Clanna Morna

Emerging from the vibrant cultural nexus of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEĆ nations, known to many as Victoria, BC in Canada, Clanna Morna is injecting a fresh twist into the timeless Celtic Traditional genre. With roots firmly planted in the traditional melodies of Irish, Scottish, and English music, the ensemble weaves rhythmic energy and evocative storytelling into carefully curated arrangements, all culminating in a riveting experience for the audience.

Boasting an ensemble of versatile musicians, Clanna Morna's collective skill and meticulous attention to detail breathe new life into both familiar and less explored folk ballads and tunes. The band's decade-long history of arranging and performing Celtic music, both traditional and original, has seen them share their mellifluous tunes and enchanting narratives on local and international platforms alike.

Formed in the autumn of 2020, Clanna Morna has been an indefatigable presence on the touring circuit, journeying through Coastal British Columbia, interior British Columbia, and Alberta, amassing over 200 performances in their first two years as an ensemble. Their repertoire boasts noteworthy performances at the 2022 Vancouver Celtic Festival, the 2022 BC Highland Games, the 2021 & 2022 Victoria Highland Games, 2022 Woodstove Music Festival, and the Oceanside Folk/Roots club in Qualicum Beach.

The trio that forms Clanna Morna — Cody Baresich (guitar, mandolins, Irish bouzouki, tin whistle, percussion, vocals), Finn Letourneau (fiddle, banjo, vocals), and Mark Leigh (accordion, tin whistles, vocals) — paints a broad musical canvas. The ensemble adeptly oscillates between high-energy instrumentals, languid ballads, celebratory drinking songs, and sea shanties, all underpinned by the signature west coast spin on Celtic & English folk. In their musical journey, Clanna Morna pays homage to, and draws inspiration from, legendary figures like The Dubliners, The Pogues, the Bothy Band, Planxty, and The Clancy Brothers.