February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The daughter of Irish immigrants, Eileen Ivers grew up in the Bronx, New York. Rooted in Irish traditional music since the age of eight, Ivers proceeded to win nine All-Ireland fiddle championships, a tenth on tenor banjo and over 30 championship medals, making her one of the most awarded persons ever to compete in these prestigious competitions. She graduated magna cum laude in Mathematics from Iona College and currently resides with her husband and fellow Bronxite, Brian Mulligan, in Rockland Co., NY. Ivers and her ensemble, Immigrant Soul, continue to tour over 100 performances a year in performing art centers, symphony halls and festivals.
Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today. She’s been called “a sensation” by Billboard magazine, “a virtuoso” by The Irish Times and “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by The New York Times.” Among her professional accomplishments and affiliations: Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, London Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony at The Kennedy Center, Boston Pops, musical star of Riverdance, The Chieftains, Hall and Oates, Afrocelts, Patti Smith, Paula Cole, Al Di Meola, Steve Gadd, founding member of Cherish the Ladies, performed for presidents and royalty worldwide.