Singer, Cynthian Knight, has musical roots in both the traditional Celtic and classical worlds, but has found a particular passion in Scottish Gaelic song.

 

After joining song sessions with the Potomac Scottish Gaelic Society in the DC area, she won First place at the 2019 Richmond Highland Games Mòd (VA) and was inspired to begin studying Gaelic song more intensively with legendary singer, Kathleen MacInnes. In 2022, Cynthian attended the Ceòlas summer program in South Uist, Scotland, where she experienced Gaelic language and song from many of today’s great tradition bearers, including Cathy-Ann MacPhee, Gillebrìde MacMillan, Màiri MacMillan, and Eilidh Cormack.

In 2023, Cynthian’s dedication to learning Gaelic song was recognized throughout the US Mòd circuit when she was named Champion of the first NYC Tartan Week Mòd, and then, winner of both the Grandfather Mountain North Carolina Mòd and the inaugural Chesapeake Mòd in Maryland. Her participation in the NYC Tartan Week Mòd was then featured in a documentary aired on BBC Scotland (BBC Alba). Additionally this year, she had the honor of singing at the Scottish Government's Burns Night event at the British Ambassador's Residence and for the Hebridean Baker’s Washington, DC book tour event at The Black Cat.

Cynthian has recently been heard in concert with the Seán Heely Celtic Band and in the 25th Annual Pipes of Christmas concerts in New York City and New Jersey.

 

In her classical career, Cynthian has graced stages with the Michigan Opera Theatre, Toledo Opera, Opera du Pèrigord in France, the Bay View Music Festival, the Wintergreen Music Festival, Opera Roanoke, the University of Michigan Opera Theatre, and with a variety of regional orchestras as an oratorio and concert soloist.

 

Cynthian has previously taught voice at Hillsdale College, Spring Arbor University, the Mason Community Arts Academy (GMU), Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and held a private voice studio. She currently teaches music at the Potomac Crescent Waldorf School.