Presenters
We are thrilled to welcome a great mix of presenters, some of whom
are well known to past Féis attendees, and some who are new additions
to our growing family of friends from every corner of the worldwide
Gaidhealtachd:
Catrìona NicIomhair Parsons is a native of the Isle of
Lewis, Chair of the Celtic studies department at St. Francis Xavier
University, and author of Gàidhlig Troimh Chòmhradh (Gaelic Through
Conversation). She is also an award-winning singer and past president
of the North American Association of Celtic Language Teachers.
Catherine Ann MacPhee is a native of the Isle of Barra,
residing with her family in Ontario. Catherine Ann is a celebrated
singer, recording artist, and actress. Since moving with her family to
Canada over four years ago, she has been a guest artist and teacher
for numerous Gaelic organizations in the US, Canada, and Scotland.
Wendy MacIsaac and her three younger brothers grew up in
Creignish, Cape Breton. A world famous fiddler and step-dancer, Wendy
is making her third trip to the Féis. She will be offering Try Step
Dance classes in addition to the fiddle major.
Muriel Fisher, a native of the Isle of Skye, is the founder
and director of the Tucson Gaelic Institute and also teaches regularly
at the University of Arizona, and in the summers at Sabhal Mór Ostaig,
the Gaelic-medium college on her native island.
Allan MacDonald was raised in the isolated Gaelic- speaking
community of Glenuig and started piping when he was nine. After a
successful competitive career, he became ambivalent towards the
competitive discipline of piping and is at the forefront of efforts to
introduce alternative styles; re-uniting piobaireachd with Gaelic
language rhythms in song. Allan appears at the Féis through the
generous support of the Lowland and Borders Pipe Society of Glasgow.
Alec MacDonald was born and raised on the Isle of Skye. He
is a native Gaelic speaker who lives in Staffin, a part of Skye where
Gaelic is still the main language of the people. Alec has a very busy
career as crofter, Gaelic teacher, and radio announcer. He acts as a
trainer for primary school teachers in Gaelic. He also lectures part
time at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. He presents the Friday night Gaelic request
program Na Dùrachdan.
Mary MacMaster is considered one of the most innovative
players of the metal-strung harp in the world today. Mary began her
career as half of the harp duo, Sileas, with Patsy Seddon and went on
to become a founder member of the highly popular four-piece band, The
Poozies. She has worked alongside legendary musicians like Dick
Gaughan in the band Clan Alba, with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra on
Phil Cunningham’s Highlands and Islands Suite. Mary is also an
experienced teacher of the gut and nylon-strung harp.
