Natalie MacMaster CM ONS
Born 1972
Canadian fiddler from Nova Scotia who plays Cape Breton fiddle music.

MacMaster has released over 15 albums; toured with the Chieftains, Faith Hill, Carlos Santana, and Alison Krauss; and has recorded with Yo-Yo Ma. She has appeared at the Celtic festivals throughout Scotland, Canada and the United States.

A superstar in the Celtic music world, as a fiddler and step-dancer Natalie has built a sterling, multi-decade career on electrifying playing and must-see live performances. Her extensive discography showcases her as both soloist and marquee collaborator, notably with husband and fellow fiddler Donnell Leahy. 

Ontario-based mother of six has received and Order of Canada in recognition of her peerless artistic status.

Cape Breton Fiddle

Cape Breton traditional music is a unique genre that features the fiddle; with a distinctly cultural technique, repertoire, rhythm and social role.

Cape Breton is a small island located off the North-Eastern Coast of the province Nova Scotia. Cape Breton traditional fiddle music originated in Scotland, and during the Early 19th Century, a number of highlanders set up camp in Cape Breton. The time when most were immigrating to Cape Breton was the time when fiddle playing in Scotland was at its ‘Golden Age’; hence the unique style of Cape Bretton Fiddle.

MacMaster is a notable Sept of Clan Buchanan. Learn more about the Names of Buchanan