Joy Dunlop

Music:

Member Since: 5/3/2006
Band Website: myspace.com/joydunlop
Band Members: When not flying solo Joy is to be found singing and dancing with a variety of other musicians including:-

ANDREW DUNLOP [ Piano, clàrsach]
Not only is Andrew Joy's long suffering and ever patient brother, he is also a sickenly talented musician and an amazingly versatile player who can dazzle on both piano and harp and is greatly involved with both the classical and traditional genres of music. Andrew Dunlop was born in Oban in 1985 and grew up in the nearby village of Connel. He is currently studying for his Master of Music (MMus) at the Royal Northern College of Music with Carole Presland & Alexaner Melnikov having won several major scholarships including RNCM scholarship, Countess of Munster Musical Trust, The Craxton Memorial Trust, Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship, Musicians Benevolent Fund and The Worshipful Company of Musicians. Andrew also recently graduated with First Class Honours in his BMus, in addition to the Alfred Clay Scholarship for the highest piano recital mark and The Hilda Anderson Deane Prize for the highest academic marks. Recent concerto performances include Bartok's Third Piano Concerto, Ravel G Major (both with the RNCM Symphony Orchestra) and Mozart's Piano Concerto in A Major K488, with competition success including First Prize in the RNCM Ravel Competition, Concerto Competition, Third Prize in the RNCM Recital Prize and Bronze Medal and Outstanding Commendation in the Marlow International Concerto Competition. Highlights of 2008 include a solo debut Tour of New Zealand's South Island, debut performance on BBC Radio Three and a Tour of North US/Canada as accompanist to the National Children's Choir of Great Britain in addition to winning further awards from the Countess of Munster and Sir James Carid Trust. In August, Andrew will commence his studies as a Fulbright Scholar at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester (USA) on the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) programme, studying under renowned pianist and pedagogue, Professor Barry Snyder.

CEOL GAIRE
Ceol Gaire was the brain child of front woman Joy Dunlop back in the good old days of Oban High School and was formed as a rebel folk group for the Royal National Mod. It has survived through many changes with 3 of the orginal members, brother and sister combo Joy and Andrew and adopted Swede Anna Helga Cearc, making up the current lineup. This is a band not unused to controversy as was proved at the now imfamous Isle of Skye Royal National Mod when the group were creully petioned against by rival groups. "If you think that a saxophone is NOT a traditional instrument sign your name here." However they immerged through this a stronger and mightier group with highlights that include performing in the Aros Centre, Corran Halls and of course, at numerous Meur Chruachain Taynuilt ceilidhs.This is a force to be reckoned with! Ceol Gaire Gu Brath!!!

ATOMIC PISEAG
The imfamous Atomic Piseag (or Atomaig Piseag or Piseagan Atomaig, if you don't get the joke!) is the rebel ladies choir of the Mod circuit. Amongst the 26 members, there are many individual and duet prizewinners, including three Gold Medallists (fluent Gaelic speakers' competition) and three Silver Pendant winners (Gaelic learners' competition). They come from all over Argyll, Scotland and beyond to attend rehearsals once a month. Dedicated singers come from Campbeltown, Tarbert Loch Fyne, Lochgilphead, Dunoon, Taynuilt, Barcaldine, Oban, Isle of Mull and Carnoustie but none is so far traveled as our bold conductor, Raymond Bremner, who hails from Thrumster
Find out more about these group of power crazy woman at www.piseag.co.uk

COISIR GHAIDHLIG THAIGH AN UILLT
This group of party people make up an enthusiastic Gaelic Choir of around 40 members from the scenic Highland village of Taynuilt in Argyll on the West Coast of Scotland, interested in promoting traditional language and culture whilst not forgetting to enjoy ourselves at the same time. Our aim is to establish links with choirs in the UK and other countries, especially Gaelic speaking / learning musical groups. Not only is Joy one of their top sopranos, she now keeps the troops in order as their new Gaelic tutor. Please visit their site if you are interested in Scottish traditional music and would like to share experiences and culture (and a bit of "craic")! www.taynuiltgaelicchoir.co.uk

CEANN AN TUIRC
Joy has recently stepped into the breach as conductor of Ceann an Tuirc, the Argyll male voice choir. Ceann an Tuirc are possibly THE hottest thing to hit the Mod scene...ever! A collection of Argyll's most attractive male singers, this group of likely lads have been wooing audiences far and wide since their creation in 2003. Consisting of members from throughout God's own area of Argyll, they meet on a monthly basis to get the craic, sing songs and prepare for the whisky olympics that is The Royal National Mod. She is always on the look out for new members so if you are handsome, from/living in Argyll and vocally blessed Joy wants to hear from you! See http://ceannantuirc.bebo.com for more info. Ceann an Tuirc-The People's Choice!

Influences: Everything and anything! From old Gaelic singers to new bands, from folk music to songs on the radio inspiration and influence can be found in all types of music.

Sounds Like: "Remember Joy Dunlop from the Royal National Mod? Her Gaelic singing was exquisite." BBC Shropshire

"Joy Dunlop has a voice that will enthrall ANYONE! Yes...she is THAT good!" IRFT Celtic Music Radio

"Tha Joy Dunlop a' cosnadh cliu dhi fhein mar shar sheinneadair Gaidhlig-Joy Dunlop is making a name for herslef as a great Gaelic singer" An Gaidheal Ur

"Joy Dunlop, was cited as an example of the benefits which the Mod can bring. She has developed into such an accomplished speaker that she has been put forward this year as one of the adjudicators for today's competitions." The Scotsman

"Joy Dunlop sang like a lintie and enthralled the audience, keeping them in the plam of her hand all night" The Oban Times

"I am more enchanted by her voice every time that i hear her. A truly natural and wonderful talent" ACG Manchester

Joy Dunlop-Big girl, big voice!" ACG Perth

Type of Label: None