Our Story
CYMER (pronounced koomair): From the Welsh, meaning confluence. The place where rivers converge.
Cymer is a Celtic Music duo from Brantford, Ontario (Loril Shannik-Celtic Harp and Dan McDonald-Bodhran). Their unique sound ranges from medieval to contemporary, wild jigs to soulful airs, but always with an emphasis on the traditional music of all the Celtic countries.
While Cymer is predominantly an instrumental duo, each piece is introduced with a story which allows the audience to feel they are a part of the history not of just the song, but of all things Celtic. This creates a sense of connection between the musicians, the audience and generations of Celts who have gone before who enjoyed listening to the very same music being performed.
Like two rivers coming together Dan and Loril have teamed up to bring their respective talents to the Celtic music they both love so much. Playing instruments of ancient lineage, tradition and ancestry, an unusual pairing, rarely seen together in the wild, Cymer performs with spirit, virtuosity and authority.
Dan McDonald
Now
Although he started his musical career as a Rock drummer, when approached by Loril Shannik about learning to play the bodhrán he gladly accepted the challenges presented by the new instrument. Taking all he had learned as a drummer/percussionist and studying the ‘Kerry’ style of bodhráneer Kevin Conneff, he launched himself into the new project that would eventually become Cymer and has not looked back.
A recent trip to Ireland saw him return to Canada filled with inspiration which has continued to motivate him to compose and arrange Celtic music.
Dan’s love of history has held him in good stead when telling stories about the tunes he performs with Cymer. For him, music has the potential to not only connect us with each other but to put us in touch with our past and to carry us into the future.
Then
Dan’s earliest recollections are of music being played on the record player and radio in the home. Through his parents and four brothers, there was no shortage of musical variety to which he could turn his ear.
Like many drummers he taught himself how to play. He learned drum riffs by using a portable record player. Slowing it down he could hear every lick the drummer laid down and eventually co-founded a 60’s and 70’s Rock band and a Roy Orbison Tribute band.
Always moved by Celtic music, two albums by The Chieftains (‘Celtic Wedding’ and ‘Irish Heartbeat’, with Van Morrison.) are among his influences.
Loril Shannik
Now
Loril’s performances emphasize the Celtic harp’s power and strength as well as its gentle side as she chooses her music from many eras. Recently she was a featured performer at the Hamilton Music Awards Celtic Showcase, the Kincardine Scottish Festival and the Bell 100th Anniversary Gala at The Sanderson Centre in Brantford, Ontario.
Loril’s CDs Goblin Moon (2009) and The Vagabond Harp (2013) were each nominated for three Hamilton Music Awards.
Then
Although she studied classical piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Loril loved playing the more untamed, improvisational traditional songs of her Celtic heritage. She plays several instruments, including keyboard, harpsichord, krumhorn, recorder and trombone.
Loril is also no stranger to the theatre. She has performed with comedy troupes on stage and radio as well as being a musician/actor for improvisational theatre.