{"id":13577,"date":"2019-10-08T14:30:02","date_gmt":"2019-10-08T13:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/?p=13577"},"modified":"2019-10-08T14:30:03","modified_gmt":"2019-10-08T13:30:03","slug":"celtic-connections-2020-programme-announced","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/celtic-connections-2020-programme-announced\/","title":{"rendered":"Celtic Connections 2020 Programme Announced"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>From Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February 2020<\/strong>, musicians from across the world will take part in over 300 events in venues throughout Glasgow for the UK’s premier celebration of celtic music.<\/p>\n

The 18 days of entertainment will brighten up the dark, wet January nights with a mixture of concerts that include a host of one-off musical collaborations alongside talks, workshops, film screenings, theatre productions, ceilidhs, exhibitions, free events and late-night sessions.<\/p>\n

Renowned as a musical cure for the wintertime blues, Celtic Connections 2020 will be the 27th incarnation of a festival that began in 1994, when it offered 66 events at one venue. Since then it\u2019s grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year and now offers thousands of events in locations across Glasgow.<\/p>\n

FIND OUT MORE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Opening Night<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Europe\u2019s largest winter music festival will strike a rousing note when it opens in January, with the world premiere of a new orchestral symphony inspired by the Declaration of Arbroath. Composed of six brand new pieces by leading Scottish composers, it was commissioned for Celtic Connections 2020 with backing from the Scottish Government\u2019s Festival Expo Fund to mark next year\u2019s 700th anniversary of the 1320 declaration of Scottish independence.<\/p>\n

The Arbroath document famously states that \u201cit is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom”. True to that libertarian spirit, each composer was given artistic licence to respond to the declaration in their own way. All six pieces will be performed at the opening concert of Celtic Connections 2020 by the Grit Orchestra<\/strong>, a now legendary ensemble of 80 folk, jazz and classical musicians led by conductor\/arranger Greg Lawson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Grit Orchestra was founded to continue the legacy of the late Scots-Canadian musician Martyn Bennett, who pioneered a genre-defying fusion of Scottish and international folk edged with techno dance beats.<\/p>\n

 \u201cThat cross-cultural, interdisciplinary spirit is at the heart of Celtic Connections,\u201d<\/em> says Celtic Connections Creative Producer, Donald Shaw<\/strong>. \u201cCeltic Connections has always valued cultural \u2018connections\u2019, as well as \u2018Celtic\u2019 influences, and at this time of UK and global turmoil, it has never been more important to create work with an outward-looking approach. This year\u2019s line-up is rich in cross-cultural collaboration and international, as well as local, talent and the Declaration composition epitomises that.<\/em><\/p>\n

 \u201cBy enabling Grit Orchestra musicians to create these brand-new pieces, the Expo funding is allowing Celtic Connections to nurture talented composers and create original and enduring Scottish music of an international calibre rooted in our own folk tradition<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grit Orchestra conductor\/arranger Greg Lawson<\/strong> said the new work would interpret the concept of freedom expressed in the declaration within a modern context. \u201cTo be really free we need to be equal, we need to be diverse, we need to be open, we need to care.  You could say we are taking the declaration and turning it into an appeal: for tolerance, diversity, openness, respect. That’s what freedom actually means<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

The six commissioned Grit Orchestra composers, who will each frame their own response to the notion of freedom, represent a wide range of musical genres and disciplines.<\/p>\n

Commissioned composers include Fraser Fifield<\/strong>, a pioneer of the Scottish jazz-folk scene, alongside Scotland-based South-African-born cellist Rudi de Groote<\/strong>. Clarsach composer Catriona McKay<\/strong>, Saxophonist Paul Towndrow and fiddlers Patsy Reid<\/strong> and Chris Stout<\/strong> complete the sextet.<\/p>\n

An Eclectic Mix of Genres<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s programme promises a dazzling array of traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music.<\/p>\n

A Celebration of Women in Piping <\/strong>will be a cross cultural first that celebrates women in piping and will showcase female stars of this most Scottish of instruments. Those pipers include Louise Mulcahy<\/strong>, Alana MacInnes<\/strong>, S\u00edle Friel<\/strong>, M\u00e1ire N\u00ed Ghr\u00e1da<\/strong>, Marion McCarthy<\/strong>, Enora Morice<\/strong> and Robyn Ada McKay<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For the Auld Lang Syne <\/strong>Burns celebration on January 23, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra <\/strong>will share the main stage in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with Eddi Reader<\/strong>, Karen Matheson<\/strong>, Jarlath Henderson<\/strong> and Shona Donaldson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

From Celtic Connections home turf come major shows for Salsa Celtica<\/strong>, Blazin\u2019 Fiddles<\/strong>, M\u00e0nran<\/strong>, Lau<\/strong>, Rura<\/strong>, Kinnaris<\/strong>, RANT<\/strong>, Hamish Napier<\/strong>, Sarah-Jane Summers<\/strong> and many others, who together will weave a unique tapestry of Scotland\u2019s music.<\/p>\n

As always, Americana<\/strong> will feature large, with Iris De Ment<\/strong>, Sturgill Simpson<\/strong>, Anais Mitchell<\/strong>, The Lone Bellow<\/strong>, Frazey Ford<\/strong>, Della Mae <\/strong>and The Felice Brothers<\/strong> all headlining.<\/p>\n

A quarter of a century on since the original Transatlantic Sessions programme was aired, the firm festival favourite returns with an all-star line-up. Australian-American Guitar virtuoso and singer-songwriter Tommy Emmanuel<\/strong>, who having performed since the age of 6 is nearly in his 6th decade playing professionally, will take to the Transatlantic stage alongside Tennessee native and former child prodigy Sierra Hull<\/strong>. Also representing state-side is singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentals Cahalen Morrison<\/strong>. Dervish lead vocalist Cathy Jordan<\/strong> will represent the Irish contingent while Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni<\/strong> will also join the line-up.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the spirit of Bruce Springsteen will pervade the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on January 26, as the ever-popular Roaming Roots Revue<\/strong> returns for the eighth time, this year presenting Born To Run<\/strong> \u2013 a celebratory 70th-birthday tribute to The Boss, featuring Lisa Hanningan<\/strong>, Karine Polwart<\/strong>, Craig Finn<\/strong> (Hold Steady), Jonathan Wilson<\/strong>, Ryan Bingham<\/strong>, Phil Campbell<\/strong> and The Rails<\/strong> as well as house band Roddy Hart And The Lonesome Fire<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Big Fling: Dance Band Extravaganza <\/strong>will feature Tom Orr’s Mega Ceilidh Dance Band<\/strong>, Marie Fielding<\/strong>, Robert Black Scottish Dance Band<\/strong>, Gary Innes Highland Dance Band<\/strong>, Manus McGuire’s Copperplate Sessions<\/strong> and Ellie McLaren & Callum Cruickshank<\/strong><\/p>\n

Coming of Age<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Many international starts began their careers at Celtic Connections, as the festival continues to showcase up and coming and emerging artists.<\/p>\n

Multi-award-winning Scottish folk band Breabach<\/strong> won the Danny Kyle Open Stage event for new talent in 2005, and this January they\u2019ll command prime billing in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall\u2019s main auditorium, along with Seamus Egan Project<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Winner of an inaugural Danny Kyle Open Stage Award at Celtic Connections 1999, Scottish harpist, singer, pianist and composer Phamie Gow<\/strong> unveiled her New Voices commission, Lammermuir, at the following year\u2019s festival. Nowadays a regular on Classic FM and Caff\u00e9 Nero playlists, she revisits the piece 20 years on in a new, fully orchestrated version.<\/p>\n

On Thursday 23rd January, the festival will celebrate 20 years since the inaugural Young Scottish Traditional Musician Award in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The now titled BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year<\/strong> will celebrate this special birthday with a concert showcasing a plethora of talent in the form of its 19 winners who all hold their own in today\u2019s Scottish Traditional music scene. The festival will then end on a youthful flourish on Sunday 2nd February with the 20th final of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of The Year Award<\/strong> broadcast live from Glasgow City Halls.<\/p>\n

Every Sunday afternoon of the festival the prestigious New Voices strand will showcase brand new work by up-and-coming artists Marit Falt<\/strong>, Padruig Morrison<\/strong> and Catriona Price<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Musical Connections<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Celtic Connections is all about collaboration, and the 2020 event promises an exhilarating link-up between Quebecois folk sensation Le Vent Du Nord<\/strong> and the Celtic Blues Orchestra<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Kentucky concert violinist Tessa Lark also teams up with the RSNO to present the European premiere of \u2018Sky\u2019, a Bluegrass concerto written exclusively for Lark by Michael Torke.<\/p>\n

Showcase Scotland<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

There will also be Scandinavian flavour to this year\u2019s festival. Each year since 2000, Celtic Connections has partnered with a different country to create new international links and advance opportunities for their musicians. For 2020, that international partner will be Finland, and in Glasgow this winter, both leading and emerging Finnish artists will feature in association with Music Finland. <\/p>\n

World Music<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Expanding those international connections still further, the 2020 line-up, meanwhile, positively fizzes with global stars, with headline acts including Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara<\/strong>, Simon Thacker’s Svara-Kanti <\/strong>with Afsana Khan<\/strong>, Portuguese Fado singer Ana Moura<\/strong>, British Indian musician Nitin Sawhney<\/strong> and Les Amazones d\u2019Afrique<\/strong> (whose album R\u00e9publique Amazone<\/em> was listed as President Obama\u2019s top album of the year in 2017)<\/p>\n

Year of Coast and Waters 2020<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2020, Scotland celebrates its coasts and waters with a year-long programme of events and activities which will shine a spotlight on these vital elements of our landscape. Celtic Connections will put on a special coastal-themed event at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday 18th January, funded through EventScotland\u2019s International Programme supporting Scotland\u2019s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020. More information on this special event will be released in the coming weeks.  <\/p>\n

Quotes<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life, said:<\/strong> \u201cIts hugely diverse, wildly entertaining events appeal to a very wide range of people, and every January, Glasgow is proud to welcome international, UK and of course Scottish, musicians and audiences to our world-class venues.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe festival is a hugely important asset to Glasgow. Celtic Connections really is the best ceilidh in the world. It brings vibrancy and music into the heart of our city, and our lives, and this year\u2019s programme is the most exciting yet. I can’t wait for January.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said:<\/strong> \u201cWhether it\u2019s the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath or the 70th birthday of Bruce Springsteen, Celtic Connections has upped its scale for a rousing 2020 edition. The very best of Scotland\u2019s traditional music sits at the beating heart of a truly international festival that welcomes, collaborates and connects with cultures from all over the world. It\u2019s particularly encouraging to see Scotland\u2019s female pipers take centre stage and to hear the talent of the future make their mark on the Danny Kyle Open Stage. Yet again, Celtic Connections is the musical ray of sunshine that lights up the winter months.\u201d<\/p>\n

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:<\/strong> \u201cScotland is once again looking forward to welcoming people from around the world to Celtic Connections, one of the world\u2019s largest winter music festivals, which never fails to bring light to the dark winter months. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe focus this year on cross-cultural collaboration is perfect for Scotland, an open-hearted, creative nation that warmly receives people from all backgrounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the year of the 700th anniversary, it is also particularly fitting that the centrepiece will be a symphony celebrating the Declaration of Arbroath. With funding from the Scottish Government\u2019s EXPO fund, this performance will help to raise the profile of one of the defining moments in Scottish history.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: <\/strong>“Celtic Connections is one of Scotland’s annual signature events and we are delighted to be supporting their coastal-themed event at the Royal Concert Hall in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020. The event will be a wonderful part of the year long celebration of one of Scotland’s most beautiful natural features that is valued and cherished by communities and visitors alike.”<\/p>\n

Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council said:<\/strong> \u201cThis event is a personal favourite of mine and I try and attend as many of the events as possible to soak up the wonderful atmosphere Celtic Connections brings to the city.<\/p>\n

\u201cCeltic Connections reinforces Glasgow\u2019s position as one of the world\u2019s most vibrant music cities, as our UNESCO City of Music status attests.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike thousands of others I am excited at the prospect of the city coming alive to the sound of musicians from around the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe event brightens the city from the January gloom to a destination for music lovers from across the country and indeed the globe and an advertisement for our vitality and internationalism.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lord Provost Eva Bolander said:<\/strong> \u201cOnce again the city will embrace the thousands of people who come to Glasgow to witness world class musicianship and weeks of fun that Celtic Connections promises. It\u2019s a great winter festival that has something for everyone.  An event that always brings music, light and laughter to the city in the winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Education<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

More than 11,000 children<\/strong> across Scotland will take part in Celtic Connections Education Programme <\/strong>through five free morning concerts and school workshops led by leading musicians.<\/p>\n

The award-winning Education Programme is now in its 22nd year and has reached more than 200,000 children<\/strong> across the country since it began in 1999. This programme is supported directly by the festival\u2019s Celtic Rover patron\u2019s scheme, the membership programme during the festival that offers discounted rates on bookings and exclusive experiences during the festival.<\/p>\n

There will once again be the ever-popular programme of public workshops that will give people of all ages and opportunities the chance during the festival to learn new musical skills.<\/p>\n

Funders and Sponsors<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Celtic Connections<\/strong> is delivered with funding from Glasgow City Council<\/strong> through Glasgow Life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Creative Scotland<\/strong> continue to provide invaluable support to Celtic Connections.  <\/p>\n

The Scottish Government Festivals Expo Fund<\/strong> supports the Opening Night with funding granted allowing Celtic Connections to deliver six new works by Scottish composers. The pieces are being developed by composer Greg Lawson into a single symphonic piece that will be performed by the GRIT Orchestra.<\/p>\n

We are delighted to welcome The Times<\/strong> and The Sunday Times Scotland<\/strong> back as media partners for 2020.<\/p>\n

The festival is delighted to be sponsored by The<\/strong> Holiday Inn<\/strong>, The Glenturret Whisky<\/strong> and Caledonian MacBrayne<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The BBC<\/strong> has supported Celtic Connections since its first year and the festival is pleased to collaborate once again with them for 2019.<\/p>\n

Media Accreditation<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Media accreditation for Celtic Connections 2020 is now open, to apply for review tickets for next year\u2019s festival please fill in the form here: www.celticconnections.com\/press-accreditation<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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