Celtic Conversations: Abigail MacDonald & Malcolm MacNeil

Abigail MacDonald was raised in St. Andrews, Antigonish County, and grew up surrounded by Gaelic music and culture. She has been learning Gaelic since the age of five with much guidance from her father Brian, a respected fiddler from a long line of musicians and tradition bearers. Her talents are vast and varied, as Abby plays fiddle, piano, and guitar, highland dances, step dances, and sings. She was a member of Na Gaisgich Òga, a mentorship program for young Gaelic learners, and a cast member for the “Ships Of 1801” trilogy. She has also been a member of Féis Cheap Breatuinn, a group of young musicians learning to carry on Gaelic music traditions. A regular musician at ceilidhs and dances throughout the province, Abby has been both performer and host at many KitchenFest! events and played a key role as part of Colaisde na Gàidhlig [the Gaelic College] summer staff over the years. This is her second year performing at Celtic Colours.

Malcolm MacNeil is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from Cape Breton Island. Currently based in Halifax, MacNeil is quickly developing a reputation as one of the region’s most versatile and reliable side musicians. He can regularly be seen performing with fiddlers, folk singer-songwriters, and jazz ensembles of various configurations. He has shared the stage with a growing list of well-known artists, including Heather Rankin and The Barra MacNeils. His debut studio album, The Bridge, was released during Celtic Colours last year with the support of the Festival Volunteer Drive’ers Association and Lakewind Sound as the 2025 recipient of the Frank “Big Sampie” Sampson Award. He is excited to return to Celtic Colours this year alongside fellow “Sampie” winner Maxim Cormier, English and Gaelic singer-songwriter Abigail MacDonald, Lisa MacArthur and Kolten MacDonell, and his family for a special tribute to the legacy of his grandmother Jean MacNeil.

This program is part of a free series in association with the Celtic Colours International Festival showcasing musicians performing at this year’s festival.
Music and conversation fill the hour. Drop in, general seating.