Sephira Explained

Sephira should not be confused with Sephiroth.

Sephira - The Irish Rock Violinists
Background:group_or_band
Origin:Carrickmacross, Ireland
Genre:Classical Crossover, Celtic, Instrumental Rock
Years Active:2006-present
Label:Cicero Records
Current Members:Joyce O'Leary
Ruth O'Leary

Sephira also known as Sephira - The Irish Rock Violinists are an Irish band consisting of sisters Joyce and Ruth O'Leary, who both play the violin and provide vocals.

They released their debut album Believe in 2006. Its style is classical crossover with traditional Irish influences.

Early life and education

The sisters are from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Ireland.

They started studying violin in early childhood: Joyce at two years of age and a half and Ruth at six. Joyce performed in the National Concert Hall, Dublin aged just three, playing a Bach minuet. She was named Ireland's Most Promising Violinist when she was nine.[1]

Ruth studied music performance at London's Guildhall School of Music to study for a BA in Music Performance. She continued her studies in Dublin, where she received a first-class honours B.A. with a performance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto at the National Concert Hall, Dublin. During her years of study, Ruth performed with acts such as Rodrigo y Gabriela and featured on their Live in Manchester and Dublin album.

Performances

Sephira toured the US with the PBS show Celtic Thunder between 2008 and 2010.[2] They have also played with Enya, Andrea Bocelli, Kanye West and Michael Buble.[3]

Specializing in theater shows, corporate events, and private events, they have performed at private events for Prince Albert of Monaco, the late Larry Hagman, Priscilla Presley, Linda Gray and the women of Congress in Washington, D.C. They have also performed for other dignitaries including a US president, US vice president, US Secretary of Homeland Security, and the US National Coast Guard Foundation.

Personal Lives

In 2014 the sisters spoke out about their health issues with hemochromatosis and autoimmune disorders, urging other people to get checked for these conditions.[4]

Background to Albums

Artist:Sephira
Studio:3
Music Videos:5
Eps:2
Singles:2

Irish Rock Violinists and sister duo Sephira have released three studio albums, two EPs, one single, and three music videos.

Discography

Studio albums

Title! scope="col"
Release DateLabelFormatsSongs
Believe 1 March 2006 Cicero Records CD, digital download, stream
  • 1. Dreams
  • 2. If
  • 4. Shine On
  • 5. Time
  • 6. Tears
  • 7. Sunrise
  • 8. Angel
  • 9. Reflections
  • 10. My World
  • 11. Haunted
  • 12. Far & Away
Sephira November 2008 Cicero Records CD
Starlight 6 November 2011 Cicero Records CD, digital download, stream
  • 1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
  • 2. Carol of the Bells
  • 3. Jesu Joy
  • 4. Walking in the Air
  • 5. O Holy Night
  • 6. Sleigh Ride
  • 7. Believe
  • 8. Hallelujah
  • 9. Beneath a Thousand Stars
  • 10. Silent Night (Oíche Chiúin)
Sephira Believe Limited Edition March 2016 Cicero Records CD
  • 1. Dreams
  • 2. If
  • 4. Shine On
  • 5. Time
  • 6. Tears
  • 7. Sunrise
  • 8. Angel
  • 9. Reflections
  • 10. My World
  • 11. Haunted
  • 12. Far & Away
  • Bonus Track: Love of my Life

Extended plays (EPs)

Title! scope="col"
Release DateLabelFormatsSongs
Love of My Life September 15 2008 Cicero Records CD
  • 1. Love of My Life
  • 2. El Tango de Roxanne / Libertango (Live in Liverpool)
  • 3. Come Home to Me (Live in Liverpool)
Eternity April 9 2013 Cicero Records CD, digital download
  • 1. See Me Now / Danse Macabre
  • 2. To Love You More
  • 3. Palladio
  • 4. Hallelujah
  • 5. Misirlou
  • Bonus Track: Miracle (only available on CD)

Singles

Title! scope="col"
Release DateLabelFormats
Pirates of the Caribbean 13 November 2020 Cicero Records Digital download, stream
Haunting 4SuMotion & Sephira 13 February 2023 Affiliate stream

Music videos

Title! scope="col"
Release Date
Love of my Life August 2007
Hallelujah October 2014
Pirates of the Caribbean December 2020
Angel 28 July 2021
Despacito 27 August 2021

References

  1. Web site: Sisters Sharing Musical Talent and Health Issues . Rota . Kara . August 2013 . Irish America . 2018-06-02 .
  2. https://www.irishmusicdaily.com/sephira Irish Music Daily
  3. https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/ruth-and-joyce-oleary-we-had-a-goal-and-went-for-it/30437623.html Independent.ie
  4. https://www.irishamerica.com/2013/08/sisters-sharing-musical-talent-and-health-issues/ Irish America
  5. Web site: Bill Shanley biography at Mary-black.net . 1 July 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080626022105/http://www.mary-black.net/disco/musician/2.htm . 26 June 2008 .

External links