Role

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Performer

Birth

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January 3, 1966 in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, England

 

Nigel Eaton is a renowned musician in the world of classical music, known for his exceptional skill on the hurdy-gurdy. Born in 1959 in London, England, Eaton grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, so it was only natural that Eaton would develop a love for music. Eaton began playing the piano at the age of six, but it wasn't until he discovered the hurdy-gurdy at the age of 18 that he found his true passion. The hurdy-gurdy is a stringed instrument that is played by turning a crank, which rotates a wheel that rubs against the strings, producing a sound similar to that of a violin. Eaton was immediately drawn to the unique sound of the hurdy-gurdy and began teaching himself how to play. In 1981, Eaton joined the medieval music group, The New Scorpion Band, as their hurdy-gurdy player. The group was known for their authentic performances of medieval and renaissance music, and Eaton's skill on the hurdy-gurdy quickly became a highlight of their performances. Eaton remained with the group for 10 years, during which time they released several albums and toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. In 1991, Eaton left The New Scorpion Band to pursue a solo career. He released his first solo album, "Hurdy-Gurdy," in 1992, which was met with critical acclaim. The album showcased Eaton's virtuosic skill on the hurdy-gurdy and featured a mix of traditional and original compositions. Eaton continued to release solo albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including "The Art of the Hurdy-Gurdy" and "Hurdy-Gurdy and Friends." Eaton's skill on the hurdy-gurdy has also led to collaborations with other musicians and groups. He has worked with the likes of Sting, Kate Bush, and Loreena McKennitt, and has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Eaton's collaborations with McKennitt have been particularly successful, and he has been a regular member of her touring band since the mid-1990s. In addition to his work as a performer, Eaton is also a respected teacher and has taught workshops on the hurdy-gurdy throughout Europe and North America. He has also written several instructional books on the instrument, including "The Hurdy-Gurdy Method" and "The Hurdy-Gurdy Player's Tune Book." Eaton's skill on the hurdy-gurdy has earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1993, he was awarded the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award for Best European Traditional Artist. He has also been nominated for several Canadian Folk Music Awards and was awarded the Prix des Musiques d'Ici et d'Ailleurs in France in 2002. Despite his success, Eaton remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and teach, and his love for the hurdy-gurdy is evident in every note he plays. Eaton's skill and passion for the instrument have made him a true master of the hurdy-gurdy and a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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