Casgliadau Arlein

Photo shot: Home, Pencader, 18th June 2002. Place and date of birth: London 1961. Main occupation: Musician. First Language: English. Other languages: Welsh. Lived in Wales: Over 20 years.

The musician credited with single-handedly re-invigorating the Welsh folk music scene. Born in north London, she studied art and moved to Wales and learned Welsh. It was this move to Wales twenty years ago that sparked her interest in traditional music. She lives in Pencader and tours Wales with her band Fernhill, formed in 1994 with her husband Ceri Rhys Matthews, playing intimate concerts using few instruments, the most important of which is her remarkable voice. Her services as a singer have been sought by the the likes of Robert Plant and John Cale.