Michael Burnham
Mike studied violin at the Birmingham Conservatoire and Trinity College of Music, London under the distinguished violinist and teacher, Nicholas Roth. His classical training helped Mike in his appreciation and understanding of Celtic Folk and World Music, which has always run parallel with his classical playing. Mike believes that good music, whatever the genre, should be appreciated and enjoyed. He has done much to break down the musical barriers with his eclectic taste in music. During his career he has played with many well-known orchestras and musicians including Yehudi Menuhin, Nigel Kennedy (in the pub), Aly Bain, Dave Swarbrick and Ric Sanders.
Mike
may be booked for concerts and festivals as a solo artist or with his musical
partner Meg Lawrie. (See below).
MEG LAWRIE AND MIKE BURNHAM
The
American folk-roots magazine ‘Dirty Linen’ describes the duo in a recent
review:
Aranmore
play with natural warmth and feeling with the elegant sound of chamber music,
while remaining true in spirit to the tradition.’
Meg,
an All England and Ireland champion ballad singer, has now joined forces with
Mike Burnham, a virtuoso violinist who plays Celtic folk music with great ease
and style. Mike champions the music of legendary fiddler James Scott-Skinner
and Irish composer, Turloch O’Caralan Mike received sensational reviews back in 1999 for his C.D.
’Sarona’ featuring Skinner’s music. Since then, Aranmore have played at many
U.K. festivals, including the Cropredy festival 2003, with the great Dave
Swarbrick and Fairport Convention playing to an audience of 18,000.
The
duo’s strength lies in their versatility; whether at a large or small venue,
country church, or conference; they stand and deliver.
Meg and Mike
recently toured the Netherlands and Italy, giving concerts near Venice and
Rome. A new C.D. entitled ‘Ancient Stones’, is in preparation for release in
November of this year, and will feature traditional songs and music, as well as
contemporary and original compositions by Meg .
ALL ROUND MUSICIANS
Aranmore are all round musicians, who play at large or small venues and have programmes to suit most types of events, including festivals, concerts, folk clubs and workshops.
WHEN SIZE REALLY MATTERS…
Through the Mike Burnham World Music Network, Aranmore
can be augmented to incorporate other musicians in any combination.
BOOK Aranmore FOR YOUR CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT
Varied programmes are available with audience participation e.g. group activities to include composing a company song.
CHRISTIAN MUSIC MINISTRY
Mike and Meg are both committed Christians and
like to share their gifts of music. They are available without charge for
spiritual music concerts (subject to work schedule). For further details
see our Website www.aranmore.co.uk
‘Meg and Mike, superb as
always.’
Dave Swarbrick
“The festival crowd loved
Aranmore, so I invited them for a second time.’
Barry Yates, Burntwood Folk Festival, 2004
“Music which is Exciting and
easy to listen to, a sound that Scott Skinner would have relished.”
Paul Burgess
“Don’t miss this opportunity to
hear Mike, he really is a fine musician - Recommended.”
The Living
Tradition
“The magical mixture of the
then and now makes the best in modern folk.”
Taplas Magazine
“Mike’s performance flows with
a marvellous alacrity and seamless musical authority, especially on the slow
airs. Another masterclass.”
Rock’n’Reel
“Mike Burnham is without
question an exceptionally talented and gifted fiddle player.”