Sister act lifting lid on folk music

Rowan Rheingans, part of BBC Folk Award-nominated and highly-popular folk trio Lady Maisery, and her sister Anna make up The Rheingans Sisters.

The duo, who are originally from Grindleford, released their debut album ‘Glad Gold Hearts’, produced by Andy Bell (Spiers and Boden, Fay Hield), last summer which has gained them widespread critical acclaim, including nominations for Best Group and Best Newcomer in the 2014 Songlines Awards long-list.

Primarily traditional fiddle players and singers, The Rheingans Sisters add cello, banjo, concertina and the ‘ban-sitar’ (a unique hybrid instrument between five-string banjo and Indian sitar) to create their distinct and innovative repertoire of folk tunes and songs from Britain, Europe and America. Both Rowan and Anna have travelled widely and studied traditional music abroad.

Their live shows have a strong emphasis on exploring the similarities and differences in-between folk music, through the sisters’ experimental and improvisational approach to duo-playing.

Audiences can expect to be entranced by a rich and varied concert of traditional music and song underpinned by a strong emphasis on connection, communication and improvisation.

And all the beautiful instruments that Rowan and Anna play in their live shows have been hand-crafted in the Peak District.

The Rheingans Sisters will perform at Chinley Community Centre on Saturday April 12, at 8pm. Tickets, priced £7 plus online booking fee, are available at www.wegottickets.com/event/253239.