Bernadette NicGabhann is from Ashbourne, Co Meath, Ireland, a beautiful area of deep history in the east of Ireland. Having learned fiddle from her father, Antoin MacGabhann, and being deeply immersed in all aspects of Irish music and culture all her life, the love of playing shines through now in her adult life.

Having attended The National University of Ireland at Maynooth for 4 years (1995-99) and achieving her education in Information Technology, she proceeded into the working world of Computer science. While this was great business experience, it is a long way from the stage, so having completed a respectable amount of time working a real job in the real world, Bernadette took off with her fiddle. She has spent the past 3 years traveling the world solely playing music. Ultimately Ireland is home, but while the opportunities present themselves for new performances in new places, she will continue to go and play where the music takes her.

This began in 2002 during a week in Connemara at the Cumar Festival where a decision was made with Freda - her fellow rockstar - to take up an opportunity to play in an Irish Bar on Gran Canaria. This is one of the largest of the Spanish owned Canary Islands close to the west coast of Africa. Puerto Rico is one of the main resorts on the southern coast, and Molly Malones bar rocked 6 nights a week with Anto, Freda and Bernadette. Days, weeks and months somehow passed, and at Christmas they decided to move onward an homeward.

Following a good spell at home, and a chance to recharge the Irish batteries, Bernadette got called to join Michael Flatleys 'Lord of the Dance'. She flew to Vancouver early 2003 to join up with Troupe 2 on tour through North America and Canada. The opportunity to perform nightly with childhood friend - Matt Mancuso - was a priceless experience, and stage has never been the same !!! The hectic show schedule took over, with performances in The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, The Seoul Opera House, Korea, and many towns throughout North America and Canada.

While appreciating that this was an opportunity of a lifetime, Bernadette decided to move on in April 2004. With her sister's wedding as a milestone, she resigned from Lord of the Dance.
In May, 2004, She was invited by Izumo City Hall to attend and perform at their week long Irish Festival. This beautiful city on the west coast of Japan held an inspiring week of Irish music, sport and culture.

Following this, Bernadette flew back to the US to join the oShea Dance Company as a fiddle player in Irish Thunder, their dance show in Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia. This show gave the opportunity for live solo stage numbers during each show. It also allowed her to work and meet with some of the most talented young artists around today.

From there, Bernadette moved to Nashville, where she is at present. What this will lead to remains to be seen.........

Through the years, Bernadette has successfully participated in years of Fleadhanna Cheoil and similar competitions organised as part of the very active Irish music scene in her home. These have included years of underage and senior group and solo competitions, which show the best of irish music and talent.