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, All Music Guide