CORA HASA BEEN NOMINATED FOR 'TOP FIDDLE' in the IRISH MUSIC ASSOCIATION MUSIC AWARDS 2010. VOTE FOR CORA BY VISITING http://www.irishmusic awards.com and follow the link for public voting. THANKS!!!
“Are We There Yet?” is an exhilarating, new, colourful audio-visual experience from Mayo Fiddler Cora Smyth
Her new album, "ARE WE THERE YET?" features mostly original tunes by Cora, inspired by her years on the road. The tunes are arranged on a multi- dimensional backdrop of influences from blues, funk, Dixieland and latin, through gypsy jazz, via Co Mayo and Manchester. Produced and arranged with her husband, Sean Horsman, this is a real marriage of styles
The “Are We There Yet?” show features her 6 piece band playing music from the album complemented by projected animations, stills and lights for a complete sensory experience.
“Among the best musicians in Ireland today.” Earle Hitchener, Irish Echo
Cora has an enormous wealth of performing and touring. Over the last
few years she's been drawing on her experiences from her years on
the road and written a number of tunes many of which have found
their way onto her new album called, “Are We There Yet?” The album
is due out in February 2008.
In 2008 and 2009 Cora was featured as a soloist with The Redlands
Symphony Orchestra in Los Angeles. The shows were a huge
success and there are plans for more shows with various other
symphony orchestras throughout Canada and the US in 2008.
Two years ago Cora recorded her first album with her sister,
Breda, called simply, "Cora Smyth Breda Smyth". While being a
traditional irish music collection, it was lauded for its freshness and vitality
“Music played with breathtaking precision.” Gerry Quinn, Irish Examiner
Cora grew up in Straide, Co. Mayo, Ireland, where she was
surrounded by a strong family tradition of Irish music. She was
taught by her father, TJ, who guided her to several All-Ireland
titles. She graduated in Medicine from University College Galway.
Cora's professional career started when she performed with The
Druid Theatre in their awarding winning production of' The Black
Pigs Dyke'. She then played violin in the group which represented
Ireland and won the Eurovision song contest with "The Voice"
written by Brendan Graham. After this she was chosen to be one
of the original violinists in Michael Flatleys "Lord of the Dance". She
has performed with the show to audiences worldwide, at venues
including Radio City NYC, Madison Square Gardens NYC, Hyde Park
London, Wembley arena London and The Kremlin Palace, Moscow
“Endlessly talented.” Michael Flatley
Cora is featured on various DVDs including 'Lord of the dance',
'Feet of Flames' 'Gold', 'Celtic Tiger' and The Chieftains "Water from
the Well". She was also featured on The Chieftains' album of the
same title which was nominated for best world music album in the
2001 Grammies.
Cora has also performed on numerous TV shows over the years
including "The Late Late show", "Up for the Match", "Ardan",
"Geantrai", "Saturday Live", "Kenny Live"(RTE), "Richard and Judy"
BBC, "The South Bank Show" C4, and has appeared on a PBS special,
ABC's "Good Morning America" and the FOX Channel in the USA
