Rory Matheson from Assynt, Sutherland is a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2018. We asked Rory the following questions:
How did you get involved in Scottish music?
I grew up in the North West Coast of Scotland, so was brought up with Ceilidh and Dance Band music, and is why I started playing the accordion. This took me through High School where I started playing and listening to more folk and jazz music and started playing the piano in High School.
Why did you enter BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award?
BBC Young Trad Musician has always been a goal for me as a great performance opportunity and a chance to meet and hear great musicians. As I now live and study in Glasgow, I thought this year would be ideal to give it a go!
What do you hope to gain from the experience?
I hope to meet more great musicians, and get the chance to completely arrange and perform and solo piano set, which I have never done!
Do you have any particular musical highlights?
I have been lucky enough to perform around the UK with different groups and projects. Particularly last year where I had concerts with the RCS in the concert hall, Phil and Aly’s St Andrews day with the RSNO, and BBC Radio Scotlands St Andrews Day Celebrations with the RCS, Phil Cunningham and Gary Innes.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to go on and make an EP in the next year, and continue playing and gigging as much as I can!
Why not buy a ticket to hear Rory Matheson or any other of the finalists at the Grand Finals on Sunday January 28th at 5pm. The finals are part of Celtic Connections festival. If you can’t make it along the event will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland between 5 & 8pm and on the iPlayer afterwards.