The City that Reeds: Donna Long playing Mrs. Judge (O'Carolan)

Master pianist Donna Long playing a piece by Turlough O'Carolan during her interview for the City that Reeds: Irish Traditional Music in Baltimore, 1976-2026. Recorded in conjunction with Smithsonian Folklife. Recording and mixing by Brennish Thompson. Donna Long is regarded as one of the leading pianists in Irish traditional music. Her distinct accompaniment style and solo interpretations of O’Carolan’s music have shaped Irish piano for over four decades. At age four she began lessons with her father, jazz and classical pianist Byron Long. She was first exposed to Irish traditional music after moving from Los Angeles to Baltimore, Maryland in 1980. Inspired by Baltimore's vibrant community, she began learning traditional music from fiddler Brendan Mulvihill. The duo recorded two acclaimed albums, The Steeplechase and The Morning Dew. In 1996, she joined Cherish the Ladies, touring internationally for ten years. Her solo CD Handprints (2003) earned her critical acclaim and featured her composition Luna. In 2000, the Smithsonian invited her to represent Irish music in its Piano Traditions series, and the Library of Congress commissioned an original composition in 2001. She has played many tours with the National Council for the Traditional Arts, accompanying artists such as James Kelly, Brendan Mulvihill, Jerry Holland, and Liz Carroll. A dedicated teacher of piano and fiddle, Donna passed music on to her son, Jesse Smith, and In 2008, Donna was awarded the MD Arts Council Teacher/Apprentice Grant, which honored her piano student Matt Mulqueen; and again in 2019, which honored her fiddle student Mikela Murphy. Donna continues to perform, compose, and pass her artistry to new generations.

Added 30 Sept 2026