A Brief History of Na Fidléirí 2000 – 2019

In the year 2000, Na Fidléirí was established in Charleston by Founding Director Mary Taylor as a training ground for young folk and classically trained fiddlers to study and perform music of the Celtic tradition. Beginning humbly with students stemming primarily from Mary’s Suzuki violin studio, the group quickly grew, and through a series of local and regional performances, established a reputation as a singularly unique and accomplished ensemble. Focused equally on education and performance, members of Na Fidléirí learned traditional tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Britain and America; folk and classical playing techniques and styles; and the history and background of this great music. In performance, the group was accompanied by professionals on piano, guitar, bodhran, whistle and percussion. Particularly memorable were collaborations with acclaimed Celtic stars such as John Doyle, Kim Robertson, David Greenberg, Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford and Liz Carroll. 

During its twenty-year existence, Na Fidléirí recorded three albums, was featured on statewide television and radio, and performed in festivals such as the Savannah Irish Festival and Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto. Na Fid (as it was affectionally known by many) was the subject of feature articles in Charleston Magazine and the Charleston Post and Courier, toured the southeast region of the US and Ireland, and was featured in a documentary chronicling their 2013 Ireland tour (with its sister ensemble the Taylor Festival Choir) which airs on SCETV annually. 

Now, after almost 20 years, Na Fidléirí becomes Na Fidléirí Reimagined, a professional chamber ensemble again led by Mary Taylor which will continue the legacy of the original Na Fidléirí by combining music of the Celtic tradition with classical music from all eras, including dance music and airs ranging from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras to modern tunes and arrangements.