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December 1, 2011
Update: Live in Concert with Symphony Nova Scotia CD

To all those who kindly pre-ordered advance copies of the Barra MacNeils Live in Concert with Symphony Nova Scotia CD, Thank you for your patience!
We will have fresh advance copies in the next few days and will be signing, numbering and sending promptly! Just in time for Christmas!

Thank you!
The Barra MacNeils

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Halifax, November 16, 2011

THE BARRA MACNEILS BRING THEIR POPULAR
SEASONAL SHOW TO CHARLOTTETOWN

One of the most beloved shows on the seasonal circuit, comes to the Confederation Centre on Tuesday December 6. The Barra MacNeils – widely regarded as one of the greatest live acts in the Celtic world – will perform one night in the Homburg Theatre at 7:30 pm. Tickets go on sale Thursday November 17.

The Barras Christmas show features a highly entertaining night of traditional seasonal fare mixed with entertaining stories and new musical twists,
stamped with their lush harmonies and intricate instrumental stylings. The show has been touring nationally for years to sold-out houses across the country but it has been a while since the group has been able to bring the show to PEI and the Barras are delighted to be able to do so this year.

The six MacNeil siblings, hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, have been touring the world for more than 20 years. Recently, they closed the Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton with several special guests in a sold-out concert in Sydney. The closing concert culminated a week of studio recordings which took place during the festival with a special guest on each track. These recordings will be released as a new studio project CD prior to next summer.

This spring, they performed in Toronto with the Toronto Symphony and subsequently, recorded two live concerts at Halifax’s Rebecca Cohn Auditorium with Symphony Nova Scotia. The resulting live recording will also be available early in the new year.

TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets are available from Thursday November 17 at
Confederation Centre Box Office
By Phone: 1-800-565-0278 or at 902-566-1267 or
On-line: www.charlottetownfestival.com

Lucy MacNeil Signed Original Painting
available on eBay

In support of the Art Kidney Foundation's
Brush of Hope

[Click for details and to bid]

Barras MacNeils on CBC Canada Live! on Oct. 18 at 7:00pm

Recorded at The World Trade & Convention Center, Halifax. When it comes to getting an audience out of their seats and onto the dance floor, there are few bands better than The Barra MacNeils. This family band from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has been touring the world for over twenty years with their unique brand of Celtic music. So they were the perfect choice to headline the closing party at the 2011 Bluenose Race weekend in Halifax. Thousands of people participated in the event, running from five kilometers to a full marathon, and by Sunday night, they were exhilarated and exhausted. But the minute the Barra MacNeils hit the stage, they found new energy and danced the night away.

CBC CONCERT'S ON DEMAND

October 11, 2011
Family bands work together on music
Laura-Jean Grant, Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Between talk of the perfect cup of tea and touring schedules, The Barra MacNeils and Ireland’s The Black Family laid down a track of a traditional Irish tune, Monday.

A major project of this year’s Celtic Colours International Festival is connecting The Barra MacNeils with some of the world’s best Celtic artists to collaborate and record over a 10-day span at Soundpark Studios in Sydney with recording engineer Jamie Foulds.

The massive musical undertaking began last week and will culminate in the festival’s closing show, Saturday night. MacNeil siblings Sheumas, Stewart, Kyle, Lucy, Ryan and Boyd have been hard at work in the studio since Oct. 4, meeting each day with a different artist or group to record one track.

“ We wanted to do something with other people so you’re mixing it up. The band has been going for over 20 years now so it’s nice to have someone else’s perspective come in,” explained Boyd.

To date, those perspectives have included Ronald Bourgeois, Matt Minglewood, Fiona and Ciarán MacGillivray, Bruce Molsky, Cathy Ann MacPhee, and Monday, it was The Black Family’s turn with siblings Mary, Frances, Shay and Michael joining the MacNeils in the studio. After some discussion among the 10 musicians and singers, the two family groups decided on recording “ Tarry Flynn” a traditional Irish tune that Mary described as being about leaving home and heading to the big city.

Mutual respect was evident among the two families, with Lucy noting that she’s been a fan of Mary and Frances and the entire Black Family for years, and Mary noting they were comfortable with the idea of working with The Barra MacNeils because “we know their music and we know how brilliant they are.”

“It’s nice. It’s just a lovely thing to collaborate because something different always come out of it,” said Mary. “ Their style will influence our style and our style might influence theirs and I think it’s a good thing to do and it’s nice to get to know people in this setting too. You get time to sit and chat.”

The recording session served as the last official festival gig for The Black Family, who are heading out today after a jam-packed four days. They performed three times in three nights, before meeting with The Barra MacNeils for their final full day on the island.

“It’s been brilliant,” said Mary. “ We’ve had such a great time. Aside from the concerts and the music and all that, which we really enjoyed, it’s just been great to see Cape Breton because I’ve never been here before. I suppose what struck me most is how friendly everyone is.”

Meanwhile, for The Barra MacNeils, their festival work has only hit the halfway point. Still set to join them in studio this week are Ron Hynes, Old Man Luedecke, Tim Edey, Archie Fisher and James Keelaghan.

While there’s a little anxiety in knowing that they only have one day with each artist to record a track, Boyd said they’re simply taking it one day at a time, and so far, so good.

“ Things have been going pretty smoothly,” he said.

“It’s been a great experience every day in here, and it’s been fun,” said Lucy. And a little tiring. “ When you get home you’re mentally exhausted,” said Boyd, with Lucy, adding, “So we haven’t been making the festival club.”

The Barra MacNeils will be releasing a CD of the material they’ve been recording but their first public performance of the songs and tunes will be Saturday’s closing show at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney where they will be joined by many of the artists they recorded with this week.

August 10, 2011
Concerts on Demand: The Barra MacNeils live in Halifax

When it comes to getting an audience off their seats and to the dance floor - there are few bands better than The Barra MacNeils.

This family based band from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has been touring the world for over twenty years with their unique brand of Celtic music. So, they were the perfect choice to headline the closing party at the 2011 Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon race weekend in Halifax. Thousands of people participated in the event, running from five Ks. to a full marathon, and by Sunday night - they were exhilarated and exhausted. But, the minute the Barra MacNeil's hit the stage - they found new energy and danced the night away.

◄ CLICK TO LISTEN

August 10, 2011
Barra MacNeils headline Hector
Group’s lone N.S. summer show set for Saturday
The Chronicle Herald

The 25th annual Hector Festival takes place at the deCoste Centre in Pictou on Friday and Saturday.

The festival is a celebration of the region’s Celtic music and heritage and recognizes the role the Ship Hector played in Canadian history.

Headlining this year’s event are The Barra MacNeils in their only Nova Scotia appearance this summer on stage Friday at 8 p.m.

The six siblings — Sheumus, Kyle, Stewart, Lucy, Ryan and Boyd — hail from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton. Multiple lead vocalists, beautiful harmonies, instrumental prowess on a wide variety of acoustic, stringed, percussion and wind instruments blend with dancing, storytelling and Gaelic songs in the show.

The Hector Ceilidh takes place on Saturday at 8 p.m. with a host of musicians, including singers, dancers, pipers and fiddlers. Hosting the ceilidh will be Jimmy Sweeney, joined by Ardyth & Jennifer, Alycia & Robert Putnam, John Spyder Macdonald and Robbie MacInnis. Also taking part will be Na Gais Gich Pipe Band from the town of Pictou.

A Highland Dance competition all day Saturday will see dancers from around the Maritimes competing for specially minted Hector medals. To mark the 25th anniversary of the festival, there will be a special Mystery Fling competition.

The Calling of the Pipes, being held Sunday afternoon at the Hector Heritage Quay beginning at 1 p.m. features piping displays by the Antigonish and Old Scotia Pipe Band, Colchester Legion Pipe Band and the Heatherbells.

Some of the festival events will be taking place at the Hector Heritage Quay, home of the ship Hector replica and interpretive centre.

Daily concerts will be held outside each day as well as workshops on carving, blacksmithing, bodhran and piping. Dr. Alan Marble, genealogist, will be on site each afternoon of the festival to provide information about searching for family roots.

Another highlight of the festival is the encampment of the 84th Regiment of Foot, a group of historical re-enactors portraying the life of an 18th century soldier. They will be camped for the weekend near the Hector Quay and welcome visitors to share their story.

Tickets for the Mainstage concerts at the deCoste Centre are on sale now and will be available at the door. Special reduced admission fees at the Hector Quay will be in effect during the Hector Festival. Call the deCoste Centre at 485-8848 or 1-800-353-5338.

August 4, 2011
Live Symphony CD Update

The live symphony concert CD recording featuring the Barra MacNeils and Symphony Nova Scotia has been mixed, sequenced and mastered!
We are working on the artwork next. We are targeting a fall 2011 release and there will be more updates on the website soon.

For those of you who have purchased presales: You will receive your numbered and autographed copy in advance of the retail release.

Thanks again for your ongoing interest in, and support of, the group and this very special project.
It’s sounding really great!

Best regards,
The Barra MacNeils

April 28, 2011

On April 21st an 23rd, 2011 The Barra MacNeils joined Symphony Nova Scotia for two incredible concerts at The Rebecca Cohn in Halifax, NS.

These concerts were recorded live for a CD release later this year.

Advance sales can be done now for a limited edition, numbered, signed CD copy; which will come directly to you in the mail the moment the finished CD product is available.

Click here for details and to pre-order

For Immediate Release
April 11, 2011

Symphony Nova Scotia to perform two concerts with the Barra MacNeils – Thursday night almost sold out!

Halifax, NS – The Barra MacNeils join Symphony Nova Scotia for two foot-stomping nights of East Coast music on Thursday, April 21 and Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 pm at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax.
Originally from Cape Breton’s Sydney Mines, the six MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Their 20-year career has resulted in more than a dozen recordings, as well as numerous tours across Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe. Having just completed three performances with the Toronto Symphony, the Barras will return to Symphony Nova Scotia for their first appearance with the orchestra since a sold-out concert back in April 2006.

“Despite performing in venues and on stages all over the world year and year out, it’s always a very special feeling to return to the Cohn and take the stage with Symphony Nova Scotia in Halifax,” says Stewart MacNeil. “I know I speak for the entire group when I say we’re really looking forward to it.”
Conducted by Symphony Nova Scotia’s Resident Conductor (and fellow Cape Bretoner) Martin MacDonald, both concerts will feature highlights from the Barras’ 20-year career. Tunes will run the gamut from new songs to traditional reels and jigs – all featuring the Barras’ signature step-dancing, vocal harmonies, and multi-instrumental chops. The full program includes:

My Heart's in the Highlands
One Misty Moisty Morning
Puirt Beul
Easter Snow
Dougie Mac Medley: Peter MacDonnell/Jessie Over the Bridge/The Furze Bush
Coaltown Road
The Longest Day
Darlin' Be Home Soon
Our Highland Queen Medley
By Northern Light
Horses, Geese and One Old Man
Caledonia
Gearan na Maighdinn (The Maiden's Complaint)
Hugh F. MacKenzie
Stepdance Medley
Hanlon's Tweed

These concerts will also be recorded, with a brand-new live concert album to be released in late 2011. This will be the Barras’ fifteenth recording, and Symphony Nova Scotia’s first commercially released album since 2006. Fans who pre-order the album at the concerts will have their CDs personally autographed by the Barras. Symphony Nova Scotia and the Barras both encourage their fans to come out and be part of this one-of-a-kind project!

Orchestral arrangements for these concerts are by Scott Macmillan, Stewart MacNeil, James Mark, Eric Robertson, and Symphony Nova Scotia’s own Chris Palmer.

Prices range from $29-52 (HST included), or you can pick up a ticket package and save up to 30%. Student and group discounts are also available. Call 494.3820 or visit our website at www.symphonynovascotia.ca Maritime series sponsor: www.thenslc.com

About the Barra MacNeils
Throughout 2007 and 2008, the Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island-based family group the Barra MacNeils celebrated over 20 years in an outstanding recording and touring career. This was accented with a two-CD special 20th anniversary package covering the span of their entire career to that point, as well as live concerts reflecting the musical course of their career, from humble family beginnings to worldwide acclaim. The concert touring in support of that project took the group to theatre and festival stages coast to coast across Canada, had them jetting across America from festival stage to theatre stage and beyond, as well as sending them to Ireland and Scotland for prestigious events across the Atlantic.

As a group, the six MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the family group is deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture, dance, language and history. Their numerous critically acclaimed recordings have included their own original songs as well as tried and true standards, both instrumental and vocal.

The Barra MacNeils live concert experience brings so much more to the stage than most live acts ever can. Multiple lead vocalists, beautiful sibling harmonies, and top drawer instrumental prowess on a wide variety of acoustic, stringed, percussion and wind instruments blended with dancing, storytelling, Gaelic songs and a journey through an ancient culture; it is family entertainment at its highest level.

Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, this diverse and talented family group continues to wow audiences around the world with their captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship.

About Symphony Nova Scotia
Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. Each year more than 50,000 audience members (including 16,000 young music lovers) join us in communities across Nova Scotia for performances of the music they love – from baroque and classical to pop and rock and folk. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the country.

Symphony Nova Scotia is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture, and Heritage, and the Halifax Regional Municipality for their continued support.

December 2010
TV Special: Christmas Together with The Barra MacNeils

A concert with The Barra MacNeils, Scottish guest artist Maggie Macinnes and a guest trio of Acadian vocalists, Monique Poirier, Isabelle Therialt and Patricia Richard, shot with a live audience.

Bravo TV Canada
Dec 16 - 9pm ET
Dec 17 - 8am ET
Dec 18 - 6am ET
Dec 20 - 8pm ET

Vision TV
Dec 24 - 9:00 pm ET
Dec 24 - 11:00pm ET

December 16, 2010
Christmas with MacNeils has become a tradition
Barra MacNeils wrap up annual concert tour with N.S. shows
By STEPHEN COOKE, Halifax Herald

WHEN THE BARRA MACNEILS take their annual Christmas concert tour across Canada, the holiday spirit just seems to follow them wherever they go — even when they’re not on stage.

"We were just walking down the street here in Sarnia with (our bassist) Jamie Gatti, and this guy came up to us and told him, ‘You should have a Santa suit on.’

"Just out of the blue. I don’t think he knew who we were, but he felt that Jamie should be a Santa," says Stewart MacNeil, recounting an episode involving the group’s bearded bassman from minutes before picking up the phone.

In Sarnia, it was Jack Frost the Cape Breton Celtic group was more concerned about, after 31 centimetres of snow closed Highway 401 and forced the postponement of a show in Brockville. But apart from that and -40 temperatures in Calgary, MacNeil says the seasonal trek has been a good one since it started in Nanaimo, B.C., on Nov. 13.

"It’s a good tour. Everybody’s enjoying it and people are in a good frame of mind as we’re working our way east," says MacNeil, who looks forward to being back on home turf with siblings Sheumas, Kyle, Lucy, Ryan and Boyd starting Saturday at St. Francis Xavier University’s Bloomfield Centre in Antigonish at 8 p.m.

The tour wraps up with two shows Sunday at Halifax’s Rebecca Cohn Auditorium at 4 and 8 p.m., and a Savoy Theatre performance on Monday in Glace Bay at 7:30 p.m.

Fans of the Barra MacNeils have been enjoying the tour vicariously through blog posts, photos and video clips posted by younger brothers Ryan and Boyd on the band’s website, www.barramacneils.com. Titled The 39 Days of Christmas, updates include musical moments along with stupid human tricks, arts and crafts (making a Christmas tree out of Canada Dry cans) and disco dance moves.

"It’s great to have them. They have a great energy and they certainly add a lot," says Stewart of his younger siblings and former Slainte Mhath members.

"It helps to have some extra voices and the additional instruments that they bring.

"It certainly rounds out the whole family experience of the show. We talk about our Christmases growing up, and it’s interesting to have their spin on things. It just keeps it fresh."

After 10 years of doing Christmas concerts with selections from the Barra MacNeils’ two popular seasonal CDs, keeping it fresh is an ongoing challenge. At the moment, there are no plans to record a third Christmas disc, although MacNeil doesn’t rule it out in the future.

He says the group puts a lot of thought into having the right balance of new and familiar elements each year. "The stories in the show do change, and we add or take away different songs from year to year. But then there are the favourites that never go away, like Christmas in Killarney or O Holy Night.

"Those types of things are really part of the sound, and the highest compliment we get is from people who try to make it an annual thing. It’s kind of like their Nutcracker."

For an extra dose of Barras holiday cheer, Bravo TV is showing A Christmas Together with the Barra MacNeils on Thursday at 10 p.m., Friday at 9 a.m., Saturday at 7 a.m. and Monday at 9 p.m. The special also airs Saturday at 8 p.m. on "A" and Christmas Eve on Vision at 10 p.m. and midnight.

After a holiday break, the Barras will be preparing for a series of orchestral appearances with the Toronto Symphony and Symphony Nova Scotia in April, and further presentations of the group’s Cathedral concert, utilizing pipe organs in some of the region’s more majestic churches.

The group has performed Cathedral in Cape Breton, P.E.I. and New Brunswick, and Stewart says it’s hoped more Nova Scotia shows are down the road.

"It’s received a strong response," he says. "The nature of the show gives you a bit of a learning curve when it comes to figuring out how to tour with it. First, the pipe organ is very important, and all the buildings are different, as well as the organs. So Sheumas has to go in ahead of time to get familiar with them and figure out orchestrations.

"But it’s been a great experience so far, and there’s a lot of interest. All throughout the Christmas tour, we’ve heard from a number of people who are very curious about Cathedral and want to know how they can bring it to their community, so it’s all been very positive."

October 30, 2010
Pulling out all the stops
Sally Cole, The Guardian

The rich, resounding tones of the pipe organ have been long associated with sacred music. But the instrument is also a staple in classical, rock ‘n’ roll and other musical genres.

Members of the Barra MacNeills are preparing to showcase the organ’s virtuosity when they bring their new show, Cathedral, to Charlottetown’s Trinity United Church next week.

“From Vivaldi to Styx, ancient chants to Bobby McFerrin, the Barra MacNeills to Bach, Cathedral the evening is a variety show with something for everyone,” says Stewart MacNeill, lead singer of the Canadian Celtic musical group from Sydney Mines, N.S., that includes Lucy, Kyle, Sheumas, Ryan and Boyd MacNeill.

He describes Cathedral, which debuts at Charlottetown’s Trinity United Church on Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m., as a “musical adventure that combines a selection of this past millennium’s greatest musical compositions, featuring the power of the pipe organ with the delicate, driving sounds of the mandolin, harp, fiddle and whistle, all happening in beautiful church/cathedral settings.”

“We’re going to pull out all the stops, no pun intended,” says Stewart MacNeill, with a laugh, during a telephone interview.

Months of preparation have gone into the show. In recent days he and his siblings have been finalizing the instrumentals and song list, weaving them together in such a way that they will provide audience members with a musical experience.

“When we first did the show in Sydney, reaction was strong. The audience really loved it. Now after days of rehearsals, we’re ready to go on tour,” he says.

It’s the latest venture of the MacNeil siblings who began performing together in 1980 while still teenagers.

In 1986, they released their first album on their own independent label. Since then they have won five ECMA awards, including an album of the year for TimeFrame in 1992, and group of the year in 2001.

In recent years, they signed with Polygram, and their first two albums were re-released while their 1993 album, Closer To Paradise, earned a gold record. They have been an opening act for Celine Dion and have toured across North America and Europe.

After performing in festivals and soft-seat concerts, Cathedral offers band members a change of venue.

It was inspired by a conversation between the Barra MacNeill’s Sheumas MacNeil and Halifax based producer Brookes Diamond, when the band member revealed he had spent his university days at Mount Allison University learning to master the pipe organ.

“It was a surprise to learn Sheumas had his degree in pipe organ”, says Diamond.

“The idea of combining the music of the Barras with the power and traditions of the pipe organ in the settings of the great cathedrals of the world began to emerge. The group liked the idea and so Cathedral was born,” says Diamond, in a news release.

MacNeil is happy with the way the show has come together.

“The whole family has been involved, suggesting pieces from many genres that have been lifelong favourites while discovering material that we’d never heard before. The organ certainly adds a powerful new sound and we’ve been enjoying learning some amazingly interesting music,” he says.

JUST THE FACTS

At a glance

Up close and personal with Stewart MacNeill

— Favourite book: The Bishop's Man.
— Favourite food: Pesto and pasta.
— Favourite music: The Gaelic Mounties.
— Five things to take to a desert island: water, coffee, oranges, cereal bars and green tea.

October 30, 2010
East Coast Celtic band brings Cathedral project to St. John's United Church in Moncton tonight
BY KEN KELLEY, TIMES & TRANSCRIPT

As one of Atlantic Canada's most celebrated Celtic music bands, The Barra MacNeils are about to embark on a new musical adventure and are inviting you to join them. Given their extensive history, it is hard to believe that there isn't a whole lot the group hasn't already tried or accomplished, but in a matter of teaching an old dog a new trick, the group is launching the Cathedral production to fans everywhere.

"It all started with a conversation that my brother Sheumas had with Brookes Diamond," Stewart says. "Brookes discovered that Sheumas played pipe organ and for some reason, this fact had really taken him by surprise. Brookes floated the idea of putting a show together for the band that would involve the pipe organ and though we didn't respond to it right away, he held onto that idea and ran it by us again a couple of years ago."

Together with Diamond, Stewart says the band began putting a show prototype together and launched the first Cathedral performance this past April to a sold-out, joyous hometown crowd in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

"The response to the show given to us in Sydney was really wonderful. We were very pleasantly surprised by the response that we were given," Stewart says.

Stating that the Cathedral show is a "musical journey through the ages", MacNeil says it incorporates the band's renowned brand of Celtic music while adding in the rich sounds of pipe organ, a cellist as well as a couple of guest vocalists.

During the course of the show, the band performs original music with added touches of Celtic flair in addition to music specifically written for pipe organ, including music from Johann Sebastian Bach to more contemporary fare such as Styx. MacNeil isn't shy about admitting the music featured in their show crosses several music boundaries and categories during the approximate 80 minute show.

MacNeil says that he and the remainder of the group, including siblings Kyle, Lucy, Sheumas, Boyd, Ryan and bassist Jamie Gatti, were initially a little outside of their comfort zone when it came to assembling the soundtrack featured in the show.

"Ultimately, I think that this is the basis of what the Barra MacNeils are about. We are very lucky in that we are very accomplished in the music of Cape Breton and the Celtic tradition and that, in turn, allows us to open another page in the story of the band. People who have seen the show have been fascinated that there is a lot of music that shows the instrumental side of the band but there is also a fair amount of music that works in a vocal capacity as well.

"I feel that there is something invisible tying the show together and I truly think that it is the transcendence of music. The show is meant to be inspiring; that is what is at the heart of Cathedral and we feel it is great that we are able to musically stretch out a little bit."

Stewart says the band is optimistic that the group will be able to bring the Cathedral show to audiences throughout Canada and the United States over the next year.

"Early indications that we are hearing is that people are anxious to see the show and we feel very fortunate for that," he says. "Brookes Diamond has been at the helm of other productions such as the Drum show which toured to great success throughout North America and he feels that Cathedral could become a touring show and reach a wide market."

October 26, 2010
A musical adventure: The Barra MacNeils unveil Cathedral,
a new musical project
By Lori Gallagher, The Daily Gleaner

Imagine the soaring splendour of the pipe organ, with the delicate sounds of the mandolin, fiddle and whistle. Combine this with the music of Vivaldi and Styx, throw in some ancient chants and a bit of Bobby McFerrin, then top it off with the talent of The Barra MacNeils.

The result is Cathedral. This musical adventure that combines the best of many worlds is coming to Wilmot United Church on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m.

"It's a new project," says Stewart MacNeil. "The conception goes back to a conversation that Sheumas (MacNeil) and Brookes Diamond had 10 years or so ago."

The pair were chatting at the East Coast Music Awards and, somewhere in the conversation, Sheumas MacNeil mentioned that he had studied pipe organ at Mount Alison University.

"Brookes was very interested, he didn't realize Sheumas played pipe organ. He said one day maybe we should do some sort of show that incorporates pipe organ," says Stewart MacNeil.

Time passed and the idea for the show kept coming back to Diamond until finally he teamed up with The Barra MacNeils to put together a prototype of Cathedral.

The Barra MacNeils are a family group featuring the six MacNeil siblings - Kyle, Lucy, Sheumas, Stewart, Boyd and Ryan - from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island. They are best known for being deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture, dance, language and history.

While Cathedral might not be what people are used to seeing from this group, the project still utilizes the talents these musicians are known for, while allowing them to explore new areas.

"We performed the show in Sydney and the response was wonderful," says Stewart MacNeil. "The show is kind of a musical journey that takes you through the ages. It includes some of the great works that were written for a pipe organ and also music that has been arranged to include some of the Cape Breton Celtic side of what The Barra MacNeils are about."

There is a lot of a cappella music in the show, he says, from chant melodies in Latin and Scottish Gallic to more modern tunes.

"It's a real mix. It features the full ensemble of instruments that The Barra MacNeils usually bring to the show and Jamie Gatti is with us on base. He's been playing with us now for 14 years," says Stewart MacNeil.

"Also for the show in Fredericton, we have John Spearns on cello and there are two young girls from Sydney, they're twin sisters in Grade 11, and they have soprano voices."

The sisters, Meghan and Mikayla Luckie-Taylor, add wonderful soaring textures to some of the original music, he says.

"I also want to mention a Bach prelude and fugue and when the fugue kicks in, it's the Irish pipes that actually plays the first part of the fugue. That's kind of cool, I think."

It also illustrates one of the unique musical moments participants will experience as part of Cathedral.

"We grew up on the strong oral tradition of Cape Breton traditional music," he says. "That's always been part of what we know, but there is also some formal training as well."

This project gives everybody a chance to stretch a bit.

"It was interesting at the first show because there were people who really know The Barra MacNeils for their Cape Breton traditional fare, and also the classical music enthusiasts that were curious to see what the show was about," says Stewart MacNeil.

"And afterwards it was very interesting when people told us highlights, there was some total contrast to the things that impressed them in the show. It was really wonderful to be able to bring a lot of that together."

Also wonderful is that they're all having a great time doing Cathedral.

"It has great potential and the touring part is just getting started and we're just excited to get out there and perform it," he says. "Hopefully it becomes a transcendental experience."

They've been in steady rehearsals for the show for the past month and are getting geared up for upcoming dates in Moncton, Fredericton, Charlottetown and Bathurst.

Since they debuted Cathedral in Sydney, N.S. in April, they've made a few tweaks to the show, including the addition of a French song.

In the past, The Barra MacNeils have played in many different venues, but by necessity Cathedral is performed in churches.

"The challenge is more for Sheumas, as he has to tackle different pipe organs in each venue," says Stewart MacNeil. "Churches are such magnificent structures, being able to use these venues with the concept of Cathedral, the show makes sense in that setting."

Those who come out to the show can expect to hear a diverse collection of music.

"If anything, we want people to feel uplifted and positive, because it is very much a positive vibe that comes from the show," he says. "Hopefully people will feel inspired, and will feel as moved as we do in performing this show."

For more information, visit www.cathedralshow.ca or www.barramacneils.com. Tickets are $34 and are available at Wilmot United Church or The Playhouse box office.

----

What: Cathedral
Information: A musical adventure that combines a variety of instruments and styles of music with the talents of The Barra MacNeils is coming to Wilmot United Church in Fredericton on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $34 and are available at Wilmot United Church or The Playhouse box office.
Contact: To learn more, visit www.cathedralshow.ca or www.barramacneils.com

For Immediate Release
October 14, 2010
Symphony Nova Scotia adds Barra MacNeils encore performance

Halifax, NS – Thanks to strong audience response, Symphony Nova Scotia is adding an encore performance to its 2010/11 concert lineup.

The Symphony’s original performances with the Barra MacNeils (April 21) is one of the most popular concerts this season, and is well on the way to selling out. The show with the Barras will feature Celtic music and step-dancing onstage with the Symphony.

“We’re delighted that our fans are as enthusiastic as we are about these performances,” says Symphony Nova Scotia CEO Erika Beatty. “(Barra MacNeils) the last time we performed with them was five years ago. What fun to close our pops series with an encore performance with this incredible group of Maritime musicians.”

The original and added concert dates are:

Thursday, April 21, 2011, 7:30 pm, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax

ENCORE: Saturday, April 23, 2010, 7:30 pm, Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax

Tickets for all performances are available now at 494.3820 or www.symphonynovascotia.ca. Prices range from $29-52 (HST included), or you can pick up a ticket package and save up to 30%.

About Symphony Nova Scotia

Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. Each year more than 50,000 audience members (including 16,000 young music lovers) join us in communities across Nova Scotia for performances of the music they love – from baroque and classical to pop and rock and folk. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the country. Visit www.SymphonyNovaScotia.ca to learn more, listen online, or subscribe today!

Symphony Nova Scotia is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture, and Heritage, and the Halifax Regional Municipality for their continued support.

###

For more information, please contact:
Heidi MacPhee
Marketing and Communications Manager, Symphony Nova Scotia
902.421.1300 x. 226
marketing@symphonyns.ca
www.symphonynovascotia.ca

September 9, 2010
The Barra MacNeils unveil new musical venture

"Exceptional!"
"I was breathless."
"“The show of the year."

Halifax, NS - The Barra MacNeils are preparing to debut their bold new musical journey to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island audiences this Fall.

CATHEDRAL is described as a musical adventure combining the best of many worlds - a selection of the past millennium's greatest musical compositions, featuring the power of the pipe organ with the delicate, driving sounds of the mandolin, fiddle, and whistle, all happening in beautiful church/cathedral settings. From Vivaldi to Styx, ancient chants to Bobby McFerrin, Barras to Bach, CATHEDRAL will take the audience on a unique musical experience.

The concept for CATHEDRAL first emerged from conversation between the Barras’ Sheumas MacNeil and Halifax based producer Brookes Diamond, where Sheumas revealed he had spent his university days at Mount Allison learning to master the pipe organ.

"It was a surprise to learn Sheumas had his degree in pipe organ", says Diamond. “…and the idea of combining the music of the Barras with the power and traditions of the pipe organ in the settings of the great cathedrals of the world began to emerge. The group liked the idea and Cathedral was born.”

Sheumas agrees. "Pipe organ was always one of my favourite instruments to play, but we didn't have one at home and they're hard to find in concert halls, so it all just fell out of the picture. It's been great getting back at the pedals and the keys, experimenting with so much new and old material."

Stewart MacNeil has been happily surprised at the way the show has come together. "The whole family has been involved, suggesting pieces from many genres that have been lifelong favourites while discovering material that we'd never heard before. The organ certainly adds a powerful new sound and we've been enjoying learning some amazingly interesting music."

CATHEDRAL made its sold out debut in April at St.Andrew’s United Church, Sydney to rave reviews. It will make its New Brunswick debut Thursday October 28 at Moncton’s St.John’s United Church, followed by Fredericton’s Wilmot United Church Saturday October 30th, and Bathurst’s Holy Family Church Saturday November 06. Charlottetown’s Trinity United Church will host PEI’s CATHEDRAL debut Thursday November 04. Tickets for all four performances are on sale Friday September 10. For complete ticket information, visit www.cathedralshow.ca.

CATHEDRAL is a Brookes Diamond Production.
www.cathedralshow.ca

April 17, 2010
Barras Star in New Production
Dan MacDonald, Cape Breton Post (article excerpt)

... On Saturday night The Barras took St. Andrews United Church in Sydney by storm! Cathedral is unlike any Barras’ production that you’ve ever seen before, an unusual concept that combined traditional jigs and reels with Gregorian chant, Gaelic presenting, the classical music of Bach and a massive four-ton pipe organ. Sprinkle in music from Styx, Bobby McFerrin, Fred Lavery and Gordie Sampson and you start to get the idea.

Having the premier presentation of this show on their home turf was a brave move by the Barras. What would their family and friends think about a production that was so far from what the public has come to expect? The response from the sold out audience was more then positive, with several standing ovations. Each of the Barras is more then the traditional side that they are most known for and Cathedral certainly demonstrates this.

The six MacNeil siblings didn’t do this entirely on their own. Their longtime bassist Jamie Gatti also joined them and they had help from cellist John Spearns and vocalists Meghan and Mikayla Luckie-Taylor. At only 15 years of age, the twins’ singing and show skills are impressive. This was particularly highlighted by their dynamic presentation of the difficult Pie Jesu, a performance that garnered them a well-deserved standing ovation.

Overall, this was quite the production, something that took months of planning and hard work to come to fruition. If you saw the show, I’m sure that you have been raving about it to anyone who would listen. If you weren’t there, you missed the show of the year. Catch it whenever and wherever you can.

April 8, 2010
Barras’ show includes Vivaldi, Styx.
Cathedral debuts Saturday at Sydney church
By ANDREA NEMETZ, Halifax Herald

The Barra MacNeils will unveil Cathedral on Saturday night in Sydney and hope to take the show on the road in the future.

Surprisingly, early Styx albums lend themselves well to being played on a pipe organ, says Stewart MacNeil.

"They are a huge keyboard band," says MacNeil, who sings and plays accordion, tin whistle, flute, bouzouki and guitar in the multiple East Coast Music Award-winning Cape Breton band The Barra MacNeils.

"Their stuff has a real energy around it, particularly the rhythm section, and when the Barras play it, it has a real Celtic feel. The bodhran drives it."

Nevertheless when the Barras take to the stage on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church in Sydney, for their new project Cathedral, the show will be far from typical for the musical family group from Sydney Mines.

The production spans music from the past millennium, from Vivaldi to Styx, ancient chants to Bobby McFerrin and Bach to traditional, featuring the power of the organ and instruments ranging from penny whistle to pipes.

"I think it will appeal to a wide range of people. The music crosses a lot of boundaries," MacNeil says by phone from Cape Breton, where he’s home after returning from a three-week tour that took the family group from Texas to Regina to Whitehorse and B.C.

Cathedral arose from discussions several years ago between Sheumas, who plays keyboards, piano, bodhran, fiddle and bouzouki, and producer Brookes Diamond about the fact Sheumas studied pipe organ at Mount Allison University.

"Years went by and it never left Brookes’ mind," says Stewart. "Last year we talked about the idea of putting a show together and we worked on it on and off between touring with Maynard Morrison in a directing capacity."

The whole family — Sheumas, Stewart, Kyle on vocals, guitar, violin and mandolin; Lucy on vocals, bodhran, Celtic harp and fiddle; Ryan on keyboards, percussion, uillian pipes, tin whistle and bodhran; and Boyd on mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo and percussion — will be joined by Jamie Gatti on bass and John Spearns on cello as well as 15-year-old twin vocalists Meghan and Mikayla Luckie-Taylor.

While the group is reworking one of its tunes, most of the material will be songs they won’t have performed before.

For example, the group has transposed a piece of music by Bach so Irish pipes and flutes could play along.

"Playing Bach in church is about as natural as it gets," says Stewart. "Some of the Vivaldi parts were written for the organ, so the setting, a church, is where it would originally have been performed. There are a capella moments which in a church feel really special."

And the Barras plan to perform Bobby McFerrin’s 23rd Psalm.

"I’m a huge fan of his music," Stewart says of the singer known for the hit Don’t Worry, Be Happy. "The albums have a lot of multi-layering so it works well with the whole family performing together. The 23rd Psalm is so well written, but there’s a challenge to it and everyone has to dig in."

Cathedral may feel like the Barras’ popular Christmas show to some audience members.

"There’s a certain feel or ambience when it’s performed in a church. Something special happens. Aside from the really energetic parts, there are ethereal moments. We really work to create a balance to transcend the musical experience and take people somewhere else."

Stewart says regardless of people’s religious beliefs, they will enjoy the music, which he describes as timeless and awe-inspiring.

And, he notes, there is no such thing as an old organ, just an organ that is not well-maintained.

"Both Sheumas and myself took pipe organ lessons at St. Andrew’s from Peter Fraser who is still the organist there. Huge volumes (of music) have been written for the organ, and people don’t hear it."

As well, Stewart notes, the organ is a very physical instrument.

"When this organ is opened up to its full volume, it’s incredibly powerful. There’s no amplification, but you can feel the wind rushing through the columns — there’s nothing that can replicate that."

He notes the pulpit in St. Andrews can be removed so people will have a good view of Sheumas playing the organ.

The group hopes to tour the project eventually and Stewart is looking forward to the feedback from this first concert.

"There’s a stereotype of what a church show can be, but there’s huge potential for a concert of this sort. It’s wonderful music and timeless. We want people to enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoy playing it."

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at: Brine’s of New Waterford Hairstyling Ltd., 862-3885; Brewers Convenience Store, North Sydney, 794-2304; Sexton’s Pharmacy, Sydney Mines, 736-3801; Pharmasave, Glace Bay, 849-6552; C.B. Curiosity Shop, Sydney, 564-4660; Quality Cameras & Computers Ltd, Sydney, 562-3600 and St. Andrew’s United Church Office, Sydney, 564-4810.

April 7, 2010
CTV's Randy MacDonald reports on the Barra MacNeils
and their new musical adventure 'Cathedral'
(You must be logged into Facebook to view video)

The Barra MacNeils to unveil new musical venture

The Barra MacNeils are preparing to embark on a bold new musical journey with the debut of CATHEDRAL on April 10th at St Andrew’s United Church in Sydney. Rehearsals have been underway between touring jaunts since last summer.

The production is described as a musical adventure combining the best of many worlds - a selection of the past millennium’s greatest musical compositions, featuring the power of the pipe organ with the delicate, sometimes driving sounds of the mandolin, fiddle, and whistle, all happening in a beautiful cathedral setting. From Vivaldi to Styx, ancient chants to Bobby McFerrin, Barras to Bach, CATHEDRAL will take the audience on a unique musical adventure.

The concept for CATHEDRAL first emerged from conversation between the Barras Sheumas MacNeil and Halifax based producer Brookes Diamond, where Sheumas revealed he had spent his university days at Mt Allison learning to study the pipe organ. “It was such a surprise,” says Diamond, “…so out of keeping with Sheumas’ deep Celtic roots. And the light just went off - how unique and entertaining a combination of the musical traditions could be. Balancing the might of the pipe organ with the array of traditional instruments the Barras have mastered and how moving it would be to experience it all in the magnificence of the great cathedrals of the world.”

Sheumas agrees. “It was always one of my favourite instruments to play, but we didn’t have one at home and they’re hard to find in concert halls, so it all just fell out of the picture. It’s been great getting back at the pedals and the keys, experimenting with so much new and old material.”

Stewart MacNeil has been happily surprised at the way the show has been coming together. “The whole family has been involved, suggesting pieces from many genres that have been lifelong favourites while discovering material that we’d never heard before. The organ certainly adds a powerful new sound and we’ve been enjoying learning some amazingly interesting music.”

CATHEDRAL will debut at St. Andrew’s United Church, Sydney, NS
April 10 at 7:30PM.

Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:

Brine's of New Waterford Hairstyling Ltd, 422 Hudson St., New Waterford
Brewers Convenience Store, 260 Commercial Street, North Sydney - 794 2304
Sexton's Pharmacy, 746 Main St., Sydney Mines - 736-3801
Pharmasave, 135 Commercial St., Glace Bay - 849-6552
C.B. Curiosity Shop, 306 Charlotte St., Sydney - 564-4660
Quality Cameras & Computers Ltd, 245 George St., Sydney - 562-3600
St. Andrew's United Church Office, 40 Bentinck St., Sydney - 564-4810

Download high resolution posters:

March 11, 2010
To celebrate Celtfest anniversary, Cape Breton stars will perform
DAILY NEWS

As part of celebrations for the 10th Anniversary of Vancouver Island's Celtfest, Canada's first family of Celtic music, the Barra MacNeils will perform at the Port Theatre on March 21.

Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, this diverse and talented family group sells out shows around the world with their captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship.

The Barra MacNeils live concert experience -- their first in a decade on Vancouver Island -- brings so much more to the stage than most live acts ever can. Multiple lead vocalists, beautiful sibling harmonies, top drawer instrumental prowess on a wide variety of acoustic, stringed, percussion and wind instruments blended with dancing, storytelling, Gaelic songs and a journey through an ancient culture; it is family entertainment at its highest level.

Multi-award winners, the Barra MacNeils have released no less than 14 recordings.

Canada's Celtic ambassadors, the Barra MacNeils continue to perform to sold out audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Europe. From headlining major festivals, concerts, special guest appearances, television specials, film and television placement and their annual Christmas tour, they have set the course with a solid foundation for success.

Also featured on the program will be Vancouver Island CeltFest favourites master piper René Cusson and members of the Glengarry Highland and O'Brien Irish schools of dance.

Tickets for the Port Theatre show are available at their box office. Call 250-754-8550 or go online to www.porttheatre.com.

March 3, 2010
The Barra MacNeils off to Dallas, Texas!

Cape Breton’s Barra MacNeils are traveling to Dallas, Texas Thursday where they will be one of the headliners at the North Texas Irish Festival.

The group was such a successful hit at the festival last year that the festival asked the band to return for 2010.

The festival is the largest Celtic festival in the Southwestern United States. This year, the festival has a special focus on Atlantic Canada.

Also included in the line up are good friends Great Big Sea, Acadian group Grand Dérangement, David Munnelly Band and many more.

After spending the weekend in Dallas, the Barra MacNeils start a tour of Western Canada the following week.

March 5-7 , 2010
The North Texas Irish Festival -- Dallas, TX
The largest Celtic Festival in the Southwest United States
http://www.ntif.org

February 17, 2010
Storm postpones Barra MacNeils until Thursday
The Guardian, PEI

The Barra MacNeils concert at the Confederation Centre in Charlottetown was one of the final casualties from Wednesday's snowstorm which hit P.E.I. during the early morning hours.

The concert, set for Wednesday night, has been rescheduled to Thursday.

The snow is tapering off and winds are forecast to become light overnight as the storm pulls away. Environment Canada ended its snowfall warning for all of Prince Edward Island by early afternoon. Forecasters say two more centimetres are still possible this evening.

The Department of Transportation says roads are slippery but visibility is good. Traffic is running smoothly on the Confederation Bridge. The Charlottetown Airport is reporting delays, especially for flights in and out of Halifax, Ottawa, and Toronto.

The early morning storm struck quickly after 4 a.m., resulting in the closure of all schools across the province. All Holland College classes are cancelled while UPEI is shut down until this evening.

This is just the second closure of classes this school year because of weather. And today’s storm gives students an extra short week following Monday’s Islander Day provincial holiday.

Both provincial and federal government offices are closed for the day.

February 10, 2010
The Barra MacNeils tell both sides of their musical
story in new CDs
SALLY COLE, The Guardian (PEI)

After performing together for 23 years, a certain musical family has a storied career.

And the newest chapter in the saga of The Barra MacNeils will be told during their upcoming concert at The Confederation Centre of the Arts.

“The first great news is that we’ve just released two albums — live. The idea (for it) originated from fans that had sent us different emails saying they enjoyed our concerts but wanted something that reflected the energy of our live shows.

“It was also something that the band had never done before, even though we’ve been playing for over 20 years. So we thought it would be fun,” says keyboard player/piper Ryan MacNeil who, along with siblings Stewart, Lucy, Kyle, Sheumas and Boyd will perform music from their new CDs on Wednesday, Feb. 17, in the Homburg Theatre at the Confederation Centre of the Arts at 8 p.m.

The second news is that the new recordings — In Concert and In Session — tell the two sides of the musical story that they bring to audiences the world over.

“We recorded In Concert over two nights at The Marigold Cultural Centre in Truro. This one represents the music we perform at soft seat theatres and concert halls,” says MacNeil, noting the CD includes tunes like the Clumsy Lover Set and Step Dance with Lucy, as well as vocal favourites like Caledonia and Coal Town Road.

Their second CD, The Session, happened rather spontaneously.

“We’ve grown up playing music for house parties with friends and relatives. One night we were playing at a party when our manager, Andre Bourgeois, suggested that we record exactly what we were doing. We thought it wasn’t such a crazy idea so we booked Governor’s Pub in Sydney and invited 30 friends to come along.

“It quickly turned into a party atmosphere and we played for six solid hours. Other than a few planned numbers it was mostly impromptu with people singing along or jumping up to step dance,” says MacNeil, adding this CD includes songs like Dancing We Would Go, Aimless Love and Every Time and instrumentals like Highland Village Day, That ’70s Set and So You Think You Can Step dance.

What sets this one apart is its drive and enthusiasm.

”It definitely has a different energy. We finally captured what we’ve been doing at parties on a CD that we’re really happy about,” says MacNeil, adding the group plans to create the same energy on stage during their Charlottetown concert.

Their P.E.I. date is part of a tour that will take the award-winning Celtic performers to Ontario and then to Texas where they are headliners at the North Texas Irish Festival.

“Unfortunately, that means we’ll be missing the East Coast Music Awards in Sydney,” says MacNeil.

After that they’ll continue on to the Canadian prairies and Whitehouse for more shows before heading to British Columbia for a few more dates.

But before they take off on tour, they’re wrapping up Cathedral, a project that they’re doing with Brookes Diamond Productions.

“It’s a show centered around the pipe organ and the wide variety of music that can be performed on it. What inspired it is that my brother Sheumas studied music at Mount Allison University and is an accomplished organist. But very few people have heard him play. And we wanted to change that.

“The show will premiere in Sydney on April 10 and we’ll start taking it to other cities from there,” he says.

At a glance: Fast facts on Ryan MacNeil

Favourite colour: Blue.

Favourite food: Lobster.

Favourite composer: Kevin Breit (jazz).

Favourite book: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Five things to take to a desert island: Uilleann pipes, piano, fresh pineapple, lobster, other musicians.

December 17, 2009
The sounds of a Celtic Christmas will echo through St. John's United Church this Saturday as the Barra MacNeils take the stage.

Celtic group The Barra MacNeils take the stage for two shows Saturday at St. John’s United Church.

It has been a little over 20 years since the group released its first CD. In that time, they have become one of the most famous Celtic bands in the world, releasing 13 CDs, winning 5 ECMA awards and being nominated for a Juno award along the way.

This year's Christmas Tour has taken them along the Eastern seaboard, from New Hampshire to Newfoundland, and all points in between.

"It has been a really nice tour," says Stewart MacNeil. "We have had two Christmas albums that were really popular. There are some great arrangements, some of them Gaelic, and others instrumentals. We have stories and family harmonies. We have been doing it for 10 years now and it is a very popular show."

The MacNeil family loves what they do and, as you watch them on stage, you can tell.

"The thing about this show is that it is fun!" says Aaron Billard of St. John's United Church. "It's fun! From the moment they hit the stage, toes were tapping and hands were clapping. They have a great sense of humour, and sing some songs in Gaelic. When they jumped to the front of the stage and started step dancing, the church filled with cheers and applause!"

The six MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, the family group is deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture, dance, language and history.

"I grew up two streets away from the MacNeil family home, and I was their paperboy. I went to school with two of the younger MacNeils, Ryan and Boyd," remembers Aaron. "Whether it was children taking music lessons, or step dancing lessons, there was always music coming from that house."

The Barra MacNeils offer multiple lead vocalists, beautiful sibling harmonies, top drawer instrumental prowess on a wide variety of acoustic, stringed, percussion and wind instruments, all blended with dancing, storytelling and singing.

"A lot of times people are taken aback by the sheer number of instruments we play," says Stewart, "but it really ads a special character, from Celtic harps to various mandolins and wooden flutes, Irish pipes. You come to this show and you are getting everything."

St. John's made a decision in the last couple of years to offer quality musical shows, partly as a way to raise funds, but mostly as a way to share good music and create community.

"We heat this huge space, and only use it for a couple of hours a week," says Owen Fraser, events committee chairman for St. John's. "With very little effort we changed it into a performance space, because it is a great space, it is beautiful, and it has great acoustics."

In fact, the Irish Tenors who performed there a few weeks ago decided on the spur of the moment to put down their microphones and sing a piece a cappella.

"The one thing artists always tell us, everyone from the Celtic Tenors to Marshall Button, is that the acoustics within St. John's are amazing," Aaron says. "Hearing the music of Christmas performed live, or any music for that matter, in an historic church building is really a wonderful opportunity."

And the Barra MacNeils can use this space to its fullest extent.

"We had a sold out Christmas show last year on the 19th of December," says Owen. "There were so many people who wanted tickets and never got them that we figured we should see if two shows would go, so we are adding a matinee."

As Stewart tells it, this show is first and foremost about celebrating what Christmas in the Maritimes means.

"There are so many songs I really like. I really like that everybody gets featured," he says. "But it is also the range of the show. There are parts that are just like you are sitting in our kitchen, and parts of it seem like a midnight mass. It is a whole mix of what the season brings."

"Last year's concert got me so in the Christmas spirit; it was that perfect dose of Christmas" says Becky Campbell. "Their voices for Christmas songs are so classic!"

"They are excellent performers. They know how to play to an audience," Owen recalls of last year's show. "They had everyone stomping their feet and clapping their hands, it was really something."

Perhaps the clearest memory from last year was the performance of O Holy Night.

"When Lucy sang O Holy Night, as her brothers joined in on harmony, there wasn't a dry eye in the place," says Aaron. "Near the end of the show, Lucy took a few moments to talk with the audience about this time of year not always being joyful, then she invited people to think about someone, or to hold the hand of someone, as she sang Auld Lang Syne and invited everyone to sing with her; it was very moving."

"I would go just to hear their voices live, to hear them blend together," says Becky. "And if you walk out of there in a bad mood, there is something really wrong.

"It shakes all that shopping out of you and you forget everything else when you hear them sing. It is that good!"

"All we really want to do is get people into the Christmas spirit," says Stewart. "That is what it is all about."

December 6, 2009

The traditional family group Barra MacNeils bring their annual Christmas show to St. John’s for the first time....
Read Part 1 (PDF) Read Part 2 (PDF) Read Part 3 (PDF)

December 2009
Upcoming Barra MacNeils TV Specials

All times Eastern (Check your local listings)

Bravo TV Canada
December 14 -- 8:00 pm ET
December 15 -- 9:00 am ET

Christmas Together with the Barra MacNeil's (E) 2007. The Barra MacNeils perform a selection of songs from their Christmas albums in front of a live
audience.

VisionTV
December 9 -- 11:00 pm ET

Christmas Together With the Barra MacNeils. Canada’s leading Celtic artists, the Barra MacNeils, perform music from their best-selling Christmas Album II in this holiday concert special filmed in Dartmouth, N.S.

THE BARRA MACNEILS CHRISTMAS TOUR ADDS ANOTHER SHOW! ... Friday December 11th!

(ST. JOHNS, NL) – Due to popular demand, the Barra MacNeil's have added an additional show Friday, December 11th at 8pm at George Street United Church. The festive season is fast upon us and we are proud to announce that, for the first time ever, the Barra MacNeils will bring their annual seasonal musical celebration to St. John’s! The Barra MacNeil’s will bring their annual Christmas show featuring a skillfully performed collection of seasonal favourites complete with captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship to George Street United Church for two beautiful evening performances December 11th and 12th, 2009.

The Barra MacNeils will be performing selections from both of their popular Christmas CD's as well as a variety of vocal and instrumental favourites. The tour has fast become a holiday tradition for many and they are so pleased to bring it to St. John’s, NL and hope that this can become a Newfoundland tradition. Please see the attached Media Release for additional information. For Media inquiries, please contact Chelsey MacNeil at 709-765-7594 or at this email.

BARRA MACNEILS – CHRISTMAS CONCERT
GEORGE STREET UNITED CHURCH
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY DECEMBER 11 AND 12/ 8 PM SHOWTIME
TICKETS: AVAILABLE AT HOLY HEART BOX OFFICE 709-579-4424

November 27, 2009
Christmas Family Entertainment
The Current, Newfoundland

Barra MacNeils take on a winter tour... Read More (JPG)

November 18, 2009
The Barra MacNeils Christmas tour coming to St. John’s
The Telegram

The Barra MacNeils will bring their annual seasonal musical celebration to St. John’s this year. The show will take place at George Street United Church at 8 p.m. Dec. 12.

The event will feature a skillfully performed collection of seasonal favourites complete with captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship.
Multi-award winners, The Barra MacNeils have released numerous recordings, including Racket In the Attic (2002), Christmas Album (1999), Until Now (1997), The Question (1995), The Traditional Album (1994), Closer to Paradise (1993), Timeframe (1990), Rock in the Stream (1989), The Barra MacNeils (1986). In 2001, they released a DVD titled Cape Breton Christmas incorporating music from their live Christmas Concert Special (as seen on television), plus a visit to Cape Breton, interviews with the Barra MacNeils home at Christmas and music videos.

During the Dec. 12 show, the Barra MacNeils will perform selections from both of their popular Christmas CD's as well as a variety of vocal and instrumental favourites.

According to the George Street United Church website, tickets are $30 each and available at the Holy Heart box office 579-4424. For more information on the group and each show, visit: www.barramacneils.com

For Immediate Release
BARRAS CHRISTMAS CONCERT ADDS 2ND SHOW AT REBECCA COHN!
November 3, 2009 -- Halifax

Due to high demand, a second show has been added for the Barra MacNeils
Christmas concert at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium on Sunday December 20. The new show will be at 4 pm.

The Barra MacNeils Christmas concert will include selections from both of
their popular seasonal CD's as well as a variety of vocal and instrumental
favourites. A family favourite, the Christmas show has become an annual
tradition in Atlantic Canada.

Multi-award winners, The Barra MacNeils have released numerous recordings in their prolific 20-plus year career including their latest In Concert and In
Session live albums.

The six siblings from Sydney Mines, along with long-time bass player, Jamie
Gatti are widely regarded as one of the most accomplished concert acts in
the Celtic world. The family is deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture,
dance, language, and history. Their
seasonal show reflects their Celtic traditions while bringing a sense of fun
and warmth which engages audiences of all ages.

The Barra MacNeils will also perform at the Savoy Theatre for one show only
to end off their tour on Monday December 21 at 8 pm. Tickets for that show
are now on sale at the Savoy Box Office at 1(902)842-1577 or 564-6668 or
on-line www.savoytheatre.com

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 21st, 2009

THE BARRA MACNEILS CHRISTMAS TOUR TAKES
THEM TO ST. JOHN’S, NL!

(ST. JOHNS, NL) – The festive season is fast upon us and we are proud to announce that, for the first time in many years, the Barra MacNeils will bring their annual seasonal musical celebration to St. John’s!

The Barra MacNeil’s will bring their annual Christmas show featuring a skillfully performed collection of seasonal favourites complete with captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship to George Street United Church for one beautiful evening performance December 12th,
2009.

Multi-award winners, The Barra MacNeils have released numerous recordings, including Racket In the Attic (2002), Christmas Album (1999), Until Now (1997), The Question (1995), The Traditional Album (1994), Closer to Paradise (1993), Timeframe (1990), Rock in the Stream (1989), The Barra MacNeils (1986). In 2001, they released a DVD titled Cape Breton Christmas
incorporating music from their live Christmas Concert Special (as seen on television), plus a visit to Cape Breton, interviews with the Barra MacNeils home at Christmas and music videos.

The Barra MacNeils continue to perform to sold-out audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. They have headlined major festivals and concerts, made guest appearances on television specials (Rita MacNeil’s CTV Christmas Special, performing
with The Chieftains), and been featured on film and television soundtracks (Men with Brooms Soundtrack; Racket in the Attic). The Barra MacNeils one-hour Christmas Television Special (2000) continues to be broadcast on Country Music Television (CMT) and on the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) network in the United States. As one critic noted "the six madly talented siblings, with bass player Jamie Gatti, produce a balanced
sound that varies from wild Celtic party music to original tunes and mellow ballads, always infused with joy." (S. Pena, Reading, PA).

BARRA MACNEILS – CHRISTMAS CONCERT
GEORGE STREET UNITED CHURCH
SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 8 PM SHOWTIME
TICKETS: AVAILABLE AT HOLY HEART BOX OFFICE 709-579-4424
For more information the group and each show, visit:

September 2009
The Barra MacNeils: In Concert & In Session Reviews
The Barra MacNeils have released to CD's in the atmosphere that it is the best way to here them or any other performer, "live". In Session was recorded last fall at Bunker's Pub in Sydney and In Concert was recorded at the Marigold Centre in Truro in June 2008... read more

September 24, 2009
Free concert in the park with The Barra MacNeils from Cape Breton When: Thursday, September 24, 2009 -10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
Where: Major’s Hill Park, Ottawa... read more

September 14, 2009
Sydney, NS -- On Saturday the 19th of September Governors Pub & Eatery is proud to present the Barra MacNeils dual CD Release Party as part of the establishment’s grand re-opening celebration... read more

September 3, 2009
Celebrating the culture of the Highlands
From Ceilidhs to cathedral concerts, foot-stomping shows
to haunting Gaelic songs, the Blas festival has it all
BLAS, a music and cultural festival, said to be the UK’s fastest growing and one of the flagship events in this year’s national Homecoming celebrations, gets under way tomorrow... read more

July 21, 2009
Airplanes on course for Cape Breton
SYDNEY — What is believed to be the largest rally of airplanes to fly coast-to-coast in Canada is nearing its final destination at the birthplace of Canadian aviation. As part of the country’s centennial year of flight, more than 100 non-military airplanes and approximately 200 pilots will land in Cape Breton Monday, ending their two-week journey... read more

July 2009
Barra MacNeils will headline Festival of the Tartans
The Barra MacNeils will be the headline performers at the Festival of the Tartan’s Concert Under the Stars in New Glasgow Saturday, August 8. Pictou County’s own Fleur Mainville and Friends will open for the Barras for what promises to be a spectacular evening of Celtic entertainment... read more

January 31, 2009
The music rises again for flood relief fundraiser
He may hang his hat in Alberta, but when Tom Jackson heard the Red River was rising to dangerous levels, it was deja vu all over again. So, as he did in 1997, the former Winnipeg actor and singer-songwriter rose to the occasion by rallying some friends to lend a musical helping hand... read more

January 31, 2009
The Barra MacNeils: 20th Anniversary Collection
Few groups in the Celtic music world can boast the kind of storied career that Cape Breton's world famous family group, the Barra MacNeils, can. Six siblings of almost preternatural skill on all manner of Celtic instruments, with strong, beautiful voices that blend as only sibling voices can, the MacNeils present an award-winning breadth of music, both original and traditional, that is unmatched elsewhere within Celtic music... read more

December 20, 2008
Christmas with the Barras
Closing out another successful Christmas tour Monday at Savoy
The Barra MacNeils will close out another successful Christmas tour with a performance at home. The popular Cape Breton Celtic group — consisting of siblings Sheumas, Kyle, Stewart, Lucy, Boyd and Ryan — will take to the stage for the last time this year with a sold-out show, Monday at 8 p.m. the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay... read more

December 19, 2008
Barras home for the holidays - Month-long Christmas tour wraps
up with four shows in Nova Scotia this week
The Barra MacNeils , from left, Sheumas, Ryan, Boyd, Lucy, Kyle and Stewart, bring their Christmas tour home with shows at St. F.X. Auditorium, Antigonish at 8 p.m. on Saturday; at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax, 4 and 8 p.m. on Sunday, and Glace Bay’s Savoy Theatre on Monday night... read more

December 18, 2008
The BARRA MACNEILS Salute the Season at Scotia Plaza
Juno-nominated singers perform a free concert, promoting Christmas Tour.
The Scotiabank Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour made an additional stop at Scotia Plaza at noon today, spreading their East Coast holiday cheer. The Juno-nominated band will be performing at the Music Hall on the Danforth later this evening, as they cross the country with their annual holiday tour... read more

December 15, 2008
Celtic group still loves performing
Barra MacNeils bring 'kitchen party' to two new live albums
Now two decades in, the East Coast group/family are in the homestretch of a cross-Canada Christmas tour to coincide with some long-awaited live material in two live albums: the recently released In Concert and the forthcoming In Session... read more

December 15, 2008
MacNeils spread Christmas joy
Barra MacNeils bring 'kitchen party' to two new live albums
While Cape Breton musical act The Rankin Family staged a reunion tour earlier this year, fellow islanders and Celtic group Barra MacNeils have no notions about mounting a similar trek. You see, they would have to disband first for that to happen... read more

December 6, 2008
Celtic Christmas. Cape Breton's Barra MacNeils perform in Orillia
The Barra MacNeils bring a Celtic Christmas to Orillia this weekend. The tour is becoming an annual tradition for the Nova Scotia family. "It's definitely one of the fan favourite shows," said Stewart Mac- Neil, the middle of six siblings who have a 20-year age span from youngest to oldest... read more

December 1, 2008
Barra MacNeils finally release live album
Member 'not really sure' why it took this long. Talk about making up for lost time. The Barra MacNeils will soon release two live albums after a 20-plus recording career without a single concert disc... read more

November 27, 2008
Celtic Christmas tour visits Port Hope
An east-coast Celtic Christmas is coming to the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre as the Barra MacNeils sweep through Ontario on their cross-Canada tour. The Barra MacNeils annual seasonal tour is becoming a popular festive tradition in theatres across Canada, said Stewart MacNeil, in a phone interview from just outside Banff.... read more

November 25, 2008
Coupon Code for The Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour concert tickets.

The ticketmaster discount code for Winnipeg The Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour tickets has just been posted! This is your chance to save on tickets to see The Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour at the upcoming concert in Winnipeg. Here are the details you will need, and the coupon code to save when you buy tickets at ticketmaster.com

Use the The Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour discount code at Ticketmaster in the box labeled Ticket Deals Partner Offer or Special Offer Code. Please remember that offers do expire, check back often for new codes, or use the search box at the top of the page to find what you are looking for.

The Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour Discount Code:
Click here to view the code and order tickets

Want tickets early? ** You can get presale passwords for The Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour tickets tickets at our other blog: Presale Passwords by WiseGuy.

November 20, 2008
A tuneful Celtic Christmas
The Barra MacNeils bring their lively sounds to Victoria on annual tour
Stewart MacNeil's music career was launched almost 40 years ago with the gift of a wee harmonica. MacNeil, 44, is a member of the Barra MacNeils, the popular Celtic band from Sydney Mines, N.S. Tomorrow, the sextet plays its annual Christmas concert in Victoria. Two other Vancouver Island dates are already sold out... read more

November 21, 2008
The BARRA MACNEILS CHRISTMAS TOUR TAKES THEM FROM SEA TO SEA
Scotiabank Barra MacNeils Christmas!
The festive season is fast upon us and so the Barra MacNeils will bring their annual seasonal musical celebration to theatres across Canada starting Thursday, Nov. 20 in Maple Ridge, BC and wrapping up closer to their home on Dec. 22, at The Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay... read more

November 18, 2008
Christmas at the ACT
The Barra MacNeils make the first stop of their Christmas national tour at the ACT on Thursday, 8 p.m. Featuring a skillfully performed collection of seasonal favorites, The Christmas Album II was recorded at Kyle and Anita MacNeils’ home on the Mira and Soundpark Studio in Sydney, Cape Breton... read more

November 18, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BARRA MACNEILS CHRISTMAS TOUR BRINGS THEM HOME TO NOVA SCOTIA
The Christmas season is fast upon us and so the Barra MacNeils will bring their annual seasonal musical celebration to Halifax and Glace Bay – completing a month-long tour that has taken them to Victoria B.C. and back.... read more

October 24, 2008
Connect the Scots
SYDNEY — A group of Cape Breton artists will highlight the opening night show of the Celtic Connections international festival in Scotland early next year. The Barra MacNeils, J.P. Cormier, Ashley MacIsaac, Mary Jane Lamond and Jerry Holland will share the stage at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Jan. 15, to kick off the 16th annual event with a show entitled The Cape Breton Connection... read more

September 15, 2008
Review: Barra MacNeils deserve an encore
The Barra MacNeils perform live in the Bob and Bernie' Pub Tent at the Irish Music Festival Sunday afternoon. For the second consecutive day, rain forced the Michigan Irish Music Festival to rearrange their schedule, and festival first-timers, the Barra MacNeils, were relocated from the County Kerry Stage to the dry confines of Bob and Bernie's Pub, where they proceeded to play... read more

September 15, 2008
Barra MacNeils Celtic music to Pinellas Park
The Barra MacNeils will perform on Saturday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N. The family group from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, includes six MacNeil siblings. This year, the band is celebrating 20 years in the industry with an extensive tour and an anniversary CD collection which spans the career of this powerhouse in the field of Celtic music... read more

August 1, 2008
RTÉ Radio Ireland Broadcast
Tune in to RTE Radio Ireland on Monday August 18 for a broadcast of the Barra MacNeils concert from the National Concert Hall, Dublin. Recorded on August 11, 2007.

LISTEN ONLINE on Monday August 18 at 9.00pm Irish Time).

July 12, 2008
MacNeils balance tradition, originality in Reading show
On a perfect summer evening, a large crowd in City Park was thoroughly entertained by the Barra MacNeils, presented by the Berks Arts Council as part of the free Bandshell Concert series... read more

June 4, 2008
Barra MacNeils headline Toronto's Luminato Festival
of Arts and Creativity
Cape Breton’s Barra MacNeils are headlining a huge outdoor performance focused on Scottish Music at Toronto’s Luminato Festival on Saturday, June 7... read more

May 19, 2008
Barra MacNeils Live Recording
Sunday afternoon I was privileged to be among a small group of people, mostly family, close friends and fellow musicians, present at Bunker’s in Sydney as The Barra MacNeils did a live recording as part of an upcoming CD... read more

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