Steve Schuch, "Celtic Chamber-Folk" violinist & guitarist , Hillsborough

Steve Schuch was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and studied both baroque violin and biology at Oberlin College. Following two years with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic, he has pursued a diverse career in music, writing and storytelling. He has extensive concert experience from Norway, the Netherlands, Scotland and The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Venues in New Hampshire include the Capitol Center for the Arts, First Nights throughout New Hampshire, colleges and schools.

Schuch is the founding member of the highly acclaimed instrumental group The Night Heron Consort. The consort includes David Surette on bouzouki, mandolin and guitar, Kent Allyn on fretless bass and piano and David Coffin on whistles, recorder and gemshorn. Schuch has also worked closely with various early music ensembles, symphony orchestras, and renowned storyteller Odds Bodkin of Bradford, NH.

Schuch's numerous recordings include national best-seller The Shores of Lillisand, which he submitted as the primary support material for his Fellowship application. His children's recording Trees of Life won the Parents' Choice Gold Award in 2001. He is a long-standing member of State Arts Council Artist Roster and received previous Individual Artist Fellowships in 1992 and 1998.

Although Schuch won this year's Fellowship Award for his work with "Celtic Chamber-Folk" violin and guitar, he is also a highly acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, storyteller and author. He has two published children's books entitled The Gift of the Wee Folk and A Symphony of Whales. Based on the true musical rescue of 3,000 whales, the story received five national book awards. His musical adaptation of A Symphony of Whales has been featured by regional symphony orchestras and National Public Radio's Performance Today.

"Musically, I'm fascinated with material that brings together folk, classical, and contemporary elements. In my performing, writing and recording I'm trying to integrate elements from different traditions in ways that expand audiences' appreciation for more music than they previously knew they liked. I aspire to combine the energy of Celtic fiddling with the grace of Baroque music. For live shows, I'll frequently include Bach or Gypsy tunes along with a bluegrass fiddle tune."

For more information visit www.nightheron.com

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Last updated: January 4, 2005