Anuna Biography
Twelve centuries of Ireland's vocal tradition are explored by the chorale ensemble, Anuna. Best-known for their performance in Riverdance, the group combines songs in middle English, Scots Gaelic, Irish, Breton, Medieval Irish, Latin, and Greek in their examination of ancient and contemporary Irish music. In addition to performing and recording on their own, the group has worked with Sinéad O'Connor, the Chieftains, Sting, Maire Brennan, and Elvis Costello. According to the Belfast Times, "Anuna's live performances of medieval Celtic music have to be seen to be believed.....breathtaking...magnificent." Le Monde observed that "using crystal-clear and thunderous sounds, playing with shadows and light, the ensemble creates an atmosphere of fervent richness."
Originally named An Uaithne, Unana was formed by Dublin-based composer Michael McGlynn in 1987. Initially concentrating on performing at choral festivals and churches, they released their self-titled debut album shortly after assuming their current name and began to incorporate movement and special staging effects in 1992. Although more than 100 singers have performed with the group, Anuna usually features a lineup of ten to 17 young Irish singers. Anuna received a National Endowment award in the classical music category in 1994. The group's third album, Omnis, was released only in Ireland the following year. The album was completely re-recorded and bonus tracks added for international release in 1997. Anuna's greatest success has come through their involvement with Riverdance. In May 1994, they released Riverdance -- The Single. Recorded with the RTE Concert Orchestra, the single spent 18 weeks at the top of the Irish music charts and became a Top Ten hit in the U.K. The group was featured on four tracks of Riverdance -- The Album. Released in 1995, the album sold over a million copies and received a Grammy award in 1997. The band took time between projects, letting the intense exposure they had experience dissipate. 2000's Cynara was their first record in four years, a return that delivered more of their distinct Irish choral magic. Two years later, the holiday themed Winter Songs was released. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide
Popular Biographies:
Saints Biography: Roaring out of Brisbane, Australia, in 1977 with the punk-era classic "(I'm) Stranded," the Saints, despite going through numerous incarnations, were a part of rock & roll for more than 20 years,...
Dead can dance Biography: Dead Can Dance combine elements of European folk music -- particularly music from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance -- with ambient pop and worldbeat flourishes. Their songs are of lost beauty,...
Moneybrother Biography: Originally a singer with the idiosyncratic Swedish soul-ska-punk rock band Monster, Anders Wendin decided to go solo in 2002, taking the somewhat peculiar stage name of Moneybrother. Few could have...
Systematic Biography: One of the first signings to Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich's Music Company label, California's Systematic appeared with a high-profile stamp of approval. The melodic metal quartet began with...
Smash mouth Biography: A novelty rock band in the same vein as Presidents of the United States of America, but with surf and garage influences instead of the Presidents' punk/thrash background, Smash Mouth found a hit in...
Mojinos escozios Biography: Spanish Mojinos Escozios was formed by five local musicians after participating in a music contest in Barcelona, making their live debut on December 1, 1994. The group's particular style combines...
Conjunto primavera Biography: By the time Conjunto Primavera joined the roster of regional Mexican monolith Fonovisa Records in 1996, the romantically inclined sextet had already become one of the leading norteño acts of the...
After crying Biography: Hungarian progressive rock band After Crying was formed in 1986 by a classically-trained trio who performed improvisational chamber music. Csaba Vedres (piano), Péter Pejtsik (cello), and...