4 minute read
Celtic Captivation
Virtuosic musician Haley Richardson takes international studies to the next level.
BY VENITA JENKINS PHOTOS BY JACK HARTIN © ABHANN PRODUCTIONS
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Haley Richardson is a master multitasker.
The fiddle player’s travel to more than 50 cities in six months hasn’t prevented her from earning a degree while pursuing her dream as a cast member of Riverdance, the internationally acclaimed show featuring Irish dance and music.
Online classes allow Richardson to earn her education and perform in the production’s 25th anniversary show.
Of course, juggling touring and coursework is a challenge. The touring company travels every one to three days. Sometimes, issues with reliable access to wi-fi while on the tour bus or schedule constraints due to show preparations means time is at a premium.
“I do what I need to do to maintain good grades whenever I find the time, which might be on a bus traveling from venue to venue, in my dressing room between sound check and a show, or in my hotel room during the day while still trying to make time to explore the cities we visit,” said Richardson, a 20-year-old native of Pittsgrove, NJ.
Her interest in the coexistence of cultures led her to major in international studies.
“I have loved learning about politics and economics and having the chance for independent study, viewed through the lens of my primary interest in music as it applies to cultural impact and identity.”
Richardson first joined Riverdance in 2019 during its annual run of shows at The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. She recently appeared in the cinema release of Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show at the 3Arena in Dublin, and was invited by Riverdance composer Bill Whelan to record on the anniversary album.
“It’s an honor to be a part of such a legendary show. Over the past 25 years, Riverdance has featured some iconic artists performing a show created by visionaries,” she said. “The music is nothing short of genius, and I can say, genuinely, I never tire of playing it. Show after show, I find new intricacies in the melodies and arrangements of the music that keep the show fresh and exciting.”
Music has always been a part of Richardson’s life. Growing up, her mother played classical and world music in their home. Richardson and her brothers were homeschooled, and music lessons were part of their curriculum.
After beginning violin lessons through the Suzuki method at three, we happened upon an Irish music concert hosted by our local library when I was nearly five years old,” she recalled. “I was captivated and instantly fell in love with Irish music, begging my mom for Irish fiddle lessons following the concert.”
Richardson began competing at six, and her teacher encouraged her to attend the International Irish Fiddle Competition to meet other musicians who shared a similar passion for traditional music. She has won multiple championships at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All Ireland Championships), the MidAtlantic Championships, and the Junior and Senior Fiddler of Dooney awards (2015 and 2018).
When Richardson considers the future, she envisions a career that allows her to continue to tour and share her music on a larger scale.
“I plan to pick up more teaching work, ideally music teaching, as well as research and study of Irish culture,” she said. “I’m passionate about the spread of Irish music and want to see it continue to thrive.”
