Following their highly acclaimed collaboration with renowned Icelandic composer, Atli Örvarsson, with his score for Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald's latest film "The Eagle", the Neff Brothers are heading to Los Angeles to perform at the prestigious LA Composers Salon. They will reunite with Atli and another superb talent, Icelandic soprano Thórhildur Örvarsdóttir, to recreate the film score in a much anticipated live performance. As primary collaborators, Flaithrí and Eoghan Neff were given the freedom to arrange 'The Return of the Eagle' and their improvisations and instrumental textures can be heard throughout the score.

"outstanding score" Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times
"where traditional Celtic melodies meld perfectly with passionate, memorable percussive structures" George Pacheco, Examiner.com
"a terrific and exciting listen with moments of beauty and elegance" Kaya Savas, Filmmusicmedia.com

The Neff Brothers have brought earthy uninhibited traditional sounds to international audiences through large works with The London Metropolitan Orchestra, The Royal Scottish National Symphony Orchestra, and other orchestras; or through collaborative ensembles on improvisation such as Amalgamare in Glenstal Abbey and An Táin Project; and of course involvement in Riverdance, the Afro Celt Sound System, Anxo Lorenzo Band, Assembly Point, to name but a few as well as, naturally, NeffBros.

Both Flaithrí and Eoghan maintain an active list of academic publications in books, journals and conference proceedings. They are in the final submission phases of their PhD theses, considering 'Virtual Spatial Audio Environments' and 'Musical Improvisation and Avant-Gardism' respectively.

"... virtuoso playing from start to finish ..." Irish Times
"... goldfish-bowl of technique and artistry ..." Sunday Tribune
"... where traditional skill and high art meet ..." Celtic Beat
"... the innovative edge of the traditional music continuum ..." Irish Examiner
"... a wildness that infuses tunes with passion ..." Hotpress

• back home

Living in Spain, Eoghan plays with Anxo Lorenzo and now in 2010 returns with Anxo's Band to perform in Donegal, Mayo, Leitrim :-

21 July @ 21:00 - 22:30
THE BALOR THEATRE
Ballybofey, Donegal.

22 July @ 19:30 - 21:00
BELMULLET CIVIC CENTRE
Belmullet Civic Centre, Mayo.

23 July @ 22:00 - 23:30
THE GLENS CENTRE
The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Leitrim.

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(October 2007) - EOGHAN NEFF

BRITISH FORUM FOR ETHNOMUSICOLOGY

Eoghan Neff is the recipient of the first British Forum for Ethnomusicology Award for the best postgraduate paper presented at the BFE annual conference, hosted this year by Newcastle University, UK (19-21 April, 2007).

Eoghan’s paper was entitled ‘Different Histories: Aural and Literate Representations of Banish Misfortune’, concerning two distinctive readings of Irish music history based upon a critical examination of extant musical scores and sound recordings.

A graduate of the University College Cork (BMus, with first class honours) and the University of Limerick (MA, with first class honours), Eoghan Neff is presently undertaking doctoral research at Cardiff University in ethnomusicology under Dr John Morgan O'Connell, looking in particular at the role of ergonomics in the Donegal fiddle tradition.

A Cardiff University research postgraduate, but as an undergraduate in UCC Eoghan was also the recipient of many college awards including Séan Ó Riada Memorial Prize, “deepest understanding of the nature of Irish Traditional Music”; Dónal 'Doc' Gleeson Instrument Tuition Award, “demonstrating exceptional performance ability”; Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Scholarship, and three College Scholarships.

Eoghan was an active student being a member of the UCC’s traditional fiddle group “Fiddlesticks” under Dr. Liz Doherty. He composed the musical score for fellow student, Deirdre Ní Chonghaile, for her play “Selkie” and his music was awarded a “GRADAM” in Scotland. He was also producer / presenter on Campus Radio for his own world music show “NOMAD” which included interviews with many of the major artists, both national and international. In researching various music traditions in college he produced many projects including an internet Kora Directory. In fact, his talent for research displayed itself early as an undergraduate in an unique essay “The Music of the Javanese Gamelan with Comparisons to Irish Traditional Music”.

As a musician his fiddle playing has always been critically acclaimed being described as “virtuoso” on numerous occasions. Indeed he is a multi-award winning fiddle player and at the age of thirteen was awarded 100% by Peadar Ó Riada at Feis na Laoi, his other championships included many Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil duet and Pan-Celtic fiddle championship, amongst very many others.

His unbridled enthusiasm for great music brings his fiddle into innovative ensembles fusing with diverse genres, not only other traditional musics but also jazz, Hip Hop and improvisations.

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(Bealtaine / May 2008) - EOGHAN NEFF - temporary full-time post

Thosaigh Eoghan ag obair sa Taisce Cheol Dúchais Éireann (Irish Traditional Music Archive) i mBaile Átha Cliath. Tá sé ag baint an-thaitneamh as an obair agus as comhluadar na fóirne. Beidh sé ann go dtí an Nollaig le cúnamh Dé. Ag an am céanna beidh sé ag leanúint lena Dhoctóireacht san eitnicheoleolaíocht.

Bail ó Dhia ar an obair agus comhgháirdeachas.

• back home

Partholón, hungry for power, violently murders both his parents. He loses his left eye in the attack but will suffer a worse fate at the hands of his brother if he remains in Sicily. Therefore, Partholón flees Sicily, accompanied by some 5000 followers on a long sea voyage. First, they travel East to ancient Greece and Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), but they find no refuge. Out of desperation, they sail West again until reaching the unchartered waters of Kenmare Bay in Ireland. Upon reaching the fair shores of Ireland, Partholon and his followers sound their war-cry, but no response echoes back. Confident that no other occupying force stands in their way, Partholon and his followers march upon this new land, claiming ownership. The future for Partholón and his followers looks bright, but evil lurks in the shadows… a story you, the audience, must wait for until 2010!

Flaithrí is delighted to be working with the Cork Youth Orchestra on his own composition for Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistles and Orchestra. The composition, entitled "Partholón", (orchestrated by Peadar Townsend) recounts the gripping story of a mythological Sicilian prince in the ancient Irish text, LEBOR GABÁLA ÉRENN (The Book of Invasions). The 9 minute piece will function as a portal to a much larger work in progress.

(Aibreán / April 2009) Flaithrí - upcoming concert "Partholón" with the Cork Youth Orchestra under the direction of Tomás McCarthy present a prelude to a newly composed work by musician and composer Flaithrí Neff, orchestrated by Peadar Townsend. Cork City Hall in April 25th, 2009, 8pm. This special Cork Youth Orchestra concert will feature the prelude to "Partholón", a composition by Flaithrí Neff. The work was commissioned by the CYO and funded by Cork County Council and the CYO. Flaithrí will be performing the piece on Uilleann Pipes and Low Whistles with the Cork Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Tomás McCarthy.

The composition recounts the gripping story of a mythological Sicilian prince in the ancient Irish text, LEBOR GABÁLA ÉRENN (The Book of Invasions), written down from Irish tradition by Celtic Christian monks in the 11th Century. Partholón, along with his 5000 loyal followers, embark on their epic journey for a new life in ancient Ireland and is part of the vast mythological account of various invasions and settlements of ancient Ireland.

The 9 minute piece will function as a portal to a much larger work in progress for 2010. The composition promises to be an exhilarating aural and visual experience, combining traditional Irish instruments with a 120 piece orchestra, 3D computer graphics and sonic interaction.

Tomás McCarthy and the Cork Youth Orchestra has already worked with Flaithrí on no less than 10 performances of Shaun Davey's 'The Brendan Voyage' in Ireland and Italy.

"Partholón"
Ceolfhoireann Óige Chorcaí faoi stiúir Thomáis Mhic Chárthaigh á léiriú
réamhdhréacht don saothar nua-chumtha ag Flaithrí Neff, ceoltóir agus cumadóir,
agus ionstraimithe ag Peadar Townsend.

Halla na Cathrach, Corcaigh
Aibreán 25ú, 2009, 8pm.

Ócáid ar leith le bheith ar an 25ú Aibreán. Beidh an chéad léiriú do réamhdhréacht an tsaothair cheoil "Partholón" curtha i láthair ag Ceolfhoireann Óige Chorcaí (CYO) agus an cumadóir, Flaithrí Neff. Bhí an saothar seo coimisiúnaithe ag CYO, é urraithe ag Comhairle Contae Chorcaí agus CYO féin. Beidh Flaithrí ag seinm ar na Píb Uilleann agus Feadóga Ísle leis an gCeolfhoireann faoi stiúir Thomáis Mhic Chárthaigh.

Aithrisíonn an saothar ceoil an scéal suntasach sin sa mhiotaseolaíocht, sna téascanna ársa úd LEBOR GABÁLA ÉRENN (Leabhar Gabhála Éireann) breactha síos ag manaigh Críostaí na nGael sa 11ú céad. Seolann Partholón, prionsa Sicileach, agus 5000 dá lucht leanúna ar Éirinn ársa chun saol nua a bhaint amach. Agus seo chugainn eachtra eipiciúil amháin de chuid mhiotaseolaíocht mhór na tíre seo.

Tabharfaidh an réamhdhréacht cheoil naoi nóiméad seo léargas dúinn do shaothar mór atá idir láimh fós agus a sheolfas sa bhliain 2010. Geallann an chumadóireacht le bheith ina heispéireas spreagúil, cluas agus súil san áireamh, ag múnlú gléasanna traidisiúnta le ceolfhoireann 120 ceoltóir chomh maith le grafaicí ríomhaire tríthoiseacha agus idirghníomhú sonach.

Chomhoibrigh Ceolfhoireann Óige Chorcaí faoi stiúir Thomáis le Flaithrí cheana féin, deich n-uaire le bheith beacht. Chomhoibrigh siad ar 'The Brendan Voyage' le Shaun Davey a cuireadh i láthair in Éirinn agus san Iodáil.

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Eoghan's radio show

Welcome to the world of Nomad

NOMAD - Eoghan's radio show on 97.4FM Cork Campus Radio "Welcome to the world of Nomad. Join me Eoghan Neff every Tuesday lunch-time from One o' Clock here on Cork Campus Radio 97.4 fm. I will take you around the world in 60 minutes, bringing you the very best of musical offerings from our planet of sounds. The truth is anything goes where Nomad is concerned, so let the spirit of adventure take you on what promises to be a most fulfilling excursion from the norm. What better way to take a break than cruising around the globe on the Nomad journey at Cork Campus Radio where you will only find yourself asking, where is he going to take us next?" The aim of my music program is to present top class music to an unsuspecting public who are constantly bombarded by todays commercialism which often leaves the most talented musicians out of ear-shot. I also try to keep Cork up to date with local musical and artistic happenings with short interviews with musicians, promoters, etc. [Intro music; "TradWrap" (Eoghan Neff)] Recent Play List TÁ SÚIL AGAM GO MBAINFIDH SIBH TAITNEAMH AS AN gCLÁR! HOPE YOU ENJOY!

Little Richardjohn @ Blogger.com @ 4/4/02
We're taking flamenco to Cork. The pilot announces we will be arriving in Cork in about five minutes. He has a whiskey and rainwater, oysters and black stout accent. The land glows green beneath us as we land. It rains from the minute we hit town. ‘Thank God you lads have brought the rain with you’ says the taxi driver, with a completely straight face. We tell him why we’re here. ‘The Opera House? A fine theatre, so. You boys mind you don’t go to any of those wicked pubs now and have a nice time in Cork.’
We do go to some of those wicked pubs I’m afraid - but strictly on business. Promoting tomorrow’s show. We have competitions organised through the venue and by local radio presenter and fiddler Eoghan Neff, with CDs and tickets as prizes. We end up CD-less and ticket-less, playing and singing with two local singers, a guitarist and three fiddlers with two fiddles, who swap instruments between choruses. Irish-blues-flamenco fusion.
We get back to the hotel. The second round of drinks is pending. Just before I get up to order, the barman comes over and says: "I'm off home now lads. Help yourselves, so." I swear to god.
This, apparently is Cork. I want to eat it all up.

For the record, the Opera House stage is a little quiet and a little hard, but very adequate, and with no rake or slipperiness. The general stage sound is excellent for flamenco.
The audience is fantastically open and warm and receptive and encouraging. The technicians are alert and inventive. And the front-of-house staff don’t query the interval drinks tab! As the man said: ‘A fine theatre, so’.

A fine town too. The Jerez of the North, if you like.

• back home

NEFFBROS : Na Deartháireacha Neff, Flaithrí Neff, (Píb Uilleann), Eoghan Neff, (Fidil)

Is iad Flaithrí agus Eoghan Neff beirt do na ceoltóirí den ard-scoth. Baineann rímháistreacht leo - breacann léirmheastóirí focail síos cósúil le “... foirfeacht, oilteacht, corraitheach, cumhachtach, eisceachtúil, fuinniúl, draíochtúil, neartmhar, spleodar, cruinneas, ealaíonta, mothúchán ....”

Ní nach ionadh mar sin go bhfaigheann siad ard-mholadh dá gcur i láthair ag gach iarracht. Is fuinneamh fé leith ar grinneall gríosaitheach na cuisle Ceiltí Flaithrí agus Eoghan, ag fanacht chun éirí le rímháistreacht tonnchreathach, araon le tionlacan spreagthach sainiúil, agus pléascfaidh siad le neart nuatharraingthe san ortha bhíseach mhearbhlach chun cluas na cuideachta a mhealladh le ceol croíúil Ceilteach.

Moladh go hárd iad dá gcuid ard-scileanna agus deimhneachta. Léiríonn siad cruthaitheacht ina gcóiriú agus díograis don traidisiún. Ceol go hiondúil traidisiúnta nascaithe go hionraic leis an oidhreacht síorchruthaitheach Gaelach, is é seo cuisle bheo ceol traidisiúnta na hÉireann.

Tá an-chuid duaiseanna agus comórtais bainte ag an mbeirt, cé go bhfuil sé sin go hiontach is é déanamh an cheoil an rud is tábhachtaí dóibh - chomh maith le haon cheoltóir i ndáiríre. Gné eile dá saol is ea an Gheailge ar ndóigh agus is breá leo ceolchoirm a chur i láthair trí mheán na Geailge. I Lorient bhí Fraincís agus Gealige á n-úsáid acu ar an árdán le linn a gcur i láthair, rud a tharraing tagairtí ó dhaoine a rá cé chomh taitneamhach is a bhí a leithéad le cloisint.

“Is oidhreacht bheo í ceol traidisiúnta na hÉireann, nach dtagann ach go sealadach faoi chúram an cheoltóra. Gan anáil fé leith gach glúine ní bheadh ár n-oidhreacht chomh saibhear is atá, mar sin, smaoinímís ar na glúinte siúd inár seinnt agus inár n-éisteacht don dtabhartas iontach seo uathu.”
[Tógtha ó chlúdach a n-albaim féin]

Tá an traidisiún de chuid cheoil agus amhránaíochta le fáil go bríomhar i gcathair Chorcaí agus díreach lasmuigh dí sa Ghaeltacht Mhúsgraí agus beagáinín níos faide siar arís i Sliabh Luachra, áit a gheofá saibhreas an dúchais. Tá Ráthpéacáin ar imeall na cathrach agus é ag féachaint amach thar mánna na Bhlárnan go dtí an oidhreacht Gaelach seo.

BEATHAISNÉIS :
D’fhás na Deartháireacha Neff aníos mar chuid de theaghlach le grá mór don Ghaeilge, don cheol agus don chultúr. Is iomaí duais atá bainte amach acu agus is iomaí ócáid a chas an teaghlach ar fad ceol ar ardán anseo sa bhaile agus thar lear.

Do b’é 2000 an bhliain a sheol  Flaithrí & Eoghan  a gcéad albaim  Soundpost and Bridle  agus bronnadh ardmholadh dá rímháistreacht ar ghléas agus ar cheol orthu sna léarmheasanna. Albam féin léirithe faoina lipéad féin é.

Thug an tarna albam Ar Scáth a Chéile – Each Other’s Shadow deis iontach eile do lucht éisteachta na ceoltóirí eachtrúla seo a chloisint. Léiríonn an t-albam fuinneamh cruthaitheach leathan na beirte. Tá a gcuid féin ann chomh maith le cóiriú ar leith de cheol traidisiúnta na hÉireann, na Briotáine agus na hAstúire.

Agus iad bainteach le ceol amharclanna agus le ceol-eachtraí nua is féidir a bheith cinnte go mbeidh níos mó le teacht ó na ceoltóirí ilchumasacha seo.

Flaithrí :
MSc den Chéad Grád Onóracha sa Teicneolaíocht Fuaime ó Ollscoil Luimní.

BMus Onóracha ó Choláiste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh, leis an marc is airde dá cheoltóireacht.

Aonréadaí do chumadóireacht shiansach Eddie McGuire “L’Epopée Celtique”.

Aonréadaí san Royal Scottish National Symphony Orchestra in Albain sa Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Aonréadaí leis an Cork Youth Orchestra don “Brendan Voyage” ag Shaun Davey in Éirinn agus san Iodáil.

Riverdance (Alban, Stáit Aontaithe agus Ceanada) chomh maith le an-chuid seónna eile.

Seaimpín ildánach le 10 “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann”, Feis Maitiú bliain i ndiaidh bliana, agus eile.

Céad Duais in “Leitrim 1798, Original Music Competition”. (An chéad fhonn "Ar Scáth a Chéile" ar rian #9. Leitrim 1798 Suite).

Eoghan :
MA den Chéad Grád Onóracha sa Cheoleolaíocht ó Ollscoil Luimní.

BMus Céad Onóracha ó Choláiste na hOllscoile, Corcaigh.

Séan Ó Riada Memorial Prize (UCC, “deepest understanding of the nature of Irish Traditional Music”).

Donal ‘Doc’ Gleeson Instrument Tuition Award (UCC, “demonstrating exceptional performance ability”).

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Scholarship (UCC).

“GRADAM”, duais dá chumadóireacht don dráma nua – Selkie.

Seaimpín ildánach le “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann”, Pan-Celtic, 7rl.

Feis na Laoi, 1994, bhronn Peadar Ó Riada an chéad duais agus 100% ar an bhfidléir óg (13 bl. d'aois).

Is mór an grá agus is leathan an tuiscint atá ag Eoghan sa cheol, agus de bharr seo léirigh sé a leithéid de “Kora Directory” ar an idirlíon, staidéar ar “The Music of the Javanese Gamelan with Comparisons to Irish Traditional Music”, agus eile.

Bhí a chlár dá-theangach féin ar Cork Campus Radio “NOMAD” a chuir cultúr na cruinne ar fáil don lucht éisteachta na cathrach. Is fear ilchumasach é agus é ag léiriú, ag cur i láthair, ag déanamh taighde agus ag láimhseáil cúrsaí innealtóireachta é féin. Chomh maith le sin dhein sé agallamh gach seachtain le ceoltóir náisiúnta nó idirnáisiúnta agus is as sin a tháinig alt seachtainiúil dó ar an nuachtáin "LÁ" ina roinneann sé na hagallaimh siúd le lucht léitheoireachta.

Meallann díograis dá fhidil Eoghan isteach i gcuideachta cheoil a mheascann cineálacha ceol agus tobchumadh:
Jazz Collage faoi Paul O’Donnell, UCC (agus a bhí mar chuid de Cork Jazz Festival 2003).
Efficient Céilí Band faoi Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin.
The UCC Gamelan ensemble.
Fiddlesticks  faoin Dr. Liz Doherty.

AGALLAMH :

Cathain agus cén fáth a thosaigh sibh ag seinnt an cheoil?

Bhí spéis ag ár dtuismitheoirí, Éibhear agus Muireann, sa cheol traidisiúnta i gcónaí. Sheinn tuismitheoirí Éibhir ceol traidisiúnta chomh maith, fiú. Sheinn a mháthair an fhidil agus a athair an maindilín agus an banjó, is cuimhin leis a dheartháireacha agus a dheirfiúracha agus damhsa sa chistin i nDúglas agus a thuismitheoirí ag seinnt, ba é an tarna duine is óige.
Tá bailiúcháin mór ceirníní ag Éibhear chomh maith agus bhíodh siad i gcónaí á gcasadh aige. Is féidir a rá mar sin go raibh an ceol mór-thimpeall orainn ó bhíomar óg.

Conas ar tháinig tú ar an ngléas ceoil a roghnú?

F:- Nuair a bhí m'athair ag casadh a chuid ceirníní sa bhaile, d'thaitin fuaim na píb go mór liom. Bhí spéis agam leis ann mar bhí cuma an-chasta orthu, cheapas go raibh cuma breá ann. Nuair a bhí lorg eolais déanta d'fhreastail mé ar ranganna le Tomás Ó Canainn sa Cheol Scoil i gCorcaigh.
E:- Do bhí mé fhéin tógtha le fuaim an fhidil agus ar an gcuma go seinntear í. Chuaigh mé fhéin go dtí ranganna le Gary Cronin sa Cheol Scoil.

An bhfuil na píb deacair le seinnt?

Tá ag an tús mar tá tú ag láimhseáil an-chuid rudaí ag an am céanna. Mar shampla, bíonn tú ag tarraingt isteach aer le boilg fé uilleann amháin agus é a choimeád i mála fén uilleann eile agus fós ag an am céanna bíonn ort an ceol a dhéanamh ar an seamsúr, agus, é seo ar fad déanta agus tú ag coimeád smacht ar an mbrú. Agus níl críochnaithe agat fós mar nuair atá doird agus rialtóirí agat éiríonn sin níos deacra arís -- bhí sé an-dheacair ceart go leor ach sa deireadh gheofá taithí air.

Cén fáth ceol beirte?

Deirtear gur iad na píb uilleann agus an fhidil na gléasanna is binne don gceol beirte. Tá an fhuaim as an dá gléas an-chosúil lena chéile. Is féidir an fhidil a cur i dtiúin leis na píb, rud nach féidir a dhéanamh leis an mbosca mar shampla, agus tá sé sin an-thábhachtach mar athraíonn tiúineáil na píb go minic.
Bainimid an-shásamh as seinnt le chéile. Tá spéis ag an mbeirt againn sa stíl cheoil chéanna. Is dócha mar gheall ar na rudaí sin agus gur deartháireacha sinn go n-oirimid a chéile.

BLÚIRE EOLAIS :

Bhí na dioscanna féin léirithe as a gciste féin.
Ar Scáth a Chéile – Each Other’s Shadow :
Léiriú, Taifeadadh, Innealtóireacht ag Flaithrí & Eoghan Neff
Meascadh ag Eoghan & Flaithrí Neff
Máistreacht ag Eoghan Neff
Ealaíon agus Grafaicí ag Éibhear Neff

Rianta cóirithe ag Eoghan Neff :-
#1. Asturias
#2. Cath Eachroma
#3. Promenade
#4. Clockworx
#8. The Octopus (NB 3ú fonn The Octopus cumtha ag Eoghan)
#11. My Lagan Love

Rian cumtha agus cóirithe ag Flaithrí & Eoghan Neff :-
#5. Róisín san Ind    (Fonn Mall: Flaithrí.    Ríl: Eoghan)

Rian cumtha agus cóirithe ag Flaithrí Neff :-
#9. Leitrim 1798 Suite

Rianta cóirithe ag Eoghan & Flaithrí Neff :-
#6. Gleannta Eatharlaí
#7. Rakish Paddy
#10. Ceiltis (NB 1cd fonn Ceiltis cumtha ag Flaithrí)
#12. An Gallóglach

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NEFFBROS : Les Frères Neff, Flaithrí Neff, (Cornemuse irlandaise), Eoghan Neff, (Violon Traditionnel)

Prononcer :Flaithrí (flori); Eoghan (one)
CD: Keltia Musique, France “Soundpost and Bridle”

“Les musiciens traditionnels Irlandais sont porteurs d’un héritage vivant qui passe d’une génération à l’autre. Chaque génération influence cet héritage, et sans eux notre musique n’aurait jamais pu exister. On se doit de les remercier de nous offrir cette musique extraordinaire.” (Soundpost and Bridle)

Flaithrí a joué dans les orchestres de Lorient et de Glasgow dans L’Epopée Celtique d’Eddie McGuire. Flaithrí compose également et il a remporté la première place d’un concours en tant que compositeur pour “Leitrim 1798”. “Flaithrí Neff est, lui, reconnu pour sa finesse. Il joue dans la plus pure tradition musicale irlandaise avec une technique et un feeling très appréciés” -(Ouest-France; 1999).

Eoghan et les deux frères se sont produits aux festivals de Lorient et St-Malo ainsi qu’aux Etats-Unis (Nouvelle-Angleterre et Boston), et dans nombre de festivals locaux (par exemple, “The Cork Folk Festival”). Ils ont tous deux obtenu le soutien du Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (l’autorité parmi les organismes nationaux de musique traditionnelle) pour étudier à l’Université de Cork. Eoghan a également reçu en juillet le prix “Donal ‘Doc’ Gleeson” pour sa représentation solo à l’Université de Cork.

Flaithrí et Eoghan ont joué régulièrement en concert, à la radio et à la télévision. Ils se sont avérés d’excellents interprètes de musique traditionnelle pour cornemuse et violon. Flaithrí a remporté à dix reprises le titre de champion d’Irlande entre 14 et 18 ans dans les catégories d’airs de danse (reels, jigs, etc.) et de mélodies (chansons, etc.). Eoghan a remporté des championnats d’Irlande et interceltiques, sa plus grande réussite restant un sans faute accordé (100%) par Peadar Ó Riada (interprète et compositeur, fils du célèbre Seán Ó Riada connu de tous les musiciens irlandais).

“... technique irréprochable”-(Ouest-France;1999)
“... nuances originales.” -(Le Télégramme; 1999
Ar Bed Keltiek, Breizh - FRANCE
“Autour du uilleann pipe et du violon des frères Neff, on retrouve également un bodhran et un bouzouki qui donnent une grande allure à ce CD-événement 2000”

Fnac - Musiques, FRANCE
Voici le disque variété, de Flaithri & Eoghan Neff

"Tous deux champions d'Irlande, leurs solos ont enthousiasmé le public." -(Le Télégramme, 1999).

Les musiciens traditionnels Irlandais sont porteurs d'un héritage vivant qui passe d'une génération à l'autre. Chaque génération influence cet héritage, et sans eux notre musique n'aurait jamais pu exister. On se doit de les remercier de nous offrir cette musique extraordinaire.

Maintenant âgé de 22 ans, Flaithrí a joué dans les orchestres de Lorient et de Glasgow dans L'Epopée Celtique d'Eddie McGuire. Flaithrí compose également et il a remporté la première place d'un concours en tant que compositeur pour "Leitrim 1798". "Flaithrí Neff est, lui, reconnu pour sa finesse. Il joue dans la plus pure tradition musicale irlandaise avec une technique et un feeling très appréciés" -(Ouest-France; 1999). Eoghan, lui a 20 ans, et les deux frères se sont produits aux festivals de Lorient et St-Malo ainsi qu'aux Etats-Unis (Nouvelle-Angleterre et Boston), et dans nombre de festivals locaux (par exemple, "The Cork Folk Festival"). Ils ont tous deux obtenu le soutien du Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (l'autorité parmi les organismes nationaux de musique traditionnelle) pour étudier à l'Université de Cork. Eoghan a également reçu en juillet le prix "Donal 'Doc' Gleeson" pour sa représentation solo à l'Université de Cork. Il est membre du groupe traditionnel "Fiddlesticks", qui est l'ensemble pour violons de l'Université.

Flaithrí et Eoghan ont joué régulièrement en concert, à la radio et à la télévision. Ils se sont avérés d'excellents interprètes de musique traditionnelle pour cornemuse et violon.

Flaithrí a remporté à dix reprises le titre de champion d'Irlande entre 14 et 18 ans dans les catégories d'airs de danse (reels, jigs, etc.) et de mélodies (chansons, etc.). Eoghan a remporté des championnats d'Irlande et interceltiques, sa plus grande réussite restant un sans faute accordé (100%) par Peadar Ó Riada (interprète et compositeur, fils du célèbre Seán Ó Riada connu de tous les musiciens irlandais).

Nouveau CD: Ils ont entamé le nouveau millénaire avec leur premier CD, "Soundpost and Bridle", qui a reçu beaucoup des louanges sur les radios nationales irlandaises. Il n'est donc pas surprenant que les éloges soient nombreux et que les frères Neff soient régulièrement mentionnés dans la presse spécialisée."Leur jeu [est] toujours parfaitement équilibré et d'une technique irréprochable"-(Ouest-France;1999). En effet, il ne faut pas oublier que le couple violon / cornemuse est considéré comme le duo le plus harmonieux de la musique traditionnelle irlandaise et, en tant que tel, fait l'objet d'une attention particulière. Sur cet album ils ont fait leurs propres arrangements et y ont inclus certaines de leurs propres compositions.

Leurs parents, Éibhear et Muireann, jouent respectivement de la mandole (un instrument proche de la mandoline) et du bodhrán. Teaghlach est un groupe familial. "Pour leur première prestation en France, le public de La Halle du Moustoir leur a offert un accueil des plus enthousiastes. "Teaghlach" lui a proposé, sur un plateau, du folk traditionel d'une bonne tenue ... le solo de uilleann pipe, tiré du célèbre Brendan voyage, s'achève par une salve d'applaudissements"-(Ouest-France; 1999).

Le style des Frères Neff révèle une profonde connaissance et une parfaite maîtrise de la musique traditionnelle irlandaise qu'ils se sont indubitablement appropriée. "Ils jouent un répertoire traditionnel affirmé, ponctué de nuances originales." -(Le Télégramme; 1999).

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NEFFBROS : Los hermanos Neff, Flaithrí Neff, (gaita irlandesa), Eoghan Neff, (violín)

Los músicos de la música tradicional irlandesa mantienen una herencia viva que les es entregada temporalmente como custodia. Cada generación influye en esta herencia; sin ellos, nuestra música no habría sobrevivido. Mientras la escuchamos, apreciamos el legado que las pasadas generaciones nos han dejado.

Flaithrí y Eoghan (gaita irlandesa y vigulín) illustren la riqueza creativa del carauter irlandés, yendo direutamente al corazón del so ritmo y melodíes. El sentimientu de esti duo de gaita y vigulín salse de so forma de tocar, dende llueu,pero lo fonderu del sentimientu tradicional que inspira la so música faelos únicos.

Fueron descritos por críticos comu: >“Una nueva fuerza dentro de la música tradicional irlandesa.”

Flaithrí y Eoghan siendo músicos tradicionales dieron conciertos por Europa, los Estados Unidos y tamién en casa, irlanda. Tocaron en radio y TV tanto en casa como fuera.

Na actualidá han sacao el so primer CD “Soundpost and Bridle” que confirma l’status como dos de los más importantes talentos dientro la música tradicional.

Festivales que participaron:

Cork Folk Festival, Intercélticu de Lorient, Celtic Connections, Éigse Dhiarmuid Uí Shúilleabháin, Il Alcuentros Tradicionales Trebolgu, Celtica, Riverdance, Escocia, New Hamshire, Worchester (USA) y Alemania.

NeffBros tien premios y reconocimientus na mayoría de los festivales y concursos que participó.

Nuestros amigos de España pueden encontrar nuestro disco en todos los centros de El Corte Inglés, de FNAC y en las demás tiendas especializadas de toda España.

Distribuido por Resistencia: “Soundpost & Bridle”
Referencia : T001
NEFF BROS Soundpost and bridle
Estilo: CELTA / IRLANDA
Duración: 48’01”.
Resistencia, ESPAÑA
“Nuevo y prometedor grupo instrumental celta formado por dos excelentes solistas de gaita irlandesa y violín, que tocan solos, a dúo y en cuarteto junto a sus padres. Además del repertorio irlandés incluyen tonadas bretonas y escocesas y una gallega.”

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NEFFBROS : Die Gebrüder Neff, Flaithrí Neff, (irischer Dudelsack), Eoghan Neff, (traditionelle irische Geige)

Flaithrí - widmete sich ganz dem Musikstudium. Er studierte Musik an der University College Cork (UCC), und “Music Technology” an der University Limerick. Früh übt sich, was ein Meister werden will, dieser Spruch gilt sowohl für Flaithrí also auch seinen Bruder Eoghan. Sein Talent machte sich sehr früh bemerkbar. Zwischen seinem 14. und 18. Lebensjahr wurde Flaithrí insgesamt zehnmal irischer Meister bei den Uilleann-Pipe-Wettbewerben. Dieser Wettbewerb ist ein gesamtirischer Wettbewerb. Bei diesen Wettbewerben nehmen Musiker aus aller Welt teil. Den begehrten Comhaltas-Ceoltóirí-Éireann-Preis zählt Flaithrí unter anderen zu seinen Errungenschaften. Als Komponist zeichnete er sich ebenfalls aus als er mit dem ersten Preis für seine eigene Komposition bei dem Leitrim-1798-Wettbewerb ausgezeichnet wurde. Als Solist trat Flaithrí in Orchestern in Lorient und Glasgow in den Jahren 1998 und 1999 auf, was für den jungen Flaithrí natürlich ein sehr großes und angenehmes Erlebnis war. Im Moment tourt Flaithrí mit “RIVERDANCE” durch die Vereinigten Staaten. 2004 geht “RIVERDANCE” auf eine große Europatournee, bei der Flaithrí selbstverständlich wieder dabei ist.

Eoghan - hat sich auch der Musik ganz gewidmet. Er studierte Musik an der University College Cork (UCC). Mit Kußhand wurde er von der traditionellen-Geigengruppe “Fiddle Sticks” der Universität aufgenommen und am Ende seines ersten Jahres mit dem “Donal ‘Doc’ Gleeson Instrument Tuition Award” der Universität Cork ausgezeichnet. Eoghan hat ein hohes akribisches Bestreben in Musik. Im Jahre 1994, bei dem hochbewerteten Wettbewerb “Feis na Laoi”, wurde Eoghan von dem sehr bedeuteten Mr. Peadar Ó Riada (dem Sohn des berühmten Seán Ó Riada) mit 100% benotet. Wie Flaithrí gewann Eoghan den Comhaltas-Ceoltóirí-Éireann-Preis.

2003 wurde Eoghan der “Séan Ó Riada Award” von University College Cork (UCC) für seine grossen musikalischen Leistungen ausgezeichnet.

Mit seinem Bruder spielte er in Konzerten in Lorient, St. Malo, sowie bei Musikfestspielen in Irland. In den Vereinigten Staaten trat er mit seinem Bruder in mehreren Musikkonzerten auf bei denen sie mit Begeisterungsstürmen empfangen wurden. Auch bei gesamtirischen und pan-keltischen Wettberben war Eoghan stets sehr erfolgreich. 2004 geht “RIVERDANCE” auf eine große Europatournee, bei der auch Eoghan das erste Mal dabei sein wird.

Traditionelle irische Musiker sind Träger und somit die zeitweiligen Wächter eines Erbes, das durch sie erhalten bleibt und weiterlebt. Jede neue Musikergeneration übt ihren eigenen Einfluß auf dieses Erbe aus, das ohne sie zum Aussterben verurteilt wäre. Während wir der Musik zuhören, sollten wir ihrer gedenken und das Geschenk der Weitergabe dieser Tradition würdigen.

In den letzten drei Jahren, während sie auf der "University College Cork" (UCC) studierten, waren ihre Solo- und Duodarbietungen wie gewohnt sehr beeindruckend.

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NEFFBROS : I due fratelli Neff, Flaithrí Neff, (Uilleann pipes), Eoghan Neff, (Fiddle) : Campioni d’Irlanda

Musicisti esperti - un’ interpretazione magistrale - una musica piena di vita, di colore, di gusto. l’energica onda dirompente.

I due fratelli Flaithrí (uilleann pipes) e Eoghan (violino) sono campioni d’Irlanda. Flaithrí ha suonato nell’orchestra che al Celtic Connections di Glasgow e al Festival Interceltique di Lorient nel 1998 e 1999 ha presentato l’opera di Eddie McGuire “L’Epopée Celtique”. Florence, Italia, solisti “Cork Youth Orchestra” l’opera di Shaun Davey “The Brendan Voyage” (2002).

Hanno partecipato come solisti ai festival bretoni di Lorient e Saint-Malò, al Cork Folk Festival d’Irlanda, esibendosi anche negli Stait Uniti a Boston e nel New England. Entrambi hanno ottenuto una borsa di studio dal Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann per continuare gli studi all’Università di Cork.

A Eoghan è stato assegnato il premio Donal ‘Doc’ Gleeson per la sua esibizione solistica presso l’Università di Cork e fa parte dell’ensemble di violini “Fiddlesticks” della stessa ateneo.

Flaithrí fra i 14 e i 18 anni si è aggiudicato per dieci volte consecutive il titolo di campione d’Irlanda.

I due fratelli hanno al loro attivo diverse partecipazioni a programmi radio e televisivi e il CD “Soundpost and Bridle” edito nel 2001 ha ricevuto numerosi riconoscimenti dalle radio nazionali irlandesi.

Formano l’energica onda dirompente dei NeffBros, paragonati dalla stampa specializzata come degni evocatori delle sonorità dei Planxty o della Bothy Band.

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