Bernard McDonell

From Glengarryceltic

Bernard started playing the piano at the age of six. Encouraged by his father, Finlay McDonell, who played the violin, Bernard learned to accompany fiddlers and had the opportunity to play with many fiddlers who would visit the McDonell home in the east end of Montreal or at their cottage in Loch Garry.

At the age of seventeen, Bernard decided to try the violin. With a strong affection for Cape Breton music, he now considers the fiddle his escape and loves to practice for long periods of time. Several musicians over the years have influenced Bernard's playing, and as a member of the Glengarry Strathspey and Reel Society he had the opportunity to study the styles of some of Glengarry's best.