Photos/videos strictly prohibited.
There will be a 15-minute intermission.
Smoke and haze machines will be used.
Dear Arts Patrons,
Welcome to this 2023–24 performing arts season production. The quality programming you are about to enjoy, and in which the university community takes so much pride, would be impossible without our friends, benefactors, and audience members. We are very pleased to have you join us.
This season is an expanded and eclectic mix of music, drama, music theatre, and stand-up comedy performed by outstanding artists ranging from nationally known acts to Viterbo students. The carefully crafted schedule reflects our dedication to upholding the legacy of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and their goal of sharing the wonder of the arts with everyone in the region.
To all Viterbo arts patrons, benefactors, sponsors, volunteers, artists, and students, thank you very much for your continued support.
Enjoy the show! “Pace e Bene”
Peace and all good
Rick Trietley
Viterbo University President
From a young age, both Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy have had music in their lives so it’s no surprise that it was their passion for the fiddle that first brought them together. The duo married in 2002, and in the years following have welcomed their seven children—Mary Frances, Michael, Clare, Julia, Alec, Sadie, and Maria—who have joined them on their tours, some of who have been a part of the show with their own exceptional talents.
Both MacMaster and Leahy have strong beliefs that the farm they uphold is a key component of their children’s education and “running the farm is a great counterpoint to life on the road,” as Leahy puts it.
As Canada’s leading duo of Celtic music, MacMaster and Leahy have passed many milestones together and achieved a wealth of accomplishments and awards, from JUNO’s and the East Coast Music Awards to their very own anicipated Christmas tour, as well as honorary doctorates from Trent University and various other honorary degrees, and a Road Gold Award from the Canadian Independent Music Association.
Their synergy was brilliantly showcased on the pair's first recorded collaboration, 2015’s Bob Ezrin produced album One, a crowning achievement with combined album sales of over one million.
Since then, the couple have released two more records, including their most recent album, Canvas, which was released last year. MacMaster explains their journey in the creation of Canvas as “indulging in full musical freedom, throwing patterns of the past aside. With a few challenges along the way, it was a delight from beginning to end.”
With Yo-Yo Ma, Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Shania Twain, Michael MacDonald, and The Chieftans as collaborators, to name a few, they have captivated audiences stretching from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Sydney, Australia.
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