Alan Stivell

Alan Stivell

Alan Stivell is a Breton musician, singer and recording artist from Riom, France, born in 1944. He is known as a master of the Celtic harp and works across celtic, celtic rock, folk, folk rock, medieval and progressive music. He also performs on the bombarde, biniou and flute.

Career

Stivell specialises in traditional Breton and Celtic music. From the early 1970s, he helps renew wider interest in the Celtic, especially Breton, harp and in Celtic music more generally, as part of the broader world music field.

Notable recordings

His 1971 album Renaissance of the Celtic Harp is a key release in his career and includes Dan Ar Bras on guitar. The live album A l'Olympia, released in 1972, is also associated with his performance style.