Fionnuala Sherry is a renowned Irish violinist and composer, best known for her work as one half of the classical crossover duo Secret Garden. Born on September 10, 1962, in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland, Sherry grew up in a musical family and began playing the violin at the age of eight. She studied at the Dublin College of Music and later at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where she earned a degree in performance. After completing her studies, Sherry began her professional career as a freelance musician, performing with various orchestras and ensembles in Ireland and abroad. In 1994, she met Norwegian composer and pianist Rolf Løvland, and the two formed the duo Secret Garden. Their debut album, Songs from a Secret Garden, was released in 1995 and became an instant success, selling over three million copies worldwide and winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1995. Since then, Sherry and Løvland have released several more albums as Secret Garden, including White Stones (1997), Dawn of a New Century (1999), Once in a Red Moon (2002), Earthsongs (2005), Inside I'm Singing (2007), Winter Poem (2011), and Just the Two of Us (2013). Their music is a blend of classical, folk, and pop influences, featuring Sherry's virtuosic violin playing and Løvland's lush piano arrangements. In addition to her work with Secret Garden, Sherry has also released two solo albums, entitled Songs from Before (2008) and Hibernia (2019). Both albums showcase her talents as a composer and arranger, as well as her ability to evoke the beauty and mystery of her native Ireland through her music. Throughout her career, Sherry has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to classical music. In 1996, she and Løvland were awarded the prestigious International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Award for Best Selling Norwegian Artist. They were also nominated for a Grammy Award in 1997 for Best New Age Album for their album White Stones. In 2005, Sherry was awarded the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award in the Arts category, in recognition of her achievements as a musician and composer. She has also been honored by the Irish government, receiving the title of Honorary Ambassador for Culture and Tourism in 2011. In addition to her musical career, Sherry is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes through her music. She has performed at numerous benefit concerts and events, raising funds for organizations such as UNICEF, the Irish Cancer Society, and the Irish Hospice Foundation. Despite her success and acclaim, Sherry remains humble and grounded, always striving to improve her craft and connect with her audience through her music. She continues to tour and perform with Secret Garden and as a solo artist, sharing her passion for classical music with audiences around the world.

More....