Since 1996 The Scots Fiddle Festival has been promoting and sharing traditional Scots fiddle music. In its 20 years, the number of events organised by the volunteer committee has tripled, and this year over 40 musicians will present 50 events over the space of just one weekend in Edinburgh.
From 18th – 20th November there’s a feast of fiddle in store for lovers of live music. The Friday night concert kicks off proceedings with exciting American brother and sister duo Haley & Dylan Richardson and the Duncan Chisholm trio. The celebratory Saturday night concert includes Aonghas Grant Snr, Aidan O’Rourke, Catriona Macdonald, Chris Stout, Liz Doherty and Paul Anderson joined by Allan MacDonald and Mhairi Hall. Finishing off the festival on Sunday night is Adam Sutherland and friends with the Strathspey and Surreal Society. All taking place at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall.
Keen dancers are also well catered for, with the Pentlands Ceilidh Band performing on Friday at Summerhall and on Saturday, Hotscotch Ceilidh Band. And, of course, there’s the follow-on option of the Festival Club and late night sessions.
The festival was awarded ‘Event of the Year’ at the BBC MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in 2012, and artistic director Eilidh Steel (herself an accomplished fiddle player, composer and tutor) is confident that events will live up to past success.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to present another packed programme for fiddle lovers of concerts, ceilidhs, recitals, talks and workshops. Also that we’ve been able to celebrate our 20th year with our Saturday night concert bringing together some of the top fiddlers that we’ve featured in previous festivals. And alongside will be some people to look out for in the future, with a performance from our Outreach Project. I’m really looking forward to it all.”
Fancy learning how to play a slow air from Duncan Chisholm? Or how about having Aidan O’Rourke teach Trad Fiddle with a twist? In addition to the live music a wide range of workshops for all levels will take place at Summerhall. With many events specifically designed for young players; top fiddle artists will be on hand to host recitals, talks and ‘come and try’ sessions. Many of the activities presented are free, and ticket prices start at just £5 for some events, with special prices for under 16s and weekend tickets available.
We’ve listed the three headline concerts at The Queen’s Hall below, but full programme details are available from http://www.scotsfiddlefestival.com or from:
The Queen’s Hall Box Office, 85-89 Clerk St, Edinburgh, EH8 9JG, tel: 0131 668 2019.
Friday 18 November: (7.30pm – 10pm)
Duncan Chisholm Trio / Haley & Dylan Richardson.
Saturday 19 November: (7.30pm-10pm)
Scots Fiddle Festival 20th Anniversary Concert, featuring: Aonghas Grant snr; Catriona Macdonald; Aidan O’Rourke; Liz Doherty; Paul Anderson; Chris Stout joined by percussionist Allan MacDonald and pianist Mhairi Hall . With support from this year’s Scots Fiddle Festival Outreach Project.
Sunday 22nd November: (7.30pm-10pm)
Adam Sutherland & friends with The Strathspey and Surreal Society