Did You Know...

It all started in 1973 on the island of Cape Breton, with Natalie's birth into a famous family of Celtic musicians. Uncle Buddy MacMaster, Natalie's first teacher, was Canada's top fiddler. Cousin Ashlie MacIsaacs, another Uncle Buddy student, also made a name of his own. He and Natalie had fiddling duels - even taking on their mentor - at many a family gathering.

In her teens, Natalie MacMaster self-produced two cassettes, now collectors' items, FOUR ON THE FLOOR and ROAD TO THE ISLE. After winning the title Fiddler of the Year for the first time, she caught the attention of record producers. The result was her first Cd, FIT AS A FIDDLE, recorded at CBC Studios in 1993.

The young fiddling sensation began a touring career that earned her the title 'Busiest woman in the Canadian music business.' She has played everywhere from Antarctica to Hollywood, to the concert halls of Europe backed up by major world symphonies. Early in her career she turned down an offer to be a featured member of Lord of the Dance, in favor of developing her own performing environment. Her rapport with audiences is legendary. Reviewers use words like 'glorious' to describe her music, but her exuberant stage persona consistently astonishes. One reviewer said, 'Natalie Macmaster came onstage at a near gallop and the energy built from there.' Her feet never stop while she's playing - Natalie believes that music is for dancing. Fans buy tickets for her concerts anticipating SEEING her, as much as hearing.