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{{short description|Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2013}} {{Use British English|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
| name = Moya Brennan | name = Moya Brennan
| alias = Máire Brennan<br>Máire Jarvis<ref name="UBCapplication">. (PDF) .</ref><br>"The Voice of Clannad"<ref>{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref><br>"First Lady of Celtic Music"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/news/headlines/11556318/ |title=Moya Brennan Releases EMI Signature CMG Sparrow Celtic Music &#124; Christian Music |publisher=Christianmusicplanet.com |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> | alias = Máire Brennan<br />Máire Jarvis<ref name="UBCapplication">{{cite web |url=http://www.bci.ie/documents/ucb_3.pdf |title=UCB Ireland AM/FM LICENCE APPLICATION 2006 |access-date=5 November 2011 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415051458/http://www.bci.ie/documents/ucb_3.pdf |archive-date=15 April 2012}}</ref>
| background = solo_singer | background = solo_singer
| image = Moya Brennan - backstage at Glastonbury 2011.JPG|250px | image = Moya Brennan - backstage at Glastonbury 2011.JPG
| image_upright = 0.75
| caption = Moya Brennan backstage at Glastonbury 2011
| caption = Brennan in 2011
| birth_name = Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin | birth_name = Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1952|08|4|df=y}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1952|08|04}}
|birth_place = ], ], Ireland |birth_place = ], County Dublin, Ireland
| occupation = Singer, songwriter, producer, ] |origin = ], County Donegal, Ireland
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|producer|]}}
| genre = ], ], ], ], ]
| instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|]|piano}}
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]}}
| years_active = 1970–present | years_active = 1970–present
| associated_acts = ], ], ] | associated_acts = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
| label = ], ], ], BEO, ] | label = {{hlist|]|]|]|BEO|]}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.moyabrennan.com}} | website = {{URL|www.moyabrennan.com}}
| notable_instruments =
}} }}


'''Moya Brennan''', born '''Máire Ní Bhraonáin'''<ref name="Name Change">{{cite news | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article6301871.ece | title = Surge in deed poll name changes | date = 17 May 2009 | first = Colin | last = Coyle | work = ] | location = London | accessdate = 5 May 2010}}</ref> ({{IPA-ga|mˠaːrʲə nʲiː vɾˠiːn̪ˠaːn}}), also known as '''Máire Brennan''' (born 4 August 1952), is an Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist. She began performing professionally in 1970 when her family formed the band ],<ref>{{cite news|last=Murray |first=Fiona |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3672589.stm |title=UK &#124; Northern Ireland &#124; Beautiful night for Clannad star |publisher=BBC News |date=2 May 2004 |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> and is now widely considered as the "First Lady of Celtic Music".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Signature_Tunes/23128/p1/ |title=Signature Tunes – Moya Brennan |publisher=Crossrhythms.co.uk |date=27 July 2006 |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> Moya released her first solo album in 1992 called '']'', a successful venture, her solo career has remained successful to this day, many years after Clannad took a hiatus in 1996.<ref>. Docstoc.com. Retrieved on 4 May 2012.</ref> She has been nominated for two ]s and has won an ].<ref>. Clannad.nl (1 May 2011). Retrieved on 4 May 2012.</ref> She has recorded with many world-famous musicians and has provided music for several soundtracks, including '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref>. SoundtrackCollector.com. Retrieved on 4 May 2012.</ref><ref>. Discogs.com. Retrieved on 4 May 2012.</ref> '''Moya Brennan''' (born '''Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin'''{{efn|{{IPA-ga|ˈmˠaːɾʲə n̠ʲiː ˈwɾˠiːn̪ˠaːnʲ}}.}} on 4 August 1952),<ref name="Name Change">{{cite news | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article6301871.ece | title = Surge in deed poll name changes | date = 17 May 2009 | first = Colin | last = Coyle | work = ] | location = London | access-date = 5 May 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100604053743/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article6301871.ece | archive-date = 4 June 2010 | url-status=dead}}</ref> also known as '''Máire Brennan''', is an Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist. She is the sister of the musical artist known as ]. She began performing professionally in 1970 when her family formed the band ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Murray |first=Fiona |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3672589.stm |title=UK &#124; Beautiful night for Clannad star |work=BBC News |date=2 May 2004 |access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref> Brennan released her first solo album in 1992 called '']'', a successful venture.<ref>. Docstoc.com. Retrieved 4 May 2012.</ref> She has received a ] from five nominations and has won an ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/maire-brennan/708|title=Marie Brennan|website=Grammy.com|date=19 November 2019|publisher=]|access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331055926/http://www.clannad.nl/2011/05/emmy-award-for-music-of-ireland.html |date=31 March 2012}}. Clannad.nl (1 May 2011). Retrieved 4 May 2012.</ref> She has recorded music for several soundtracks, including '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref>. SoundtrackCollector.com. Retrieved 4 May 2012.</ref><ref>. discogs. Retrieved 4 May 2012.</ref>


== Musical upbringing == == Musical upbringing ==
'''Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin'''<ref name="Name Change"/> ({{IPA-ga|mˠaːrʲə nʲiː vɾˠiːn̪ˠaːn}}) was born in ] after her parents eloped from ] to marry in ]. Máire grew up as the eldest child of a very musical family in the remote parish of ] (''Gaoth Dobhair''), a ] area in which the Irish language and tradition continue to flourish, in Ireland's northernmost county, County Donegal.<ref name="Congo"> at YouTube, starts at 4:10</ref> Her mother Máire (better known by her nickname, Baba)(née Ní Dhúgáin or ''Duggan'' in English) was a music teacher and her father Leo Brennan was a member of a cabaret band with whom she performed as a child. Moya is the eldest of nine children, her sisters are Deirdre, Eithne (better known as '']''), Olive, ] and her brothers are ], ], Leon and Bartley. She sang along with her siblings in the family pub, ], in the village of Meenaleck, a short distance from the family home. She also took part in many pantomimes in ], the local theatre, usually dancing and singing. After leaving secondary school Brennan spent a few years at the ] in Dublin studying the ], the piano and singing. She later taught music at Holy Cross College in ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://enya.sk/articles/maire-quotes.htm |title=Quotes about Enya |publisher=Enya.sk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin was born on 4 August 1952 in ] after her parents eloped from ] to marry in ]. Máire grew up as the eldest child of a musical family in the remote parish of ] (''Gaoth Dobhair''), a ] area in County Donegal, where the Irish language and tradition continue to flourish.<ref name="Congo">{{YouTube|id=KrKQr8HM_VM#t=4m10s|title=Moya Brennan i gCongo}}, starts at 4:10</ref> Her mother Máire (née Ní Dhúgáin or ''Duggan'' in English) was a music teacher and her father, Leo Brennan, was a member of a cabaret band with whom she performed as a child.
Moya is the eldest of nine children. She has four sisters, Deirdre, Eithne (better known as ]), Olive and ], and four brothers, ], ], Leon and Bartley. She sang along with her siblings in the family pub, ] in the village of Meenaleck, a short distance from the family home. She also took part in pantomimes at the local '']'' (Gweedore Theatre). After leaving secondary school, Brennan spent a few years at the ] in Dublin studying the ], the piano and singing. She has also taught music at Holy Cross College in ], County Donegal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://enya.sk/articles/maire-quotes.htm |title=Quotes about Enya |publisher=Enya.sk |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921142805/http://enya.sk/articles/maire-quotes.htm |archive-date=21 September 2010}}</ref>


== Years with Clannad == == Years with Clannad ==
{{Main|Clannad}}
], ], in 2005.]]{{Main|Clannad}}
]


It was during this time in 1970 that Brennan joined her two brothers Pól and Ciarán and their mother's twin brothers ] and ] and eventually formed Clannad. They were identified and introduced to television by ].<ref>{{cite web|author=T. Saravanan |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/striking-the-right-chord/article4557957.ece |title=Striking the right chord |publisher=The Hindu |date=28 March 2013 |accessdate=16 June 2013}}</ref> After enjoying a decade of being among the world's foremost Irish musical groups, Clannad graduated to chart success in 1982 with the album '']''. Brennan was at the forefront of the group's success and her voice suddenly became synonymous with ] and Irish music at the time. Brennan recorded 17 albums with Clannad and has won a ], a ] and an ] award with the quintet. Her sister Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, who spent a while with Clannad, continues to pursue a very successful solo career under the name ]. In 1970, Brennan joined her two brothers Pól and Ciarán, and their mother's twin brothers ] and ], and eventually formed Clannad. They were introduced to television by Irish musician and broadcaster ].<ref>{{cite news|author=T. Saravanan |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/striking-the-right-chord/article4557957.ece |title=Striking the right chord |newspaper=The Hindu |date=28 March 2013 |access-date=16 June 2013}}</ref> After enjoying a decade of being among the world's foremost Irish musical groups, Clannad graduated to chart success in 1982 with the album '']''. Brennan was at the forefront of the group's success and her voice suddenly became synonymous with ] and Irish music. She recorded 17 albums with Clannad and has won a ], a ] and an ] award with the quintet. Her sister, Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, spent a couple of years with Clannad in the early 1980s, and went on to pursue a very successful solo career as ].


Following their 2008 reunion tour, it was later announced that Moya would be working on a new ] album with Clannad for release in 2009, however, this never came to fruition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/02/new-clannad-album/ |title=New Clannad Album |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> Following Clannad's 2008 reunion tour, it was announced that Brennan would be working on a new ] album with the group, for release in 2009, but that never came to fruition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/02/new-clannad-album/ |title=New Clannad Album |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228201534/http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/02/new-clannad-album/ |archive-date=28 February 2009}}</ref>
{{-}}


== Solo career == == Solo career ==
Brennan released her first solo album in 1992, '']'', on ]. '']'' on BGM followed three years later. In 1998, Brennan signed with ] and released '']'', and '']'' a year later. The album was nominated in the ] for ]. Brennan is managed by her husband Tim Jarvis and her brother Leon Ó Braonáin. Her music is usually classified as ] or ]ic. She accepts the Celtic label, but has at times indicated a slight discomfort with being seen as "New Age" as much of her music is strongly Christian, with several of her songs centring on maintaining a relationship with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alphaomeganews.org/features/04/03/moya.html |title=Moya Brennan – Two Horizons Interview |publisher=Alphaomeganews.org |date=9 February 2004 |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> Some of her songs show influences from her Roman Catholic upbringing or seem relational due to her own views concerning the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Raushenbush |first=Paul B. |url=http://www.beliefnet.com/story/65/story_6542_3.html |title=Beliefnet.com |publisher=Beliefnet.com |date=15 July 2010 |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> Brennan released her first solo album in 1992, '']'', on ]. '']'' on BGM followed three years later. In 1998, Brennan signed with ] and released '']'', and '']'' a year later. The album was nominated for the ] in 2001. Brennan is managed by her husband Tim Jarvis and her brother Leon Ó Braonáin. Her music is usually classified as ] or Celtic. She accepts the Celtic label, but has at times indicated a slight discomfort with being seen as "New Age" as much of her music is strongly Christian, with several of her songs centring on maintaining a relationship with Jesus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alphaomeganews.org/features/04/03/moya.html |title=Moya Brennan – Two Horizons Interview |publisher=Alphaomeganews.org |date=9 February 2004 |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724155128/http://alphaomeganews.org/features/04/03/moya.html |archive-date=24 July 2011}}</ref> Some of her songs show influences from her Roman Catholic upbringing or seem relational due to her own views concerning ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Raushenbush |first=Paul B. |url=http://www.beliefnet.com/story/65/story_6542_3.html |title=Beliefnet.com |publisher=Beliefnet.com |date=15 July 2010 |access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref>


In 2000, her autobiography, '']''. was published and she also performed her song "Perfect Time" live at ] in Rome in front of crowds of pilgrims and Pope ]. There were 2.1&nbsp;million people present, making it the largest crowd ever gathered in the ]. She considered it an honour as she believes in mutual respect among Christians.<ref>{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> Moya also recorded on the event's album, ''One''. She recorded a duet with Booley, now known as ]. The song, titled "Peace Has Broken Out", is about ] in Ireland. In 2000, her autobiography, '']''. was published and she also performed her song "Perfect Time" live at ] in Rome in front of crowds of pilgrims and ]. There were 2.1&nbsp;million people present, making it the largest crowd ever gathered in the ]. She considered it an honour as she believes in mutual respect among Christians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.moyabrennan.com/books2.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070418174503/http://www.moyabrennan.com/books2.php|url-status=dead|title=Moya Brennan : Books|archive-date=18 April 2007|access-date=21 March 2023}}</ref> Moya also recorded on the event's album, ''One''. She recorded a duet with Booley, now known as ]. The song, titled "Peace Has Broken Out", is about ] in Ireland.


In film, she was featured vocalist on '']'' (2004), co-writing the title theme "Tell Me Now (What You See)" with ] and wrote additional music score for '']'' (2001). In 1995, she duetted with ] with "You're the One" for the movie ''Circle of Friends''. Brennan has collaborated with many other musicians, including ], ], ], ], ], ] from ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. In film, she was featured vocalist on '']'' (2004), co-writing the title theme "Tell Me Now (What You See)" with ] and wrote additional music score for '']'' (2001). In 1995, she duetted with ] with "You're the One" for the movie ''Circle of Friends''. Brennan has collaborated with many other musicians, including ], ], ], ], ], ] from ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].


In total Brennan has recorded 25 albums, and has sold 20&nbsp;million records. Since 2002, she has promoted herself as '''Moya Brennan''' — a spelling closely resembling the phonetic pronunciation of her name for those not familiar with the Irish variant of the spelling – and, in 2009, she legally changed her name by ].<ref name="Name Change"/> Under this moniker she released an album entitled ''Two Horizons'' in 2003 under her new label, Universal. She has also collaborated with dance artist ] for performing the vocals on the single "]", which was also featured in the VisitScotland advertising campaign, as well as having been used by ] to promote Ireland, and by ] city council, both in television adverts. In total Brennan has recorded 25 albums, and has sold 20&nbsp;million records. Since 2002, she has promoted herself as '''Moya Brennan''' — a spelling closely resembling the phonetic pronunciation of her name for those not familiar with the Irish variant of the spelling – and, in 2009, she legally changed her name by ].<ref name="Name Change"/> Under this name she released an album entitled ''Two Horizons'' in 2003 under her new label, Universal. She has also collaborated with dance artist Chicane for performing the vocals on the single "]", which was also featured in the VisitScotland advertising campaign, as well as having been used by ] to promote Ireland, and by ] city council, both in television adverts.


On 17 March 2004, she performed at the Speaker's Luncheon on ] in front of President ] and Irish dignitaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/index.asp?loc=whatsonshow&woid=8433 |title=Whats on at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall |publisher=Wolvescivic.co.uk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> On 17 March 2004, she performed at the Speaker's Luncheon on ] in front of President ] and Irish dignitaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/index.asp?loc=whatsonshow&woid=8433 |title=Whats on at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall |website=Wolvescivic.co.uk |access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref>


During the World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, she performed with ] in the Vigil in front of a million people and was also part of the official WYD CD ''Building on World''.<ref>{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> During the World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, she performed with ] in the Vigil in front of a million people and was also part of the official WYD CD ''Building on World''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.word-on-the-web.co.uk/music/building%20one%20world.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009010513/http://www.word-on-the-web.co.uk/music/building%20one%20world.htm|url-status=dead|title=Various, The XX World Youth Day Compilation: Building One World – music review – word-on-the-web – Church Army|archive-date=9 October 2007|access-date=21 March 2023}}</ref>
{{listen {{listen
| filename = moyaagainst.ogg | filename = moyaagainst.ogg
| title = "Against the Wind" (1992) | title = 'Against the Wind' (1992)
| description = Most successful song from her debut album, '']''. | description = Most successful song from her debut album, '']''.
| format = ] | format = ]
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| format2 = ] | format2 = ]
}} }}
2006 saw the release of her Christmas album, simply entitled ']', although it was originally planned to bear the title 'Love Came Down. A year later, Brennan released her album ']', which she described as a collection of ''snapshots of (Brennan's) life''. The album featured only one Irish song but featured choruses and backing vocals in her native language throughout. 2006 saw the release of her Christmas album, simply entitled ']', although it was originally planned to bear the title 'Love Came Down'. A year later, Brennan released her album ']', which she described as a collection of snapshots of her life. The album featured only one Irish song but featured choruses and backing vocals in her native language throughout.


While touring with the latter album, during 2007 and 2008, Moya recorded several collaborations and guest vocals on albums by ], ] and with Grand Canal on Ireland's Official Olympic Anthem, "]. All three recordings were in aid of several charities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/07/songs-for-luca-2/ |title=clannad.org.uk |publisher=clannad.org.uk |date= |accessdate=16 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/raphaels-journey/ |title=Raphael's Journey |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/green-to-gold-cover/ |title=Green to Gold Cover |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> While touring with the latter album, during 2007 and 2008, Moya recorded several collaborations and guest vocals on albums by ], ] and with Grand Canal on Ireland's Official Olympic Anthem, "]. All three recordings were in aid of several charities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/07/songs-for-luca-2/ |title=clannad.org.uk |publisher=clannad.org.uk |access-date=16 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/raphaels-journey/ |title=Raphael's Journey |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004162747/http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/raphaels-journey/ |archive-date=4 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/green-to-gold-cover/ |title=Green to Gold Cover |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref>


Her 2008–2009 live album '']'' was recorded with the ] and ]. Moya has toured to promote the album extensively in the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/new-moya-brennan-video-official-heartstrings-details/ |title=Official Heart Strings Details announced! |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref><ref> at MoyaBrennan.com</ref> Her 2008–2009 live album '']'' was recorded with the ] and ]. Moya has toured to promote the album extensively in the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and England.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/new-moya-brennan-video-official-heartstrings-details/ |title=Official Heart Strings Details announced! |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004162830/http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/new-moya-brennan-video-official-heartstrings-details/ |archive-date=4 October 2011 }}</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219175434/http://www.moyabrennan.com/archives.php |date=19 December 2008 }} at MoyaBrennan.com</ref>


In 2009, Brennan recorded the official soundtrack on ] documentary film 'Intrepid Journal' which documents 50 years of American foreign policy, from WWII to ].<ref> – Northern Skyline</ref> In 2009, Brennan recorded the official soundtrack on ] documentary film 'Intrepid Journal' which documents 50 years of American foreign policy, from ] to the ].<ref> – Northern Skyline</ref>


In April 2010, Moya released a new studio album with harpist and live band member ]. '']'' was recorded for her Spring 2010 tour of the Netherlands, and is available only during her tours. The album is expected to become more widely available in 2010. In April 2010, Moya released a new studio album with harpist and live band member ]. '']'' was recorded for her Spring 2010 tour of the Netherlands, and is available only during her tours. The album is expected to become more widely available in 2010.


Moya Brennan announced that she was working on a hymns album, possibly for 2010 release and would release a new acoustic music album with Clannad in 2010 or 2011.<ref> (Audio Interview)</ref><ref name="NewAlbum09">{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/02/new-clannad-album/ |title=New Clannad album |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> Up to present, the new Clannad album is slated for a 2013 release in September. Moya Brennan announced that she was working on a hymns album, possibly for 2010 release and would release a new acoustic music album with Clannad in 2010 or 2011.<ref> (Audio Interview)</ref><ref name="NewAlbum09">{{cite web |url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/02/new-clannad-album/ |title=New Clannad album |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228201534/http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/02/new-clannad-album/ |archive-date=28 February 2009 }}</ref> The new Clannad album is slated for a 2013 release in September.


Brennan was the featured headliner for the Atlanta Celtic Christmas concert, recorded live by Georgia Public Broadcasting on 18–19 December 2010. This annual festive event at Emory University's Schwartz Center spans music and dance from Irish, Scottish, and Appalachian traditions.<ref>{{cite web|title=GPB to Broadcast Emory's Popular Atlanta Celtic Christmas Concert|url=http://shared.web.emory.edu/emory/news/releases/2011/11/gpb-to-broadcast-emorys-popular-atlanta-celtic-christmas-concert.html#.Tvo5p0qRxqR|accessdate=27 December 2011}}</ref> Brennan was the featured headliner for the Atlanta Celtic Christmas concert, recorded live by Georgia Public Broadcasting on 18–19 December 2010. This annual festive event at Emory University's Schwartz Center spans music and dance from Irish, Scottish, and Appalachian traditions.<ref>{{cite web|title=GPB to Broadcast Emory's Popular Atlanta Celtic Christmas Concert|url=http://shared.web.emory.edu/emory/news/releases/2011/11/gpb-to-broadcast-emorys-popular-atlanta-celtic-christmas-concert.html|access-date=27 December 2011|archive-date=25 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425081258/http://shared.web.emory.edu/emory/news/releases/2011/11/gpb-to-broadcast-emorys-popular-atlanta-celtic-christmas-concert.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Moya Brennan appeared as well on the album "Excalibur III – The Origins" written by ], a musician who comes from Brittany (France). She sang, indeed, on the following tracks : "The Origins Part I and II", "Incantations" and "Sacred Lands". Moya Brennan appeared as well on the album "Excalibur III – The Origins" written by ], a musician who comes from Brittany (France). She sang, indeed, on the following tracks : "The Origins Part I and II", "Incantations" and "Sacred Lands".
Moreover, she went in July 2012 to Brocéliande, in Brittany, where she performed as soloist before performing at the concert "Excalibur III – The Origins". Moreover, she went in July 2012 to Brocéliande, in Brittany, where she performed as soloist before performing at the concert "Excalibur III – The Origins".


Brennan is scheduled to perform at the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC on 17 March 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Geographic Society|url=http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/concerts/2012/03/17/st-patricks/}}</ref> Brennan was scheduled to perform at the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC on 17 March 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Geographic Society|url=http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/concerts/2012/03/17/st-patricks/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305035419/http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/concerts/2012/03/17/st-patricks/|archive-date=5 March 2012}}</ref>

In 2013, Moya Brennan released a new studio album called Voices & Harps – Affinity in collaboration with harpist Cormac de Barra as a follow-up to the album Voices & Harps, which was released in 2011. It contains brand new tunes composed by Brennan and de Barra, several traditional tunes in Irish and a cover after Christopher Cross' song "Sailing" which also serves as the album's lead single.

2017 saw Brennan release ''Canvas'', her first solo album in almost a decade.<ref> ''Irish Music Magazine '' news article 19 January 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2018</ref> Co-written by her two children, Aisling and Paul, the album was released on 24 February 2017 and was supported by a UK, Irish and European tour through 2018.

In 2020, Brennan was part of an Irish collective of female singers and musicians called "]", that recorded a version of the song "]" in aid of the charity Safe Ireland, which deals with ] which had reportedly risen significantly during the ].<ref name="it-1">{{cite news |last=Boland |first=Rosita |date=19 June 2020|title=Irish Women in Harmony record Cranberries song in aid of Safe Ireland |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/irish-women-in-harmony-record-cranberries-song-in-aid-of-safe-ireland-1.4283348 |access-date=28 July 2020 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref><ref name="mcd-1">{{cite web |title=Irish Women in Harmony |url=https://mcd.ie/irish-women-in-harmony/ |website=MCD.ie |access-date=28 July 2020 |date=n.d. |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918133130/https://mcd.ie/irish-women-in-harmony/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


=== Moya Brennan Band === === Moya Brennan Band ===
Moya Brennan tours with a large band of musicians<ref>{{cite web|author=Moya Brennan |url=http://moyabrennan.com/theband.php |title=The Band |publisher=MoyaBrennan.com |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> who have each recorded solo projects in the past or have recorded with their own bands. The band includes harpist and television presenter ]. Between August 2008 and February 2009, two new members joined Moya's band, the first changes since her ''Two Horizons Tour'', including Irish singer ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/02/new-moya-brennan-band-member/ |title=New Moya Brennan band member! |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/moyas-new-band-member/ |title=Moya's new band member |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |date= |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> Moya Brennan tours with a large band of musicians<ref>{{cite web |author=Moya Brennan |url=http://moyabrennan.com/theband.php |title=The Band |publisher=MoyaBrennan.com |access-date=18 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206165022/http://www.moyabrennan.com/theband.php |archive-date=6 December 2010 }}</ref> who have each recorded solo projects in the past or have recorded with their own bands. The band includes harpist and television presenter ]. Between August 2008 and February 2009, two new members joined Moya's band, the first changes since her ''Two Horizons Tour'', including Irish singer ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/02/new-moya-brennan-band-member/ |title=New Moya Brennan band member! |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clannad.org.uk/2008/08/moyas-new-band-member/ |title=Moya's new band member |publisher=Clannad.org.uk |access-date=18 October 2010}}</ref>
In 2012, Moya's daughter, Aisling Jarvis, became a permanent member of her band. Aisling joins Brennan on all solo tours, as well as Moya's project with Cormac DeBarra, "Voices & Harps".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://italish.eu/shoulders-giants-7-questions-7-aisling-jarvis/|title=On the Shoulders of Giants – 7 Questions 7 to Aisling Jarvis|website=italish.eu|date=7 May 2014}}</ref>


====Band members====
{| border="0" cellpadding="2" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
{{div col|colwidth=10em}}
|-
!Current Members
!Former Members
|- valign="top"
|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
Line 87: Line 95:
* Éamonn Galldubh * Éamonn Galldubh
* Fionán de Barra * Fionán de Barra
* Dave Curley
* Paul Byrne * Paul Byrne
* Yoshi Izumi * Yoshi Izumi
* Paul Jarvis
* Hughie Boyle * Hughie Boyle
* Will Keating * Will Keating
* Sam Jackson * Sam Jackson
* Daithí Rua * Daithí Rua
* Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn
|
* ]
* ] * ]
* Rob Jones * Rob Jones
Line 101: Line 110:
* Deirdre Brennan * Deirdre Brennan
* Tim Jarvis * Tim Jarvis
* Éamonn de Barra
|}
* Lia Wright
* Clare Friel
* Neil Kennedy
* Cathal Ó'Curráin
* Aran Sheehy
{{div col end}}


== Legacy == == Legacy and recognition ==
Brennan and ] are credited with the creation of contemporary Celtic music and are held in high esteem for their vast contribution to bringing new life to old Irish songs. They have been compared to ], in that they brought the Irish language into popular culture through their music. One critic said: "Clannad's music offers a terrific fusion between traditional and modern influences."<ref name="Calgary"></ref> It is Brennan's haunting voice that has left the most lasting legacy, it has become synonymic with Clannad's work and with Irish music in general. Her ethereal vocalisation is considered the archetypal ''sound of Ireland'' and strains of her style have been acquired in the soundtracks to '']'' and '']''. ] singer ] (who duetted with Brennan on the Clannad song "]") said of her voice: "''I think Máire has one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced.''"<ref name="HotPressInaLifetime"> HotPress.com</ref><ref name="RTEMooney">. ]</ref> Brennan is also famous for her harp playing, which she has featured on many Clannad records, with her album '']'' being based on the discovery of the ]. Brennan and ] are credited with the creation of contemporary Celtic music and are held in high esteem for their vast contribution to bringing new life to old Irish songs. They have been compared to ], in that they brought the Irish language into popular culture through their music. One critic said: "Clannad's music offers a terrific fusion between traditional and modern influences."<ref name="Calgary">{{Cite web|url=http://www.calgaryics.org/MoyaBrennan2.htm|title=Calgary Irish Cultural Society|website=Calgaryics.org|access-date=21 March 2023}}</ref> ] singer ] (who duetted with Brennan on the Clannad song "]") said of her voice: "I think Máire has one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced."<ref name="HotPressInaLifetime"> ''Hot Press''</ref><ref name="RTÉMooney">{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/radio/mooneygoeswild/fp2008/january31.html|title=RTÉ Radio One, Mooney Goes Wild|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann}}</ref> Brennan also plays harp, which she has featured on many Clannad records, with her album '']'' being based on the discovery of the ]. Brennan's vocal range has once been described as a "breathy ]".<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.allmusic.com/album/lore-bonus-track-r691937| title = Clannad Lore Review| publisher=AllMusic| access-date=26 November 2011| first=William| last=Ruhlmann}}</ref>
] and chancellor, May 2022]]
In May 2022, Brennan's contributions were recognised by the awarding of an honorary doctorate by ], alongside aircraft leasing leader Domhnal Slattery, at a ceremony attended by Brennan's immediate family, as well as her mother and her sister ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Rachel |date=27 May 2022 |title=Moya Brennan awarded honorary doctorate from DCU |url=https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/05/27/moya-brennan-awarded-honorary-doctorate-from-dcu/ |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=Donegal Daily |language=en-US}}</ref>

Moya Brennan was announced as Donegal Person of The Year 2023 on 10 February 2024. This follows the 2022 award given to the victims of the ], of which Moya co-hosted the Together for Creeslough concert in January 2023, alongside ], who won the award in 2009. Brennan's inauguration ceremony is set to take place on 6 April 2024, at a gala ball held at The Bonnington Hotel in Dublin.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Writer |date=2024-02-10 |title=Moya Brennan named Donegal Person of the Year 2023 |url=https://www.donegaldaily.com/2024/02/10/moya-brennan-named-donegal-person-of-the-year-2023/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Donegal Daily |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Personal life == == Personal life ==
Brennan wrote an autobiography called '']'' in 2000, in which she recalls her upbringing as the eldest of nine siblings in rural Donegal. Along with the highs of success in the music business, she also recounts low periods where alcohol, drugs and an abortion made her re-evaluate her life. She emerged from her "dark years" as a committed Christian, with rekindled faith.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.irishnews.com/arts/music/2022/02/26/news/clannad-s-moya-brennan-first-lady-of-celtic-music-on-faith-family-and-harry-s-game-2597713 | title=Clannad's Moya Brennan: First lady of Celtic music on faith, family and Harry's Game | date=26 February 2022 }}</ref> She remarried in 1991, having previously been married to a Dublin musician, Pat Farrell, who passed away on January 14, 2023.{{who|date=January 2018}}

===Autobiography===
{{see also|The Other Side of the Rainbow}}

In 2000, she wrote an autobiography called '']''.

In it Brennan recalls her upbringing as the eldest of nine siblings in rural County Donegal, Ireland. Along with the highs of success in the music business she also recounts low periods where alcohol, drugs and an abortion made her re-evaluate her life. She emerged from dark years as a committed Christian with rekindled faith. She remarried in 1991 (having previously been married to a Dublin musician) and now lives in Dublin, Ireland with husband, photographer Tim Jarvis, and children, Aisling and Paul. Brennan and her family are practising members of the ].

===Post-autobiography===
Brennan is ] for the international charity, ], and travels worldwide with the organisation, including recent trips to the Congo, Brazil and America.<ref>. Inspire Magazine.</ref> Moya has, since rekindling her faith, been a supporter of Teen Challenge, a charity operating in Ireland and the USA and in 2008 she performed a concert to raise funds to build a new drug rehabilitation centre for the children.<ref>. Clannad.org.uk.</ref>


==Philanthropy== ==Philanthropy==
Moya Brennan is also a well-known philanthropist. Moya Brennan is also a philanthropist.
] ]


===Christian Blind Mission=== ===Christian Blind Mission===
In 2003, Moya Brennan became Goodwill Ambassador to ] (CBM). Brennan's first trip was to ], with a group of five others. Due to violence, Moya and her team fled civil unrest and were evacuated to ]. She later promised to return to the Congo, which she did in 2005 to airlift three children from isolated jungle villages to ].<ref name="PreasRaiteas">. Bannonandbannon.com.</ref><ref name="ChristianToday2">. Christian Today (6 October 2006).</ref> In 2003, Moya Brennan became Goodwill Ambassador to ] Ireland (CBM). Brennan's first trip was to ], with a group of five others. Due to violence, Moya and her team fled civil unrest and were evacuated to ]. She later promised to return to the Congo, which she did in 2005 to airlift three children from isolated jungle villages to ].<ref name="PreasRaiteas"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928134328/http://bannonandbannon.com/home/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=64 |date=28 September 2008 }}. Bannonandbannon.com.</ref><ref name="ChristianToday2">. Christian Today (6 October 2006).</ref>


In that same year, she travelled to Rwanda,<ref name="Carthanacht"> CBM.ie</ref> where she kept a diary of her experiences. In 2005, she made an Irish-language documentary for ] during her visit to Congo, which was broadcast in 2007, and again in 2008 on both TG4 and ]. In that same year, she travelled to Rwanda,<ref name="Carthanacht"> {{dead link|date=February 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> where she kept a diary of her experiences. In 2005, she made an Irish-language documentary for ] during her visit to Congo, which was broadcast in 2007, and again in 2008 on both TG4 and ].


Moya also travelled to ]s in Brazil and performed a fund-raising event in the country with ] in 2007. From there Moya travelled to ] for the opening of a school for abused children, run by the ] and backed by CMB.<ref name="ChristianToday2" /> At the opening, Brennan brought together the Belizean Prime Minister ], Minister of Finance, Leader of the Opposition and UK ] member and businessman with extensive business interest in Belize, ].<ref name="ChristianToday2" /> Moya also travelled to ]s in Brazil and performed a fund-raising event in the country with ] in 2007. From there Moya travelled to ] for the opening of a school for abused children, run by the ] and backed by CBM.<ref name="ChristianToday2" /> At the opening, Brennan brought together the Belizean Prime Minister ], Minister of Finance, Leader of the Opposition and UK ] member and businessman with extensive business interest in Belize, ].<ref name="ChristianToday2" />


The following year, Brennan travelled to ] and has played a major role in bringing the missions of the charity to the forefront. She has also performed concerts worldwide with other Christian Blind Mission Goodwill Ambassadors from Europe.<ref name="PastTourDates"> Brennan family</ref> The following year, Brennan travelled to ] and has played a major role in bringing the missions of the charity to the forefront. She has also performed concerts worldwide with other Christian Blind Mission Goodwill Ambassadors from Europe.<ref name="PastTourDates"> Brennan family, Clannad.org.uk</ref>


===Helping those with an Addiction=== ===Helping those with addiction===
Brennan performs various concerts in aid of charities and groups that work to rehabilitate those affected by drug addiction and alcohol dependency. She also practices religion with her family in ], at a church which also reaches out to young people affected by drug and alcohol misuse. Brennan performs various concerts in aid of charities and groups that work to rehabilitate those affected by drug addiction and alcohol dependency. She also practices religion with her family in ], at a church which also reaches out to young people affected by drug and alcohol misuse.


===Nature preservation=== ===Nature preservation===
With family band Clannad, Brennan has recorded numerous songs about the needed protection of the landscapes in Ireland and the devastation of pollution around the world. The first song about the matter was recorded for their début album and was called ''An Pháirc''. Throughout Moya's solo career, she has recorded various songs on the issue including '']''. With family band Clannad, Brennan has recorded numerous songs about the needed protection of the landscapes in Ireland and the devastation of pollution around the world. The first song about the matter was recorded for their debut album and was called "An Pháirc". Throughout Moya's solo career, she has recorded various songs on the issue including "]".


In July 2005, Brennan took part in a protest alongside poet ] and locals of ] to protest against the installation of electric cables across various areas of the county due to the harm it could cause to both people and the landscape.<ref> Newsletter July 2005</ref> In July 2005, Brennan took part in a protest alongside poet ] and locals of ] to protest against the installation of electric cables across various areas of the county due to the harm it could cause to both people and the landscape.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117034226/http://www.donegalcounty.com/nw62.html |date=17 November 2007 }} Newsletter July 2005</ref>


===Other appointments and music=== ===Other appointments and music===
In 1985, Brennan along with her band members in Clannad donated their song "]" to ], becoming the British charity appeal's first official single. In 1985, Brennan along with her band members in Clannad donated their song "]" to ], becoming the British charity appeal's first official single.


In 1986, Brennan performed alongside Bono, Bob Geldof and Chris de Burgh for Self Aid. She also performed with Clannad at the concert. Moya and Clannad have long been supporters of ] and contributed their single '']'' to the organisation. Brennan has also attended various benefits in both Ireland and England, most notably alongside ] in 1996. In 1986, Brennan performed alongside Bono, ] and ] for Self Aid. She also performed with Clannad at the concert. Moya and Clannad have long been supporters of ] and contributed their single "]" to the organisation. Brennan has also attended various benefits in both Ireland and England, most notably alongside ] in 1996.


Moya has recorded dozens charitable singles and on many more albums with various artists, including ''Raphael's Journey'' by ] in 2008, ''Songs for Luca'' and ''Songs for Luca 2'' by ] and the official anthem for Ireland's 2008 Olympic bid, "]". Moya also donated her b-side, ''Ceolfaidh Mé'' to the ''Field of Hope'' album, which also features Bono and ]. In October 2008, Brennan was appointed director for Ireland's first ] station, '''UCB Ireland''', which operates from ]. Moya also recorded a song under her birth name ''Máire Ní Bhraonáin'' on the 2009 '']'' album with ] to raise funds for Áislann Rann na Feirste and Scoil Náisiúnta Rann na Feirste.<ref name="17April">. Clannad.org.uk.</ref><ref name="Cheann">. Clannad.org.uk.</ref> Brennan has recorded dozens charitable singles and on many more albums with various artists, including "Raphael's Journey" by ] in 2008, "Songs for Luca" and "Songs for Luca 2" by ], and the official song for Ireland's 2008 Olympic Team, "]". Moya also donated her b-side "Ceolfaidh Mé" to the ''Field of Hope'' album, which also features Bono and ]. In October 2008, Brennan was appointed director for Ireland's first ] station, UCB Ireland, which operates from ]. Moya also recorded a song under her birth name "Máire Ní Bhraonáin" on the 2009 '']'' album with ] to raise funds for Áislann Rann na Feirste and Scoil Náisiúnta Rann na Feirste.<ref name="17April">. Clannad.org.uk.</ref><ref name="Cheann"> {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20110115081634/http://www.clannad.org.uk/2009/12/moya-brennan-on-the-songs-of-rann-na-feirste/ |date=15 January 2011}}. Clannad.org.uk.</ref>

In 2020, Brennan was part of an Irish collective of female singers and musicians called Irish Women in Harmony, that recorded a version of "]" in aid of the SafeIreland charity that deals with ], which had reportedly risen significantly during the ].<ref name="it-1" />


==Discography== ==Discography==
] at ] in 2013]]


===Studio albums=== ===Studio albums===
Line 159: Line 172:
*2010 – '']'' (with ]) *2010 – '']'' (with ])
*2011 – '']'' (with ]) *2011 – '']'' (with ])
*2013 – '']'' (with ]) *2013 – ''Affinity'' (with ])
*2017 – '']''
*2019 – ''Timeless'' (with ])


===Live albums=== ===Live albums===
Line 173: Line 188:
*1998 – "]" *1998 – "]"
*1998 – "]" *1998 – "]"
*1999 – "]" (with ]) *1999 – "]" (with ])
*2000 – "]" *2000 – "]"
*2003 – "]" *2003 – "]"
*2003 – "]" *2003 – "]"
*2003 – "]" (with Chicane – re-issue) *2003 – "]" (with ]– re-issue)
*2005 – "I'll See You Again/Hidden" (with ]) *2005 – "I'll See You Again/Hidden" (with ])
*2006 – "]" *2006 – "]"
Line 183: Line 198:
*2007 – "]" *2007 – "]"
*2008 – "]" (with Grand Canal) *2008 – "]" (with Grand Canal)
*2013 – "]" (with Cormac de Barra)
*2021 – "Strong In Numbers (Moya Brennan single)" (with Liam O'Connor)


===Charitable albums=== ===Charitable albums===
Line 189: Line 206:
*2009 – '']'' (Various artists) *2009 – '']'' (Various artists)


===Compilations and Collaborations=== ===Compilations and collaborations===
*1987 The Awakening – with ] (from '']'') *1987 – "The Awakening" – with ] (from '']'')
*1990 Put 'em Under Pressure Single – Put 'em Under Pressure (''single'') *1990 – "Put 'em Under Pressure" (single)
*1991 Bring It All Back Home – with ] (from ''Blue'') *1991 – "Bring It All Back Home" – with ] (from ''Blue'')
*1993 Come into My Life – with ] (from '']'') *1993 – "Come into My Life" – with ] (from '']'')
*1993 Dream Fields – with ] (from '']'') *1993 – "Dream Fields" – with ] (from '']'')
*1994 Almond Skin – with ] (from '']'') *1994 – "Almond Skin" – with ] (from '']'')
*1994 Dream Sequence – with Sonny Condell (from ''Someone To Dance With'') *1994 – "Dream Sequence" – with Sonny Condell (from ''Someone to Dance With'')
*1994 The Man Who Wrote Danny Boy – with ] (from '']'') *1994 – "The Man Who Wrote Danny Boy" – with ] (from '']'')
*1994 ] – with ] (from ''Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones'') *1994 – "]" – with ] (from ''Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones'')
*1995 You're The One – with ] (from ''] soundtrack'') *1995 – "You're The One" – with ] (from ''] soundtrack'')
*1995 Luman Michael O'Suilleabhain from Between Worlds (Moya & Brian Kennedy sing on Luman) *1995 – "Luman Michael O'Suilleabhain" with Brian Kennedy (from ''Between Worlds'')
*1996 Ó Bhean a' Tí – with ], ] & Deirdre Brennan (from ''Common Ground: The Voices Of Modern Irish Music'') *1996 – "Ó Bhean a' Tí" – with ], ] & Deirdre Brennan (from ''Common Ground: The Voices Of Modern Irish Music'')
*1996 Everything Changes (and various tracks) – with ] (from '']'') *1996 – "Everything Changes" (and various tracks) – with ] (from '']'')
*1998 ] – with ] (from ''On Egales Wings'') *1998 – "]" – with ] (from ''On Eagles Wings'')
*1998 ] (from ''] soundtrack'') *1998 – "]" (from ''] soundtrack'')
*1999 ] – with ] *1999 – "]" – with ]
*1999 Don't Give Up – with ] (from Streams & '']'') *1999 – "Don't Give Up" – with ] (from ''Streams'' & '']'')
*1999 The Call of the Wild – with ] (from '']'') *1999 – "The Call of the Wild" – with ] (from '']'')
*1999 Lullabies (on ''Silent Night'') – with ] & Paola Cecchi (from ''Silent Night: A Christmas in Rome'') *1999 – "Lullabies" (on ''Silent Night'') – with ] & Paola Cecchi (from ''Silent Night: A Christmas in Rome'')
*2000 Saylon Dola – with ] (from '']'') *2000 – "Saylon Dola" – with ] (from '']'')
*2000 No Scenes of Stately Majesty (from ''The Greatest Story Ever Sung'') *2000 – "No Scenes of Stately Majesty" (from ''The Greatest Story Ever Sung'')
*2000 ] – with ] (from '']'') *2000 – "]" – with ] (from '']'')
*2000 Peace Has Broken Out – with ] (from ''One'') *2000 – "Peace Has Broken Out" – with ] (from ''One'')
*2000 Ceolfaidh Mé (from ''Fields of Hope: Fight Against Famine'') *2000 – "Ceolfaidh Mé" (from ''Fields of Hope: Fight Against Famine'')
*2000 The Light on the Hill (from ''St. Patrick: The Irish Legend soundtrack'') *2000 – "The Light on the Hill" (from ''St. Patrick: The Irish Legend soundtrack'')
*2000 Over Blue City – with Skypark (from ''Over Blue City'') *2000 – "Over Blue City" – with Skypark (from ''Over Blue City'')
*2000 Rose of Bethlehem (from ''One Silent Night'') *2000 – "Rose of Bethlehem" (from ''One Silent Night'')
*2001 ] album – with ] & ] *2001 – '']'' album – with ] & ]
*2001 O Jesus Friend Unfailing (from ''The Sound of Grace: Focusfest 2001'') *2001 – "O Jesus Friend Unfailing" (from ''The Sound of Grace: Focusfest 2001'')
*2001 ] soundtrack *2001 – '']'' soundtrack
*2001 Band of Brothers Requiem – with ] (from ''] soundtrack'') *2001 – "Band of Brothers Requiem" – with ] (from ''] soundtrack'')
*2003 Ave Maria – with ] (from ''Shapes'') *2003 – "Ave Maria" – with ] (from ''Shapes'')
*2003 Codail A Linbh (Sleep O Child) – with ] (from ''An Irish Holiday'') *2003 – "Codail A Linbh (Sleep O Child)" – with ] (from ''An Irish Holiday'')
*2004 Tell Me Now (What You See), All of Them & Woad to Ruin tracks – with ] (from '']'') *2004 – ''Tell Me Now (What You See), All of Them & Woad to Ruin'' tracks – with ] (from '']'')
*2004 Labyrinth Prelude, Labyrinth – with ] (from ''Another World'') *2004 – "Labyrinth Prelude", "Labyrinth" – with ] (from ''Another World'')
*2005 Hidden – with ] (from ''Hidden Heart'') *2005 – "Hidden" – with ] (from ''Hidden Heart'')
*2005 Beautiful Dreamer – with ] (from ''On Song 2: Red Sails in the Sunset'') *2005 – "Beautiful Dreamer" – with ] (from ''On Song 2: Red Sails in the Sunset'')
*2005 Miles And Miles, Falling – with ] (from ''Day and Night (Tag Und Nacht)'') *2005 – "Miles And Miles", "Falling" – with ] (from ''Day and Night (Tag Und Nacht)'')
*2005 Away, The Rubicon – with ] (from '']'') *2005 – "Away", "The Rubicon" – with ] (from '']'')
*2005 I'll See You – with ] (from '']'') *2005 – "I'll See You" – with ] (from '']'')
*2005 Kiss The Book, Like the Baseless Fabric & Set Me Free (from the Book of Watermarks video game) *2005 – "Kiss The Book", "Like the Baseless Fabric" & "Set Me Free" (from '']'')
*2008 The Two of Us: The Duet Album (])-I Will Never Love Again (Duet With ]) *2008 "I Will Never Love Again" duet with ] (from ''The Two of Us'')
*2008 The Worship Lounge-Various Artists-You Are Beautiful *2008 – "You Are Beautiful" – ''The Worship Lounge'' (various artists)
*2008 Rafael's Journey-Joanne Hogg (Moya sings back up on a couple tracks on this album) *2008 – ''Rafael's Journey'' – with Joanne Hogg (Moya sings back up on a couple tracks on this album)
*2008 Green To Gold Single Green To Gold (with Grand Canal) *2008 – "Green to Gold" with Grand Canal (from ''Green To Gold'')
*2008 Sanctuary-Various Artists-(Moya Performs on many of the tracks) *2008 – ''Sanctuary'' (various artists) – Moya performs on many of the tracks
*2008 Down by the Sea-Ashley Davis-This I Do (background vocals) *2008 Down by the Sea-Ashley Davis-This I Do (background vocals)
*2009 Ceol Cheann Dubhrann-Various Artists-Ceol Cheann Dubhrann *2009 Ceol Cheann Dubhrann-Various Artists-Ceol Cheann Dubhrann
*2009 Love Will Bring You Home-Sharon Kips Welcome Home (duet with Sharon Kips) *2009 Love Will Bring You Home-Sharon Kips Welcome Home (duet with Sharon Kips)
*2009 Honey Promises Sinead Madden (Moya sings back up on "Shadows" & "Take Me") *2009 Honey Promises Sinead Madden (Moya sings back up on "Shadows" & "Take Me")
*2010 Welcome Home: The Music Of Ireland-Various Artists-(Moya performs on several tracks and hosts the DVD special) *2010 Welcome Home: The Music Of Ireland-Various Artists-(Moya performs on several tracks and hosts the DVD special)
*2010 San Patricio-Various Artists-Lullaby for the Dead *2010 San Patricio-Various Artists-Lullaby for the Dead
*2010 Nowhere to Now Here (from the Nowhere to Now Here Soundtrack) *2010 Nowhere to Now Here (from the Nowhere to Now Here Soundtrack)
*2010 Welcome To America: The Music of Ireland (Moya sings "Down by the Sally Gardens with Ronan Tynan) *2010 Welcome To America: The Music of Ireland (Moya sings "Down by the Sally Gardens with Ronan Tynan)
*2010 Re-Joyce The Hazel O'Connor Collective (Moya sings a brief along with a number of other artists) *2010 Re-Joyce The Hazel O'Connor Collective (Moya sings a brief along with a number of other artists)
*2011 "Morning Star" with Producer DJ ] *2011 "Morning Star" with Producer DJ ]
*2011 "The Dream" with ] (from "Winter Poem")<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.valley-entertainment.com/winter-poem.html |title=Winter Poem |work=Valley Entertainment-Hearts of Space Records |accessdate=2 November 2011}}</ref> *2011 "The Dream" with ] (from "Winter Poem")<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.valley-entertainment.com/winter-poem.html |title=Winter Poem |work=Valley Entertainment-Hearts of Space Records |access-date=2 November 2011}}</ref>
*2011 "An t-Eibhlín Marie" on the charity album "Le Cuidiú Dé" – Moya also sings backing vocals for the title track called "Le Cuidiú Dé". *2011 "An t-Eibhlín Marie" on the charity album "Le Cuidiú Dé" – Moya also sings backing vocals for the title track called "Le Cuidiú Dé".
*2012 Celtic Skies Various Artists (Down by the Sally Gardens) *2012 Celtic Skies Various Artists (Down by the Sally Gardens)
*2012 "Excalibur III – The Origins" from ] – Moya sings on "The Origins Part I & II", on "Incantations" and on "Sacred Lands" *2012 "Excalibur III – The Origins" from ] – Moya sings on "The Origins Part I & II", on "Incantations" and on "Sacred Lands"
*2012 A Mother's Prayer-Keith & Kristyn Getty's album Hymns for the Christian Life *2012 A Mother's Prayer-]'s album Hymns for the Christian Life
*2012 Celtic Wings-Pat O'May (Moya sings background on the song "Homeland"). *2012 Celtic Wings-Pat O'May (Moya sings background on the song "Homeland").
*2016 – "Reasons To Live" with Roger Shah
*2021 – “Rivers” with Trance Wax


==Bibliography== ==Bibliography==
* 2008 – '']'', Noel Duggan * 1989 – '']''
<small>Detailing Clannad's journey as a band</small> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <small>Sheet music book for 'Past Present'</small>
* 2001 – '']'', Máire Brennan with Angela Little
<small>Later subtitled: The Autobiography of the Voice of Clannad</small>
* 2000 – '']'', Máire Brennan
<small>sometimes called ''God of Peace''</small>
* 1991 – ''A Woman's Voice'' * 1991 – ''A Woman's Voice''
<small>Eddie Rowley in conversation with Máire Brennan</small> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <small>Eddie Rowley in conversation with Máire Brennan</small>
* 1989 – '']'' * 2000 – '']'', Máire Brennan
<small>Sheet music book for 'Past Present'</small> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <small>sometimes called ''God of Peace''</small>
* 2001 – '']'', Máire Brennan with Angela Little
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <small>Later subtitled: The Autobiography of the Voice of Clannad</small>
* 2008 – '']'', Noel Duggan
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <small>Detailing Clannad's journey as a band</small>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.moyabrennan.com/}}
* {{Official website|www.moyabrennan.com}}
*{{Musicbrainz artist|id=51823891-6035-4d6c-a007-b70a86747023|name=Moya Brennan}}
*{{IMDb name|id=1198998|name=as Maire Brennan}} * {{Musicbrainz artist|id=51823891-6035-4d6c-a007-b70a86747023|name=Moya Brennan}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1198998|name=as Maire Brennan}}
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| NAME =Brennan, Moya
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
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| DATE OF BIRTH =4 August 1952
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland
| DATE OF DEATH =
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Latest revision as of 23:11, 18 December 2024

Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist

Moya Brennan
Brennan in 2011Brennan in 2011
Background information
Birth nameMáire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin
Also known asMáire Brennan
Máire Jarvis
Born (1952-08-04) 4 August 1952 (age 72)
Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
OriginGweedore, County Donegal, Ireland
Genres
Occupations
Instruments
Years active1970–present
Labels
Websitewww.moyabrennan.com
Musical artist

Moya Brennan (born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin on 4 August 1952), also known as Máire Brennan, is an Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist. She is the sister of the musical artist known as Enya. She began performing professionally in 1970 when her family formed the band Clannad. Brennan released her first solo album in 1992 called Máire, a successful venture. She has received a Grammy Award from five nominations and has won an Emmy Award. She has recorded music for several soundtracks, including Titanic, To End All Wars and King Arthur.

Musical upbringing

Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin was born on 4 August 1952 in Dublin after her parents eloped from County Donegal to marry in County Louth. Máire grew up as the eldest child of a musical family in the remote parish of Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair), a Gaeltacht area in County Donegal, where the Irish language and tradition continue to flourish. Her mother Máire (née Ní Dhúgáin or Duggan in English) was a music teacher and her father, Leo Brennan, was a member of a cabaret band with whom she performed as a child.

Moya is the eldest of nine children. She has four sisters, Deirdre, Eithne (better known as Enya), Olive and Brídín, and four brothers, Ciarán, Pól, Leon and Bartley. She sang along with her siblings in the family pub, Leo's Tavern in the village of Meenaleck, a short distance from the family home. She also took part in pantomimes at the local Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair (Gweedore Theatre). After leaving secondary school, Brennan spent a few years at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin studying the harp, the piano and singing. She has also taught music at Holy Cross College in Falcarragh, County Donegal.

Years with Clannad

Main article: Clannad
Moya performing with Clannad at the Leeds Folk Festival, 1982

In 1970, Brennan joined her two brothers Pól and Ciarán, and their mother's twin brothers Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin, and eventually formed Clannad. They were introduced to television by Irish musician and broadcaster Tony MacMahon. After enjoying a decade of being among the world's foremost Irish musical groups, Clannad graduated to chart success in 1982 with the album Magical Ring. Brennan was at the forefront of the group's success and her voice suddenly became synonymous with Celtic music and Irish music. She recorded 17 albums with Clannad and has won a Grammy, a BAFTA and an Ivor Novello award with the quintet. Her sister, Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, spent a couple of years with Clannad in the early 1980s, and went on to pursue a very successful solo career as Enya.

Following Clannad's 2008 reunion tour, it was announced that Brennan would be working on a new unplugged album with the group, for release in 2009, but that never came to fruition.

Solo career

Brennan released her first solo album in 1992, Máire, on Atlantic Records. Misty Eyed Adventures on BGM followed three years later. In 1998, Brennan signed with Word Records and released Perfect Time, and Whisper to the Wild Water a year later. The album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Age Album in 2001. Brennan is managed by her husband Tim Jarvis and her brother Leon Ó Braonáin. Her music is usually classified as New Age or Celtic. She accepts the Celtic label, but has at times indicated a slight discomfort with being seen as "New Age" as much of her music is strongly Christian, with several of her songs centring on maintaining a relationship with Jesus. Some of her songs show influences from her Roman Catholic upbringing or seem relational due to her own views concerning Mary, the mother of Jesus.

In 2000, her autobiography, The Other Side of the Rainbow. was published and she also performed her song "Perfect Time" live at World Youth Day in Rome in front of crowds of pilgrims and Pope John Paul II. There were 2.1 million people present, making it the largest crowd ever gathered in the Northern Hemisphere. She considered it an honour as she believes in mutual respect among Christians. Moya also recorded on the event's album, One. She recorded a duet with Booley, now known as Duke Special. The song, titled "Peace Has Broken Out", is about the Troubles in Ireland.

In film, she was featured vocalist on King Arthur (2004), co-writing the title theme "Tell Me Now (What You See)" with Hans Zimmer and wrote additional music score for To End All Wars (2001). In 1995, she duetted with Shane MacGowan with "You're the One" for the movie Circle of Friends. Brennan has collaborated with many other musicians, including Chicane, Alan Parsons, Bono, Robert Plant, Van Morrison, Michael McDonald from the Doobie Brothers, Bruce Hornsby, Joe Elliott, The Chieftains, Paul Young, Paul Brady, Michael Crawford, Joe Jackson and Ronan Keating.

In total Brennan has recorded 25 albums, and has sold 20 million records. Since 2002, she has promoted herself as Moya Brennan — a spelling closely resembling the phonetic pronunciation of her name for those not familiar with the Irish variant of the spelling – and, in 2009, she legally changed her name by deed poll. Under this name she released an album entitled Two Horizons in 2003 under her new label, Universal. She has also collaborated with dance artist Chicane for performing the vocals on the single "Saltwater", which was also featured in the VisitScotland advertising campaign, as well as having been used by Fáilte Ireland to promote Ireland, and by Belfast city council, both in television adverts.

On 17 March 2004, she performed at the Speaker's Luncheon on Capitol Hill in front of President George W. Bush and Irish dignitaries.

During the World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, she performed with Pope Benedict XVI in the Vigil in front of a million people and was also part of the official WYD CD Building on World.

'Against the Wind' (1992) Most successful song from her debut album, Máire.
"Perfect Time" (1998) Title track from her 1998 release Perfect Time.
Problems playing these files? See media help.

2006 saw the release of her Christmas album, simply entitled 'An Irish Christmas', although it was originally planned to bear the title 'Love Came Down'. A year later, Brennan released her album 'Signature', which she described as a collection of snapshots of her life. The album featured only one Irish song but featured choruses and backing vocals in her native language throughout.

While touring with the latter album, during 2007 and 2008, Moya recorded several collaborations and guest vocals on albums by Iona, Joanne Hogg and with Grand Canal on Ireland's Official Olympic Anthem, "Green to Gold. All three recordings were in aid of several charities.

Her 2008–2009 live album Heart Strings was recorded with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Julie Feeney. Moya has toured to promote the album extensively in the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and England.

In 2009, Brennan recorded the official soundtrack on Maryland Public Television documentary film 'Intrepid Journal' which documents 50 years of American foreign policy, from World War II to the September 11 attacks.

In April 2010, Moya released a new studio album with harpist and live band member Cormac de Barra. My Match Is a Makin' was recorded for her Spring 2010 tour of the Netherlands, and is available only during her tours. The album is expected to become more widely available in 2010.

Moya Brennan announced that she was working on a hymns album, possibly for 2010 release and would release a new acoustic music album with Clannad in 2010 or 2011. The new Clannad album is slated for a 2013 release in September.

Brennan was the featured headliner for the Atlanta Celtic Christmas concert, recorded live by Georgia Public Broadcasting on 18–19 December 2010. This annual festive event at Emory University's Schwartz Center spans music and dance from Irish, Scottish, and Appalachian traditions.

Moya Brennan appeared as well on the album "Excalibur III – The Origins" written by Alan Simon, a musician who comes from Brittany (France). She sang, indeed, on the following tracks : "The Origins Part I and II", "Incantations" and "Sacred Lands". Moreover, she went in July 2012 to Brocéliande, in Brittany, where she performed as soloist before performing at the concert "Excalibur III – The Origins".

Brennan was scheduled to perform at the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC on 17 March 2012.

In 2013, Moya Brennan released a new studio album called Voices & Harps – Affinity in collaboration with harpist Cormac de Barra as a follow-up to the album Voices & Harps, which was released in 2011. It contains brand new tunes composed by Brennan and de Barra, several traditional tunes in Irish and a cover after Christopher Cross' song "Sailing" which also serves as the album's lead single.

2017 saw Brennan release Canvas, her first solo album in almost a decade. Co-written by her two children, Aisling and Paul, the album was released on 24 February 2017 and was supported by a UK, Irish and European tour through 2018.

In 2020, Brennan was part of an Irish collective of female singers and musicians called "Irish Women in Harmony", that recorded a version of the song "Dreams" in aid of the charity Safe Ireland, which deals with domestic abuse which had reportedly risen significantly during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Moya Brennan Band

Moya Brennan tours with a large band of musicians who have each recorded solo projects in the past or have recorded with their own bands. The band includes harpist and television presenter Cormac de Barra. Between August 2008 and February 2009, two new members joined Moya's band, the first changes since her Two Horizons Tour, including Irish singer Daithí Rua. In 2012, Moya's daughter, Aisling Jarvis, became a permanent member of her band. Aisling joins Brennan on all solo tours, as well as Moya's project with Cormac DeBarra, "Voices & Harps".

Band members

  • Cormac de Barra
  • Sinéad Madden
  • Aisling Jarvis
  • Éamonn Galldubh
  • Fionán de Barra
  • Dave Curley
  • Paul Byrne
  • Yoshi Izumi
  • Paul Jarvis
  • Hughie Boyle
  • Will Keating
  • Sam Jackson
  • Daithí Rua
  • Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn
  • Máire Breatnach
  • Rob Jones
  • Ewan Cowley
  • Feargal Murray
  • Deirdre Brennan
  • Tim Jarvis
  • Éamonn de Barra
  • Lia Wright
  • Clare Friel
  • Neil Kennedy
  • Cathal Ó'Curráin
  • Aran Sheehy

Legacy and recognition

Brennan and Clannad are credited with the creation of contemporary Celtic music and are held in high esteem for their vast contribution to bringing new life to old Irish songs. They have been compared to Seán Ó Riada, in that they brought the Irish language into popular culture through their music. One critic said: "Clannad's music offers a terrific fusion between traditional and modern influences." U2 singer Bono (who duetted with Brennan on the Clannad song "In a Lifetime") said of her voice: "I think Máire has one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced." Brennan also plays harp, which she has featured on many Clannad records, with her album Two Horizons being based on the discovery of the harp. Brennan's vocal range has once been described as a "breathy soprano".

This is a shot of Moya Doherty after receipt of an honorary doctorate from DCU, with the university's president and its chancellor to either side, as taken in May 2022
Moya Brennan after receipt of an honorary doctorate from DCU, with the university's president and chancellor, May 2022

In May 2022, Brennan's contributions were recognised by the awarding of an honorary doctorate by Dublin City University, alongside aircraft leasing leader Domhnal Slattery, at a ceremony attended by Brennan's immediate family, as well as her mother and her sister Enya.

Moya Brennan was announced as Donegal Person of The Year 2023 on 10 February 2024. This follows the 2022 award given to the victims of the Creeslough disaster, of which Moya co-hosted the Together for Creeslough concert in January 2023, alongside Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, who won the award in 2009. Brennan's inauguration ceremony is set to take place on 6 April 2024, at a gala ball held at The Bonnington Hotel in Dublin.

Personal life

Brennan wrote an autobiography called The Other Side of the Rainbow in 2000, in which she recalls her upbringing as the eldest of nine siblings in rural Donegal. Along with the highs of success in the music business, she also recounts low periods where alcohol, drugs and an abortion made her re-evaluate her life. She emerged from her "dark years" as a committed Christian, with rekindled faith. She remarried in 1991, having previously been married to a Dublin musician, Pat Farrell, who passed away on January 14, 2023.

Philanthropy

Moya Brennan is also a philanthropist.

Brennan performing in New York, 2008

Christian Blind Mission

In 2003, Moya Brennan became Goodwill Ambassador to Christian Blind Mission Ireland (CBM). Brennan's first trip was to Congo-Kinshasa, with a group of five others. Due to violence, Moya and her team fled civil unrest and were evacuated to Kenya. She later promised to return to the Congo, which she did in 2005 to airlift three children from isolated jungle villages to Kinshasa.

In that same year, she travelled to Rwanda, where she kept a diary of her experiences. In 2005, she made an Irish-language documentary for TG4 during her visit to Congo, which was broadcast in 2007, and again in 2008 on both TG4 and RTÉ.

Moya also travelled to shanty-towns in Brazil and performed a fund-raising event in the country with Assíria Nascimento in 2007. From there Moya travelled to Belize for the opening of a school for abused children, run by the Liberty Foundation and backed by CBM. At the opening, Brennan brought together the Belizean Prime Minister Said Musa, Minister of Finance, Leader of the Opposition and UK Conservative Party member and businessman with extensive business interest in Belize, Michael Ashcroft, Baron Ashcroft.

The following year, Brennan travelled to Tanzania and has played a major role in bringing the missions of the charity to the forefront. She has also performed concerts worldwide with other Christian Blind Mission Goodwill Ambassadors from Europe.

Helping those with addiction

Brennan performs various concerts in aid of charities and groups that work to rehabilitate those affected by drug addiction and alcohol dependency. She also practices religion with her family in Dún Laoghaire, at a church which also reaches out to young people affected by drug and alcohol misuse.

Nature preservation

With family band Clannad, Brennan has recorded numerous songs about the needed protection of the landscapes in Ireland and the devastation of pollution around the world. The first song about the matter was recorded for their debut album and was called "An Pháirc". Throughout Moya's solo career, she has recorded various songs on the issue including "Big Yellow Taxi".

In July 2005, Brennan took part in a protest alongside poet Cathal Ó Searcaigh and locals of County Donegal to protest against the installation of electric cables across various areas of the county due to the harm it could cause to both people and the landscape.

Other appointments and music

In 1985, Brennan along with her band members in Clannad donated their song "Almost Seems (Too Late To Turn)" to Children in Need, becoming the British charity appeal's first official single.

In 1986, Brennan performed alongside Bono, Bob Geldof and Chris de Burgh for Self Aid. She also performed with Clannad at the concert. Moya and Clannad have long been supporters of Amnesty International and contributed their single "Rí na Cruinne" to the organisation. Brennan has also attended various benefits in both Ireland and England, most notably alongside Van Morrison in 1996.

Brennan has recorded dozens charitable singles and on many more albums with various artists, including "Raphael's Journey" by Joanne Hogg in 2008, "Songs for Luca" and "Songs for Luca 2" by Iona, and the official song for Ireland's 2008 Olympic Team, "Green to Gold". Moya also donated her b-side "Ceolfaidh Mé" to the Field of Hope album, which also features Bono and The Corrs. In October 2008, Brennan was appointed director for Ireland's first Christian satellite radio station, UCB Ireland, which operates from Dublin. Moya also recorded a song under her birth name "Máire Ní Bhraonáin" on the 2009 Ceol Cheann Dubhrann album with Manus Lunny to raise funds for Áislann Rann na Feirste and Scoil Náisiúnta Rann na Feirste.

In 2020, Brennan was part of an Irish collective of female singers and musicians called Irish Women in Harmony, that recorded a version of "Dreams" in aid of the SafeIreland charity that deals with domestic abuse, which had reportedly risen significantly during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Discography

Brennan performing with Clannad at Lorient in 2013

Studio albums

Live albums

Singles

Charitable albums

Compilations and collaborations

  • 1987 – "The Awakening" – with Paul Brady (from Primitive Dance)
  • 1990 – "Put 'em Under Pressure" (single)
  • 1991 – "Bring It All Back Home" – with An Emotional Fish (from Blue)
  • 1993 – "Come into My Life" – with Robert Plant (from Fate of Nations)
  • 1993 – "Dream Fields" – with Runrig (from Amazing Things)
  • 1994 – "Almond Skin" – with Sonny Condell (from Someone to Dance With)
  • 1994 – "Dream Sequence" – with Sonny Condell (from Someone to Dance With)
  • 1994 – "The Man Who Wrote Danny Boy" – with Joe Jackson (from Night Music)
  • 1994 – "As Tears Go By" – with London Symphony Orchestra (from Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones)
  • 1995 – "You're The One" – with Shane MacGowan (from Circle of Friends soundtrack)
  • 1995 – "Luman Michael O'Suilleabhain" – with Brian Kennedy (from Between Worlds)
  • 1996 – "Ó Bhean a' Tí" – with Dónal Lunny, Brídín Brennan & Deirdre Brennan (from Common Ground: The Voices Of Modern Irish Music)
  • 1996 – "Everything Changes" (and various tracks) – with Iona (from Journey into the Morn)
  • 1998 – "Amazing Grace" – with Michael Crawford (from On Eagles Wings)
  • 1998 – "Come Josephine in My Flying Machine" (from Back to Titanic soundtrack)
  • 1999 – "Saltwater" – with Chicane
  • 1999 – "Don't Give Up" – with Michael McDonald (from Streams & Whisper to the Wild Water)
  • 1999 – "The Call of the Wild" – with Alan Parsons (from The Time Machine)
  • 1999 – "Lullabies" (on Silent Night) – with The Chieftains & Paola Cecchi (from Silent Night: A Christmas in Rome)
  • 2000 – "Saylon Dola" – with Russell Watson (from The Voice)
  • 2000 – "No Scenes of Stately Majesty" (from The Greatest Story Ever Sung)
  • 2000 – "Fairytale of New York" – with Ronan Keating (from The Way You Make Me Feel)
  • 2000 – "Peace Has Broken Out" – with Booley (from One)
  • 2000 – "Ceolfaidh Mé" (from Fields of Hope: Fight Against Famine)
  • 2000 – "The Light on the Hill" (from St. Patrick: The Irish Legend soundtrack)
  • 2000 – "Over Blue City" – with Skypark (from Over Blue City)
  • 2000 – "Rose of Bethlehem" (from One Silent Night)
  • 2001 – New Irish Hymns album – with Margaret Becker & Joanne Hogg
  • 2001 – "O Jesus Friend Unfailing" (from The Sound of Grace: Focusfest 2001)
  • 2001 – To End All Wars soundtrack
  • 2001 – "Band of Brothers Requiem" – with Michael Kamen (from Band of Brothers soundtrack)
  • 2003 – "Ave Maria" – with Dominic Miller (from Shapes)
  • 2003 – "Codail A Linbh (Sleep O Child)" – with Phil Coulter (from An Irish Holiday)
  • 2004 – Tell Me Now (What You See), All of Them & Woad to Ruin tracks – with Hans Zimmer (from King Arthur)
  • 2004 – "Labyrinth Prelude", "Labyrinth" – with Liam Lawton (from Another World)
  • 2005 – "Hidden" – with Hazel O'Connor (from Hidden Heart)
  • 2005 – "Beautiful Dreamer" – with Brian Kennedy (from On Song 2: Red Sails in the Sunset)
  • 2005 – "Miles And Miles", "Falling" – with Schiller (from Day and Night (Tag Und Nacht))
  • 2005 – "Away", "The Rubicon" – with The Duggans (from Rubicon)
  • 2005 – "I'll See You" – with Delirious? (from The Mission Bell)
  • 2005 – "Kiss The Book", "Like the Baseless Fabric" & "Set Me Free" (from The Book of Watermarks)
  • 2008 – "I Will Never Love Again" – duet with Christie Hennessy (from The Two of Us)
  • 2008 – "You Are Beautiful" – The Worship Lounge (various artists)
  • 2008 – Rafael's Journey – with Joanne Hogg (Moya sings back up on a couple tracks on this album)
  • 2008 – "Green to Gold" – with Grand Canal (from Green To Gold)
  • 2008 – Sanctuary (various artists) – Moya performs on many of the tracks
  • 2008 – Down by the Sea-Ashley Davis-This I Do (background vocals)
  • 2009 – Ceol Cheann Dubhrann-Various Artists-Ceol Cheann Dubhrann
  • 2009 – Love Will Bring You Home-Sharon Kips Welcome Home (duet with Sharon Kips)
  • 2009 – Honey Promises Sinead Madden (Moya sings back up on "Shadows" & "Take Me")
  • 2010 – Welcome Home: The Music Of Ireland-Various Artists-(Moya performs on several tracks and hosts the DVD special)
  • 2010 – San Patricio-Various Artists-Lullaby for the Dead
  • 2010 – Nowhere to Now Here (from the Nowhere to Now Here Soundtrack)
  • 2010 – Welcome To America: The Music of Ireland (Moya sings "Down by the Sally Gardens with Ronan Tynan)
  • 2010 – Re-Joyce The Hazel O'Connor Collective (Moya sings a brief along with a number of other artists)
  • 2011 – "Morning Star" with Producer DJ Roger Shah
  • 2011 – "The Dream" with Secret Garden (from "Winter Poem")
  • 2011 – "An t-Eibhlín Marie" on the charity album "Le Cuidiú Dé" – Moya also sings backing vocals for the title track called "Le Cuidiú Dé".
  • 2012 – Celtic Skies Various Artists (Down by the Sally Gardens)
  • 2012 – "Excalibur III – The Origins" from Alan Simon – Moya sings on "The Origins Part I & II", on "Incantations" and on "Sacred Lands"
  • 2012 – A Mother's Prayer-Keith & Kristyn Getty's album Hymns for the Christian Life
  • 2012 – Celtic Wings-Pat O'May (Moya sings background on the song "Homeland").
  • 2016 – "Reasons To Live" with Roger Shah
  • 2021 – “Rivers” with Trance Wax

Bibliography

        Sheet music book for 'Past Present'

  • 1991 – A Woman's Voice

        Eddie Rowley in conversation with Máire Brennan

        sometimes called God of Peace

        Later subtitled: The Autobiography of the Voice of Clannad

        Detailing Clannad's journey as a band

Notes

  1. Irish pronunciation: [ˈmˠaːɾʲə n̠ʲiː ˈwɾˠiːn̪ˠaːnʲ].

References

  1. "UCB Ireland AM/FM LICENCE APPLICATION 2006" (PDF). Archived from the original on 15 April 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  2. ^ Coyle, Colin (17 May 2009). "Surge in deed poll name changes". The Sunday Times. London. Archived from the original on 4 June 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  3. Murray, Fiona (2 May 2004). "UK | Beautiful night for Clannad star". BBC News. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  4. CLANN you believe it? We nearly quit because we were slated by Irish musician; MOYA BRENNAN ON CLANNAD' EARLY DAYS.(News). Docstoc.com. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  5. "Marie Brennan". Grammy.com. The Recording Academy. 19 November 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  6. The Clannad Newsblog: Emmy Award For "Music Of Ireland" Archived 31 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Clannad.nl (1 May 2011). Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  7. Titanic- Soundtrack details. SoundtrackCollector.com. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  8. Maire Brennan Discography at Discogs. discogs. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  9. Moya Brennan i gCongo on YouTube, starts at 4:10
  10. "Quotes about Enya". Enya.sk. Archived from the original on 21 September 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  11. T. Saravanan (28 March 2013). "Striking the right chord". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  12. "New Clannad Album". Clannad.org.uk. Archived from the original on 28 February 2009. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  13. "Moya Brennan – Two Horizons Interview". Alphaomeganews.org. 9 February 2004. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  14. Raushenbush, Paul B. (15 July 2010). "Beliefnet.com". Beliefnet.com. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  15. "Moya Brennan : Books". Archived from the original on 18 April 2007. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  16. "Whats on at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall". Wolvescivic.co.uk. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  17. "Various, The XX World Youth Day Compilation: Building One World – music review – word-on-the-web – Church Army". Archived from the original on 9 October 2007. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  18. "clannad.org.uk". clannad.org.uk. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  19. "Raphael's Journey". Clannad.org.uk. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  20. "Green to Gold Cover". Clannad.org.uk. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  21. "Official Heart Strings Details announced!". Clannad.org.uk. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  22. News Archives Archived 19 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine at MoyaBrennan.com
  23. Moya Brennan records new soundtrack – Northern Skyline
  24. Celtic Christian Spirit (Audio Interview)
  25. "New Clannad album". Clannad.org.uk. Archived from the original on 28 February 2009. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  26. "GPB to Broadcast Emory's Popular Atlanta Celtic Christmas Concert". Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  27. "National Geographic Society". Archived from the original on 5 March 2012.
  28. "MOYA BRENNAN – New album" Irish Music Magazine news article 19 January 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2018
  29. ^ Boland, Rosita (19 June 2020). "Irish Women in Harmony record Cranberries song in aid of Safe Ireland". The Irish Times. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  30. "Irish Women in Harmony". MCD.ie. n.d. Archived from the original on 18 September 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  31. Moya Brennan. "The Band". MoyaBrennan.com. Archived from the original on 6 December 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  32. "New Moya Brennan band member!". Clannad.org.uk. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  33. "Moya's new band member". Clannad.org.uk. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  34. "On the Shoulders of Giants – 7 Questions 7 to Aisling Jarvis". italish.eu. 7 May 2014.
  35. "Calgary Irish Cultural Society". Calgaryics.org. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  36. Outside it's Donegal Hot Press
  37. "RTÉ Radio One, Mooney Goes Wild". Raidió Teilifís Éireann.
  38. Ruhlmann, William. "Clannad Lore Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  39. McLaughlin, Rachel (27 May 2022). "Moya Brennan awarded honorary doctorate from DCU". Donegal Daily. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  40. Staff Writer (10 February 2024). "Moya Brennan named Donegal Person of the Year 2023". Donegal Daily. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  41. "Clannad's Moya Brennan: First lady of Celtic music on faith, family and Harry's Game". 26 February 2022.
  42. RTÉ journeys to the Congo with Moya Brennan Archived 28 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Bannonandbannon.com.
  43. ^ Christian Today. Christian Today (6 October 2006).
  44. Tour Date Archive Brennan family, Clannad.org.uk
  45. Donegal County.com Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine Newsletter July 2005
  46. Moya Brennan directs new Christian radio station. Clannad.org.uk.
  47. Moya Brennan on the songs of Rann na Feirste Archived 15 January 2011 at archive.today. Clannad.org.uk.
  48. "Winter Poem". Valley Entertainment-Hearts of Space Records. Retrieved 2 November 2011.

External links

Moya Brennan
Studio albums
Live albums
Singles
Featured singles
Charitable albums
Bibliography
Related articles
Clannad
Studio albums
Soundtrack albums
Live albums
Compilation albums
Singles
See also
T with the Maggies
Studio albums
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