What an incredible evening of music at the Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh! The Strathspey and Surreal Fiddle Orchestra returned to the Scots Fiddle Festival stage on Saturday 15th November and delivered a truly memorable performance. (Listen below)
All 13 musicians performed absolutely brilliantly, bringing energy, skill and passion to new arrangements of classic Scottish tunes including “Deil Amang The Fiddlers,” “Cluny Castle (featuring a virtuoso performance from Patsy Reid),” “Bloobell Polka,” and “James Scott Skinner’s Compliments to Dr. MacDonald.” The blend of experienced professionals mentoring talented young fiddlers created something really special – tradition and innovation coming together in perfect harmony.
Thanks to fiddlers Adam Sutherland, Anika Thomas, Benedict Morris, Douglas Montgomery, Edie Elliott, Elisabet McConnell, Eryn Rae, Laura Wilkie, Naomi Priestnall, Patsy Reid, Rachel Henderson, Rae MacIver and , accompanied by the brilliant Dave Milligan on piano. All music was written and arranged by Simon Thoumire.
The evening also featured fantastic sets from the Youth Engagement Project, led by Lauren MacColl, and the brilliant Saltfishforty. What a line-up!
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to support the evening and to all the musicians who made it such a success. This is what Scottish traditional music is all about – celebrating our heritage while nurturing the next generation of talent.
Listen to the performance:
We can’t wait to do it all again! Don’t forget to check out Patsy Reid’s brilliant new album I Am Disposed To Mirth on bandcamp.
Thanks to the Hugh Fraser Foundation and Scots Fiddle Festival for their support in making this gig possible.