Family Perform Together On Fiddles At Irish Festival And It's Unforgettable

Mar 28, 2020 by apost team

If your parents have a hobby or passion, chances are they'll pass that interest on to you. Whether it be soccer, Tae Kwon Do, or playing the fiddle, doing something that you are passionate about with your family helps build bonds and create amazing memories.

Passing on family traditions is part of the story of Natalie MacMaster, a Canadian violinist. In an impressive performance, Natalie showed at the Dublin Irish Festival in 2013 that teaching your children your passion can have amazing results.

Natalie has been playing the fiddle professionally for decades. The native of Nova Scotia practices what is called Cape Breton fiddle music, according to the Calgary Herald. In her decades long career, Natalie has released numerous hit records and won countless accolades, most notably two Juno Awards, according to That Eric Alper.

Natalie was even made a member of the Order of Canada in 2006 and has been honored several times as Artist of the Year from the East Coast Music Association. Those who follow Natalie point out that her music does not follow one particular genre, as evidenced by her collaborations with artists as diverse as Yo-Yo Ma, Carlos Santana, and Faith Hill.

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Music runs strong in Natalie’s blood. Natalie’s uncle, Buddy MacMaster, is also a renowned Cape Breton fiddler, according to the Calgary Herald. Two of Natalie’s cousins also play professionally. Due to the influence of her family, Natalie began learning to play the fiddle at only 9 years old. Natalie is also married to Donnell Leahy, who plays the fiddle with the Leahy family band. The mother and father fiddle players are the proud parents of seven children.

With such strong influence coming from both parents, it is not hard to imagine that Natalie and Donnell’s children became interested in playing the fiddle. While the couple wanted to encourage their kids’ interest in music, they remained hesitant about allowing their kids to join them on stage at concerts.

Speaking with a reporter from ParkRecord.com, Natalie told of how the couple’s first-born child, Mary Frances, wanted to perform with them when she was only 3 years old. Out of an abundance of caution, Natalie and Donnell initially said no to Mary Frances, feeling that it wouldn’t be appropriate to have their little girl on stage with them. When she begged her parents to be able to perform, Natalie and Donnell allowed her on stage for a quick two-minute set, which the crowd loved.

Seeing how much Mary Frances loved playing with them, Natalie and Donnell promised that she could return to the stage if she practiced more. Soon after, the couple’s 2-year-old, Michael, also wanted to be part of the family’s routine. Eventually, it became common for Natalie and Donnell to play with their children at concerts.

The family’s amazing musical abilities were on full display at a performance at the 2013 Dublin Irish Festival. During this performance, four of the family’s oldest children play for a deeply impressed crowd. Natalie first introduces Michael, who is six at the time. Although looking a little nervous because of the massive audience, Michael plays the instrument with much finesse.

One by one, the rest of the children begin playing to an adoring crowd. Later on, the family’s younger children join their siblings on the stage and begin dancing a traditional Irish dance in matching outfits. In the end, the passion with which Natalie and Donnell’s children perform shows how sharing your hobbies and interests with your kids can change lives. Natalie and Donnell’s love of music flourished in their kids, allowing the family to spend time together and form strong relationships.

What do you think of the family's performance? What do you like doing with your kids? Let us know and make sure to pass this story on.