mothers of intention - Celtic Folk Band

The ‘mothers of intention‘ are a spirited four piece band sharing a love of music and an enduring friendship. With vocals, guitars, fiddle, mandolin, recorder, bodhrans and doumbek.
Our extensive repertoire includes a vibrant mix of Celtic, Folk, Original and Folk inspired covers. From Irish standards, soulful ballads sung in three part harmony to fast jigs and reels and slow airs. An eclectic mix of music to dance or listen to.
They have been together for six years and are a popular band being regularly booked at Folk Festivals, Clubs, Community events, weddings, Celebrations, Corporate and private functions.
The ‘ mothers ‘ have a warm presence on stage and the music appeals to a wide range of people, from the young through to all ages. MOI can adjust the repertoire to suit all occasions, from subtle to energising.

Rosie McDonald - Lead vocals & guitar

At age 11, inspired by the Folk tradition, Rosie started playing her first scratched up guitar bought with her savings. With a twin edged gift for playing by ear but unable to read music, Rosie however studied classical guitar and started composing her own tunes. Joining the acappella group ‘ Pentala ‘ while her children were little, fired her enthusiasm for singing and made her realise music’s life enhancing potential.
Rosie is the founding member of the ‘mothers ‘. She is passionate about Celtic Folk Songs as an expression of the human condition in it’s many hues.
Loving the rhythmic drive of the Celtic dance tunes, her guitar playing is full of energy, while her pure voice connects with the listener. Rosie also sings on two ambient ‘chill out ‘ CD’s with her husband Chris Shakallis which are about to be released in Europe and USA.

Lainey Balsdon - Recorder

Lainey was immersed in music, growing up in a family of recorder players. Dad on tenor, mum on treble and 3 sisters on sopranos. As a teenager she studied the flute and continued playing music as an adult. After being asked to play at her children’s school, Celtic Music struck a chord, from the beautifully written mournful airs to the lively jigs and reels. She loves Celtic music for it’s ability to reflect the many moods of life. Elaine puts her heart and soul into every performance. She adds an intrinsic quality to the ‘mothers’ music.

Penny Rankin-Smith - Vocals & percussion

Coming from an English/Irish background, Celtic music has always been an inspiration to Penny. Growing up on a chinese junk in Sydney Harbour gave Penny an artists eye and ear for beauty and nuance. Singing, music, Art and Community have been intrinsic to Penny’s experience of life. Penny runs art workshops in Sydney and facilitates youth events. Playing guitar and singing Folk Songs has evolved into a love of harmonies.
Traveling to Ireland three years ago and reconnecting with family and ancestral origins gave Penny a deep sense of the purpose of her music. This music lifts people out of their everyday experience.

Tony Pyrzakowski - Fiddle & vocals

From the age of six, Tony played in Welsh Eisteddfods on an old 1/4 fiddle carried around , wrapped in the ‘News of the World’ newspaper. He studied in London under Polish virtuoso violinist Waclaw Niemczyk and subsequently played in several London orchestras, receiving a Licentiate from the Royal College of Music.
While living in London, near Kentish and Camden Towns, Tony discovered, and was heavily influenced by, the great Irish music at pubs and session bars. This fueled both his passion for the music and his drinking of Guinness.
Meeting the ‘mothers’ on St Patrick's day 3 years ago and loving their sound, he joined them this year, at first on probation ( how fast can he go ) and then as a fully fledged ‘ mother’. Tony also plays with the very popular ‘ Wheeze and Suck band ‘.
Tony is an exuberant and irrepressible performer playing lightening fast jigs and reels as well as adding lush melodic accompaniment to the songs. His tenor voice compliments the beautiful voices of Rose and Penny producing the sublimely recognisable ‘mothers ‘ sound.