White Raven is an a cappella vocal trio that approaches traditional song with care and restraint, bringing three part harmony to Irish and Scottish repertoire without losing the directness and emotional clarity at its core.
The Voices of White Raven
White Raven is a vocal trio made up of Kathleen Dineen, Robert Getchnell, and Mathias Spoerry. Their work centres on traditional song, performed a cappella, with a strong focus on balance, blend, and clarity of text.
The aim has always been clear. To explore three part harmony while allowing each song to retain its original quality and simplicity. Nothing is overworked. The harmony serves the song, not the other way around.
Song at the Centre
The programme includes songs in the sean nós style, traditional Irish and Scottish ballads, as well as settings of songs associated with writers such as Thomas Moore, Seán O’Casey, and Patrick Kavanagh.
What unites this repertoire is a respect for language and meaning. These songs rely on phrasing, breath, and silence. White Raven’s approach allows space for all three. The result is intimate and focused, drawing the listener in rather than projecting outward.
Working as a Trio
Singing a cappella leaves no place to hide. Every note, every entrance, and every blend is exposed. That level of openness requires deep listening and trust. White Raven’s strength lies in how the three voices move together without losing their individuality.
The harmonies are carefully shaped, but never rigid. They breathe with the song, responding to text and emotional contour. It is a disciplined approach that still feels natural.
Joining as a Guest Instrumentalist
On occasion, I have joined White Raven as a guest instrumentalist. My role has always been supportive. The fiddle does not lead. It listens. It follows the line of the voice and offers colour, lift, or grounding where needed.
My approach in these settings is lyrical rather than rhythmic. The aim is to complement the singing, to underline the shape of a phrase without disturbing the balance of the voices.
Performances and Festivals
Performances with White Raven have included appearances at the Rheingau and Mosel Musik Festivals in Germany in 2013, and in Rapperswil, Switzerland, in 2014. These concerts placed traditional song in attentive listening spaces, where detail and nuance could be fully heard.
In those settings, the quiet strength of unaccompanied singing proved just as powerful as any large ensemble. Audiences responded to the honesty of the delivery and the clarity of the material.
Further Information
More information about White Raven can be found at their official website: www.whiteraven.info .
A Personal Reflection
Looking back on this collaboration, I am reminded of how much strength there is in simplicity. When voices are trusted and space is respected, traditional song carries itself. White Raven understands that deeply.
As I revisit and rewrite older material like this, I am also conscious of how important clear presentation has become. I have recently started working on my website and blog with Astory Media, with Zane helping me carefully revisit and reshape years of archived content. It has been a thoughtful and respectful process, and one I am genuinely thankful for.
If you are an artist, musician, or organisation looking for help with a website or written content, I am happy to recommend that work. Good music deserves to be presented with care.