Secret Garden

The winners of the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest, Norwegian neo-classical duo Secret Garden formed in 1994 around Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian pianist Rolf Løvland, the co-writer of Norway's 1985 Eurovision victor "La Det Swingge." Secret Garden's own Eurovision victory was notable as the first (and, so far, only) time a predominantly instrumental song has won the competition -- the contributions of guest vocalist Gunnhild Tvinnereim were clearly written to ensure the piece met with Eurovision's rules. Songs from a Secret Garden, the duo's debut album, was released later in 1995 and became a major hit around the world, as well as supplying Barbra Streisand with the hit "I've Dreamed of You," adapted from Secret Garden's "Heartstrings." Secret Garden also originated Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up." Subsequent Secret Garden albums include White Stones (1997),Fairytales (1998), Dawn of a New Century (1999), Dreamcatcher (2001), Once in a Red Moon (2002), and Earthsongs (2005). A best-of, also titled Dreamcatcher, appeared in 2004. ~ Dave Thompson