Sephira
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(March 2011) |
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 |
Sephiraalso known asSephira - The Irish Rock Violinistsare an Irish band consisting of sisters Joyce and Ruth O'Leary, who both play the violin and provide vocals.
They released their debut albumBelievein 2006. Its style isclassical crossoverwith traditional Irish influences.
Early life and education
[edit]The sisters are fromCarrickmacross,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 theNational Concert Hall,Dublinaged just three, playing aBachminuet.She was named Ireland's Most Promising Violinist when she was nine.[1]
Ruth studied music performance at London'sGuildhall School of Musicto 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 asRodrigo y Gabrielaand featured on theirLive in Manchester and Dublinalbum.
Performances
[edit]Sephira toured the US with the PBS show “Celtic Thunder" between 2008 and 2010.[2]They have also played withEnya,Andrea Bocelli,Kanye WestandMichael Buble.[3]
Specializing in theater shows, corporate events, and private events, they have performed at private events forPrince Albert of Monaco,the lateLarry Hagman,Priscilla Presley,Linda Grayand 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 withhemochromatosisandautoimmune 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.Retrieved2 June2018.
- ^ Irish Music Daily
- ^Independent.ie
- ^Irish America
- ^"Bill Shanley biography at Mary-black.net".Archived fromthe originalon 26 June 2008.Retrieved1 July2008.
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