Mary Bergin

The tin whistle traditions of Ireland have been preserved through the playing and teaching of Dublin-born Mary Bergin. A former member of the Green Linnet Ceili Band, Ceoltoiri Laigheann, and DeDanaan, Bergin continues to explore her musical roots with Dordan, a Baroque/traditional Celtic ensemble she founded in the early '90s. Bergin's love of traditional music was inherited from her parents. Her mother played classical and traditional fiddle while her father played melodeon. Although she initially studied violin and piano, she found her natural musical voice after switching to the tin whistle and, later, the flute. As a youngster, she was inspired by the music that she heard during vacations in County Clare and County Waterford. Accompanied by her sister, Antoinette McKenna, on harp, Bergin began playing at pub sessions. After touring England and the United States with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, she joined with flautist Mick Hand, fiddlers Tommy Peoples and Liam Rowsome, and accordionist Johnny McMahon to form the Green Linnet Ceili Band, with whom she toured for five years. After continuing her musical education as a member of Ceoltoiri Laigheann, Bergin was invited to join internationally renowned Irish trad folk group DeDanaan. She performed with the group for a very short period. Bergin maintained a low profile until the early '90s when she helped form Dordan and began writing her own tunes.