Two of Scotland’s finest folk stars and celebrated children’s entertainers have become lifetime honorary members of a top cultural organisation. Cilla Fisher and Artie Trezise, the world-famous Singing Kettle, became Honorary Life Members of the Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) at a ceremony at Glasgow Art Club on Wednesday 12th March.
Before creating the groundbreaking stage show and production The Singing Kettle, which would render the duo a household name, Cilla and Artie got their start in the folk clubs of Scotland and England. Decades of touring and performing at major folk festivals in the UK and further afield, the duo solidified their place as firm favourites on the global folk scene.
In 1982, Cilla and Artie had the idea of releasing an album of traditional Scottish songs for children. The Singing Kettle, named after their home village of Kingskettle in Fife, was conceived. Although initially reluctant to perform live shows for children, the project was to change their lives and catapult Scottish folksong into the mainstream.
Early BBC television broadcasts of The Singing Kettle shows were BAFTA award-winning. The infectious melodies, songs and brightly coloured instantly recognisable kettle saw audiences flocking to see the show. At its peak success, Cilla and Artie were performing over 200 live shows per year. Producing over 100 DVD’s, videos and CD’s, The Singing Kettle became a mainstay in Scottish culture. The highly decorated duo was awarded MBEs by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 and were inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2015.Founded in 1966, The Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) promotes, preserves and presents the music and song traditions of Scotland through local branch and national activities. The organisation will celebrate its 60thAnniversary in 2026. Cilla and Artie’s ties to the TMSA date back to 1971, when they married in Kinross on the exact day the TMSA run folk festival was taking place in town.
Commenting, Artie Trezise said: “It was a simple affair that turned into a great party when all our friends arrived for the start of the weekend.”The TMSA, which will celebrate it’s 60th Anniversary in 2026, has nurtered and supported several emerging and established folk acts.
Commenting, 27-year-old folksinger and TMSA committee member Iona Fyfe said: “I’m delighted that the TMSA has chosen to celebrate Cilla and Artie with honorary memberships. I’d wager that there isn’t an adult my age in Scotland whose childhood didn’t feature the songs and performances of The Singing Kettle. The intergenerational element of The Singing Kettle embodies the very spirit of folk music and Scottish culture”
TMSA National Convenor, Fiona Campbell, commented, “The TMSA awards Honorary Membership to people who have contributed greatly to the organisation or the passing on the tradition to others. Through their Singing Kettle shows, Cilla Fisher & Artie Trezise have tirelessly promoted traditional and folk music to families in a fun and educational way. For many generations, the giant kettles have been a magical musical gateway to the heritage of Scotland and it is still inspiring people to explore through it.”
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