Three remarkable musicians will perform at Halsway Manor (Somerset) on Saturday 3 November. In a concert starting at 8pm, two leading Uilleann Pipers John McSherry and Steve Turner will be joined by Vicki Swan playing the traditional Swedish Nyckelharpa.
John, Steve and Vicki are visiting Somerset as tutors for Halsway Manor’s Uilleann Pipe / Nyckelharpa workshop weekend, hence are available for this extraordinary public performance.
Belfast-born piper John McSherry has toured the world as both a solo performer and a member of several outstanding bands including Tamalin, Lúnasa and Coolfin. As a session musician John has recorded and performed with everybody from Clannad and Sinéad O’Connor to Nancy Griffiths and The Corrs.
Inspired by an old recording of Finbar and Eddie Furey, Steve Turner began playing the Uilleann pipes twenty years ago. He is now well known as a player and teacher, and as a keystone of the South West Association of Uilleann Pipers
The Nyckelharpa – literally ‘keyed fiddle’ – has largely disappeared outside of Sweden. However Vicki Swan and a handful of others are taking steps to re-popularise the instrument in the UK through a programme of workshops and performances. You can find out more about the UK Nyckelharpa Project on their website http://www.nyckelharpa.me.uk/
Halsway Manor, National Centre for Folk Arts, has been established as a Charity since 1965. Nestling at the foot of the Quantock Hills between Bicknoller and Crowcombe, Halsway Manor provides a year-round programme of events and activities in traditional folk music, dance, song, storytelling, folklore and related arts and crafts. All are welcome.
Tickets for the concert are priced £10 (£4 for 16 years old and under) and can be booked in advance by calling 01984 618274.