manx celtic music and dance

Fenella Bazin RBV

24 Jan 2011

Fenella Bazin receiving the award from Quintin Gill MHK
Fenella Bazin receiving the award from Quintin Gill MHK

The Manx Heritage Foundation’s prestigious cultural award, the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, was presented to Ballaugh resident Dr Fenella Bazin in a ceremony in the International Business School on 14th January.

The award was presented by the Vice-Chairman of the Foundation Mr Quintin Gill, MHK.

Fenella was a member of the Foundation for many years, and contributed a huge amount to its work and success but it’s perhaps in the areas of music and continuing education that she is best known.

Fenella pioneered academic research into Manx music as Director of Postgraduate Studies at the Centre for Manx Studies. Her own doctoral thesis on Manx music up to 1896 effectively opened up areas of research for other students and put Manx music on the map. Without her work, we would know little about the development of traditional music, West Gallery music, even the National Anthem. Fenella’s expertise in the sphere of Manx music is internationally recognised and she has contributed articles, papers and chapters to leading publications and has spoken at numerous conferences as well as leading workshops. Her research has consistently promoted the Isle of Man and its culture, with special emphasis on the links between the Isle of Man and Norway.

Fenella’s accomplishments are not restricted to the world of academia – she has succeeded in making Manx music accessible to a wide range of people of all ages. Well known as an excellent musician – pianist, fiddle player and singer – and as an arranger and composer, she has worked hard for festivals such as the Manx Music Festival and Yn Chruinnaght in the days when Manx culture was definitely not in fashion. Fenella has also represented the Island at festivals throughout Europe – as a performer and as a group leader/teacher.

Her many publications include: Ree ny Marrey, Much Inclin’d to Music, Manx Hymn Book, Mona Douglas – A Tribute, The Promised Land, Wild Irishman, and John Moore’s Music Book.

She works hard for her local community of Ballaugh, leading the church choir, being a member of Ballaugh Heritage Trust and has acted as a governor for Ballaugh School.

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