MUSIC: THE CELTIC CONNECTION (AND MORE)

From a long line of Celts, coming from Morar, Scotland in the Western Highlands, the MacLellans settled around Deepdale on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.  Between Mabou and Inverness on Cape Breton, there is MacLellan cairn honouring my ancestors. 

Music has been in my family, both maternally and paternally (see History), for as long as I can remember.  Yes, I have had years of lessons in violin, piano and voice, have taught violin, have been in numerous musical performances including solo violin/vocals on the Vanoc Stage in the 2010 Winter Olympics, in an International Choir that toured Ireland, and numerous bands/solo performances and musical theatre, my ‘go to’ music of choice is Celtic music.  I practice a lot, but this music, the harmonies and the sounds do come out naturally.  Therefore, I can join any musical venture almost immediately with voice and fiddle. 

In my being, there is something that resonates around the quick, lively fiddle tunes and the slow Celtic airs. They are encompassed with passion. Nevertheless, I like the classics and daily practice many genres of music. 

Having now lived in the Maritimes for many years, I have performed at many events, usually solo or with other musicians.  I usually sing and play my violin.  But I am also a pianist, and I am presently the pianist for the Caledonian Orchestra—a fun group that performs around the Maritimes. Presently I teach fiddle/violin, viola, piano including piano-chording and accompanying, vocals and performance at the Truro Long & McQuade.

Here is a clip of "Danny Boy".  I did this impromptu performance at my grandparents' gravesite in Inverness, Nova Scotia, in September 2025.