One of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s most important exports and a superstar in the Celtic music world (though she’s far too humble to admit it), fiddle and step-dancer Natalie MacMaster has built a sterling, multi-decade career on electrifying playing and must-see live performances. Her extensive discography showcases MacMaster as both a solo artist and a marquee collaborator, notably with husband and fellow fiddler Donnell Leahy. MacMaster has quite the resume, performing with Béla Fleck, Faith Hill, and Carlos Santana. An Order of Canada (Canadian state order is the second-highest honor for merit in Canada, after the Order of Merit) is among many accolades the Ontario-based mother of six has received in recognition of her peerless artistic status. As if all of that weren’t enough, she also holds a teaching degree, homeschools her children, and is a published author.

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