Kat yn 't Seil

Kat yn 't Seil played folk music from the Netherlands. Since the 17th century the Netherlands has possessed a rich treasure of traditional dance melodies. Some, like contradances, madlots, sleifers, schotsen, polkas and waltzes, can be found in Frisian dance music manuscripts.
The Frisian folkgroup Kat yn 't Seil was one of the few groups in the Netherlands that performed these melodies. Kat yn 't Seil had much experience teaching these dances to audiences. Often these are danced in lines or circles and, apart from being great fun, are easy to learn.

Besides performing instrumental music, the members of Kat yn 't Seil had a repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs in their own languages: Frisian and Dutch. They also enjoyed singing songs in the international language Esperanto. No matter which language they used, however, their striking harmonies always attracted attention.

Coming from a seafaring background, sea shanties and seasongs had become a specialty for these talented musicians. Shanties are the rhythmic worksongs used by sailors in the days of the big sailing ships. The choruses are very easy and everyone enjoys singing along.

The members of Kat yn 't Seil have performed at folk festivals in different countries.

When perfoming outside the Netherlands, Kat yn 't Seil introduced their music in English, German, French or Esperanto.

Kat yn 't Seil has produced several recordings.

Kat yn 't Seil comprised (from left to right):