Aberdeen music lovers are being offered a free preview of one of the world’s leading traditional fiddle and dance festivals ahead of its return to the region this summer.
The performance will showcase Dà Chòmhlan-Ciùil De Cheathrar, a bold new commission by Simon Thoumire, an award winning concertina virtuoso and composer with over 30 years’ experience in Scottish traditional music.
Written specifically for two live quartets performing together, this composition brings a classical string quartet and a folk quartet onto the same stage in an immersive and collaborative performance.
Featuring the local Thistle Quartet and Glasgow based Cuan Quartet, the concert takes place at the Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen, on Thursday 9 April from 12.45pm to 1.30pm.
The performance is just a glimpse into the talent, creativity and collaboration that can be expected throughout the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) which runs from 24 – 28 June across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Organised by the University of Aberdeen’s Elphinstone Institute, the five-day programme will bring together musicians, dancers, audiences and enthusiasts from across Scotland and the wider North Atlantic for an exciting celebration of traditional music and culture as NAFCo celebrates its 25th anniversary in its place of origin.
Laura Harrington, NAFCo Festival Director, said, “Simon is an exceptional musician and composer with a real flair for bringing people and ideas together through music. We’re delighted to have him involved in this exciting NAFCo teaser concert and look forward to seeing the energy and creativity of his compositions come to life in this performance. It promises to be a lively and memorable event, and a great introduction to the dynamic programme of NAFCo events coming up this summer.”
Looking ahead to the festival, fellow Festival Director, Kirsty Clements, added, “Attendees can look forward to a varied programme of concerts, workshops, family-friendly events, community gatherings and international collaborations, taking place at venues across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Whether a devoted follower of traditional music or simply curious to experience something new, NAFCo 2026 promises a warm, creative and inclusive festival, with something to inspire audiences of all ages.”
The full programme is available at northatlanticfiddle.com, with organisers encouraging early booking for what promises to be one of the region’s standout cultural events of the summer.