Athena Tergis and Christy Leahy
Athena Tergis
Born in NYC and raised in San Francisco, Athena Tergis showed a love and talent for the violin at an early age and studied with such greats as Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, Alasdair Fraser, and Buddy MacMaster, before moving to Ireland to immerse herself in traditional Irish music.
Since the age of 18, Athena has played and toured extensively with many artists including The Sharon Shannon Band, Riverdance, Clarence Clemmons and has regularly been the featured artist on a number of productions by Bill Whelan, creator of Riverdance.
She has released a number of critically acclaimed recordings including her solo album entitled A Letter Home in 2007. More recently Athena plays alongside Mick Moloney in the Green Fields of America touring across the world. She currently resides in the village of Montalcino in Tuscany in central Italy where she and her husband own an award-winning winery, Terralsole.
Christy Leahy
Christy Leahy was born into a musical family in County Cork and learned his music playing at sessions and for set dancers locally. For many years he toured with the acclaimed traditional ensemble North Cregg releasing four albums and playing at many of the major folk festivals across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA. His energetic and rhythmic style of button accordion playing reflects the vibrant music of his home county and is recognised as one the instrument’s leading exponents.
Christy has been featured on a number of other recordings and radio and TV programmes including been invited as guest presenter on the acclaimed Irish language music transmission Geantrai on Ireland’s TG4. He released a duet recording with pianist Caoimhin Vallely in 2010 to wide acclaim.
Athena and Christy began playing together informally while both living in Italy and their collaboration continues as they explore their shared common ground in traditional Irish dance music. Weaving melodies full of energy and spontaneity, exploring the subtle harmonies and rhythms of every tune defines their joyous approach to Irish music and song.
