Songs of love and longing, duty and devotion have stirred the Celtic soul for centuries. This Artful Audio release brings together the artistry of two perfectly matched flutes, played by Anne Carlson and Maya Lewis, with the expressive piano accompaniment and original arrangements of Alicia Lewis. The collection features 37 Celtic tunes, deftly interwoven with a view to showcasing the unique expressive character of each one. Spritely dances mingle with tender love songs, wistful patriot airs, and passionate hymns, reflecting the rich variety of the Celtic musical tradition of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and beyond. Anne Carlson, a member of the NFA (National Flute Association), has performed at numerous flute conventions. Past President of the Seattle Flute Society, Ms. Carlson studied with Mary Louise Poor and Richard Hahn. She has played with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and been a soloist with the Spokane Symphony. Her private studio is in Woodinville, Washington. Maya Lewis is also a member of the NFA, and performed at their 2005 National Convention. An alumnus of the Seattle Youth Symphony, she performed as a soloist several times with the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently she is a Flute Performance major at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where she won the 2007 Concerto Competition. Alicia Lewis is a published composer and arranger who draws on her background in theology and ethnomusicology. As a lifelong singer and pianist, she finds great joy in creating music that leads the listener into a deeper connection to God, the source of all beauty. REVIEWS OF THEIR 2006 CHRISTMAS CD, I Wonder As I Wander: “The flutes and piano intertwine in the most graceful fashion, and the end product is refined and restrained, yet refreshing… The sound is sweetly conceived and professionally executed… I Wonder As I Wander is sophisticated and intensely beautiful… contemplative, classical instrumentals showcasing marvelous musicianship.” Carol Swanson, Professor of Law at Hamline University, St. Paul, MN, Editor of christmasreviews.com “Simply one of the most beautiful Christmas CDs of all this year.” WRST’s “Dr. Christmas” “[These] arrangements are impressively distinctive. It’s good to hear a fresh approach to such familiar Christmas carols… The flutes sound magical! … Superb!” TAXI “Anne Carlson and Maya Lewis are beautifully matched with pianist and inventive arranger, Alicia Lewis.” Melinda Bargreen, Seattle Times Music Critic