From the Irish ballad…
It is in the small town of Cork Catriona Lightfoot began studying the violin in Ireland at the age of two. Her passion for the viola blossomed in secondary school, and it was this instrument that she later taught in London.
… from chamber music to orchestral works
As a violist, Catriona Lightfoot performs throughout Europe with internationally renowned ensembles, including:
- the Norwegian Radio Orchestra;
- le RTÉ Concert Orchestra ;
- the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra;
- le BBC Symphony Orchestra ;
- the Irish Baroque Orchestra
She willingly participated twice in the prestigious Wexford Festival Opera in Ireland.
In Spain, she is among the artists participating in the FIMNa, Navarre International Music Festival.
More recently, Catriona Lightfoot has been a member of the baroque quartet Retorika and plays in several other chamber ensembles, including the London Concertante Chambre and the New London Orchestra String Quartet.
Folk music is not to be outdone
Catriona Lightfoot also enjoys playing folk music, world music, and Gypsy music from Eastern Europe, South America, Russia, and Turkey. In association with the Polskadots, Catriona Lightfoot shares this unique sound throughout Ireland, Finland, and Berlin.
The studios she frequents
- Eastcote Studios in London;
- Windmill Studios in Dublin;
- Grouse Lodge Studios in Westmeath…
Some associated artists
- Bill Bailey
- Sinead O'Connor
- Rumer
- Andrea Bocelli
- Julian Lloyd Webber
- John Scofield
- Declan O'Rourke
- Michael O'Suilleabhain
- Phil Coulter
- Tommy Fleming
- Fred Blake
- Eamonn Cagney
His favorite instruments
Catriona Lightfoot plays a Yann Besson viola with an Arthur Richard Bultitude bow.
I am very happy with my Yann Besson viola. This instrument is very comfortable to play. It has a full, balanced, and warm tone. It is very well suited for chamber music, allows for solo performances, and also blends perfectly in an orchestra. Yann was very efficient after the sale, helping me get the most out of my instrument.
View online: Website of Catriona Lightfoot, violinist
