Sephira
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Sephira - The Irish Rock Violinists | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Carrickmacross, Ireland |
| Genres | Celtic, Rock, Electronic |
| Years active | 2006-present |
| Labels | Cicero Records |
| Members | Joyce O'Leary Ruth O'Leary |
| Website | sephira |
Sephira also known as Sephira - The Irish Rock Violinists are an Irish band consisting of sisters Joyce and Ruth O'Leary, who both play the violin and provide vocals.
They released their debut album Believe in 2006. Its style is classical crossover with traditional Irish influences.
Early life and education[edit]
The sisters are from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland.
They started studying violin in early childhood: Joyce at two years of age and a half and Ruth at six. Joyce performed in the National Concert Hall, Dublin aged just three, playing a Bach minuet. She was named Ireland's Most Promising Violinist when she was nine.[1]
Ruth studied music performance at London's Guildhall School of Music to study for a BA in Music Performance. She continued her studies in Dublin, where she received a first-class honours B.A. with a performance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto at the National Concert Hall, Dublin. During her years of study, Ruth performed with acts such as Rodrigo y Gabriela and featured on their Live in Manchester and Dublin album.
Performances[edit]
Sephira toured the US with the PBS show “Celtic Thunder" between 2008 and 2010.[2] They have also played with Enya, Andrea Bocelli, Kanye West and Michael Buble.[3]
Specializing in theater shows, corporate events, and private events, they have performed at private events for Prince Albert of Monaco, the late Larry Hagman, Priscilla Presley, Linda Gray and the women of Congress in Washington, D.C. They have also performed for other dignitaries including a US president, US vice president, US Secretary of Homeland Security, and the US National Coast Guard Foundation.
Personal Lives[edit]
In 2014 the sisters spoke out about their health issues with hemochromatosis and autoimmune disorders, urging other people to get checked for these conditions.[4]
Discography[edit]
- "Believe" (2006). The album was recorded in The Cauldron Studios, Dublin, and was produced by producer and instrumentalist Bill Shanley.[5] Other musicians featured on the album include Ruby Ashley, William Butt, Noel Eccles, Karen Hamill, and former band member Colm Henry.
- "Sephira" (2008) released for the US market. This was a mix of "Believe" favourites and the 2008 EP "Love of my Life".
- "Starlight" (2011) was a Christmas album.
- "Eternity" (2012). This EP was dedicated to their late friend and mentor, Larry Hagman.
References[edit]
- ^ Rota, Kara (August 2013). "Sisters Sharing Musical Talent and Health Issues". Irish America. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Irish Music Daily
- ^ Independent.ie
- ^ Irish America
- ^ "Bill Shanley biography at Mary-black.net". Archived from the original on 26 June 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
External links[edit]
- Sephira Official Site
- Sephira IMDB page
- Sephira on Reverbnation
- Sephira perform for the Women of Congress – The Washingtonian
- Sephira perform at Diner en Blanc 2013
- Sephira Interview with Irish America Magazine
- IMRO article about Sephira's Eternity EP release
- Sephira interview with Celtic Life Magazine
- Sephira TV Interview on King5 TV, Seattle