacKenzie have individually been awarded Bush Foundation Artists Fellowships in Traditional and Ethnic Performing Arts, one of the nation’s most prestigious artists’ awards and a great honor for both
INDIVIDUAL BIOS
Dáithí Sproule, well-known for his pioneering guitar styles, deep knowledge of Irish song, and his place in the internationally acclaimed ensemble Altan, is a brilliant musician and a virtual font of cultural knowledge and lore. He has been a major force behind the success of traditional Irish music in today’s popular culture.
Multi-instrumentalist, Laura MacKenzie has received numerous honors and awards for her work in traditional music, and has performed across the nation.
