{"id":20098,"date":"2024-02-05T20:40:21","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T20:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/?p=20098"},"modified":"2024-02-05T20:40:24","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T20:40:24","slug":"curtain-closes-on-celtic-connections-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/curtain-closes-on-celtic-connections-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Curtain closes on Celtic Connections 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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World-renowned folk, roots and world music festival\u00a0Celtic Connections\u00a0<\/strong>drew to a triumphant close in Glasgow last night after 18 days of spectacular sold-out concerts, innovative musical sessions and star-studded collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From\u00a0Thursday 18 January to Sunday 4 February<\/strong>, the city came alive with over 300 incredible events involving 1,200 artists across 25 of the city\u2019s venues.
The biggest winter festival of its kind in Europe, known for its eclectic mix of genres and inclusive atmosphere, is celebrating over 100 sold out shows across its 300 events alongside welcoming over 115,000 attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, rare performances from global sensations, moving tribute concerts and some of the biggest shows ever played by homegrown talent were all showcased across the city for the incredible 31st edition of Celtic Connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the\u00a0hundreds of sensational concerts, each of which celebrated the tradition, innovation and unifying power of music, were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The dazzling\u00a0Opening Concert<\/strong>, whichwelcomed the expansive and genre-defying European premiere ofATTENTION!\u00a0<\/strong>from American Grammy winner\u00a0Chris Thile\u00a0<\/strong>(Nickel Creek) and guests including festival favourites\u00a0Rachel Sermanni, Dreamers\u2019 Circus\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Sarah Jarosz<\/strong>. A fitting start to the festival, the night was one of unparalleled musical creativity, leaving audiences in awe
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Red Clydeside: John MacLean Centenary Concert<\/strong>, which celebrated the music, poetry and legacy of\u00a0Scottish schoolteacher and legendary revolutionary socialist\u00a0John MacLean, was an evening of passion and inimitable talent. Led by the brilliant\u00a0Siobhan Miller<\/strong>,\u00a0Eddi Reader<\/strong>,\u00a0Billy Bragg\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Karine Polwart<\/strong>, a surprise performance from Scottish\u00a0social protest singer\u00a0Dick Gaughan\u00a0<\/strong>was a hugely emotional and iconic moment during the evening
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Roaming Roots Review<\/strong>, this year with the theme Songs of Modern Scotland, brought together music from a who\u2019s who of Scottish talent for a night which celebrated some of the most phenomenal artists and iconic tracks this country has produced. Joining the event\u2019s curator and host\u00a0Roddy Hart<\/strong>\u00a0on stage were Biffy Clyro\u2019s\u00a0Simon Neil<\/strong>, Idlewild\u2019s\u00a0Roddy Woomble\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Rod Jones<\/strong>, Del Amitri\u2019s\u00a0Justin Currie<\/strong>, Camera Obscura\u2019s\u00a0Tracyanne Campbell<\/strong>, celebrated singer-songwriter\u00a0Emma Pollock<\/strong>, uber talented\u00a0Hamish Hawk<\/strong>, Admiral Fallow\u2019s\u00a0Sarah Hayes\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Louis Abbott<\/strong>\u00a0and the inimitable\u00a0Brownbear<\/strong>\u00a0among other hugely talented musicians. The night was accompanied by a\u00a0Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Orchestra,<\/strong>\u00a0arranged and conducted by\u00a0John Logan<\/strong>
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Bothy Band<\/strong>, one of the most influential and revered Irish ensembles to revolutionise the playing of traditional music in recent generations, made their mark on Celtic Connections 2024 with a highly-anticipated, long-awaited performance. For the first time since 1979,\u00a0Donal Lunny\u00a0<\/strong>on bouzouki,\u00a0Tr\u00edona n\u00ed Dhomhnaill<\/strong>\u00a0on keyboards,\u00a0Matt Molloy<\/strong>\u00a0on flute,\u00a0Paddy Keenan<\/strong>\u00a0on Uilleann pipes and low whistle, and\u00a0Paddy Glackin<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Kevin Burke<\/strong>\u00a0on fiddle came together to perform their first full-scale public concert, joined by\u00a0Se\u00e1n \u00d3g Graham<\/strong>\u00a0on guitar
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Always a Celtic Connections highlight,\u00a0Transatlantic Sessions\u00a0<\/strong>celebrated the rich musical traditions that connect Scotland, Ireland and the US. Featuring an outstanding line-up of artists, including AmericanaFest\u2019s \u201cCan\u2019t Miss Act\u201d\u00a0Lindsay Lou<\/strong>,\u00a0\u00a0Grammy nominated singer-songwriter\u00a0Carlene Carter<\/strong>, Belfast-based progressive Irish folk singer-songwriter\u00a0Joshua Burnside<\/strong>, previous Scots Trad Music Awards Gaelic singer of the year\u00a0Kim Carnie\u00a0<\/strong>and captivating Canadian duo\u00a0Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves<\/strong>, the night saw audiences soak up an exceptional assortment of tunes, songs and genres
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A special evening celebrating the life and legacy of Tiree accordionist Gordon Connell was\u00a0A Ceilidh for Gordon<\/strong>\u00a0at the iconic Old Fruitmarket. The revered musician and teacher was remembered through music and dance, and the memorable night was led by a host of his former students, including\u00a0Angus MacPhail\u00a0<\/strong>of Skipinnish, Gunna Sound\u2019s\u00a0Campbell Brown<\/strong>, Skerryvore\u2019s\u00a0Daniel\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Martin Gillespie<\/strong>, Trail West\u2019s\u00a0Ian Smith<\/strong>, Tide Lines\u2019\u00a0Ross Wilson\u00a0<\/strong>and many more
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Grammy nominee and multi-award-winning musician\u00a0Allison Russell\u00a0<\/strong>wowed crowds at \u00d2ran M\u00f3r with her purposeful music, portraying a soulful expression of liberation, love and respect. The Canadian songstress\u2019 mastery of her craft was on full display as she commanded the spotlight with her soul-stirring vocals, unrivalled musical talent and powerful words
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In a commemorative celebration, the\u00a0Traditional Music and Song Association<\/strong>\u00a0revisited the landmark Scots Women concert from the 2001 festival.\u00a0Scots Women – Generations o’ Change\u00a0<\/strong>honoured the original singers of the first performance, while welcoming a new wave of Scottish female folk singers, showcasing a blend of a capella and band-accompanied songs. Featuring an esteemed lineup, the event was overseen by Musical Director\u00a0Iona Fyfe<\/strong>\u00a0and hosted by Scots Poet\u00a0Len Pennie<\/strong>, providing a vibrant, collaborative journey through Scottish folk music
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Showcase Scotland<\/strong>, another core event within Celtic Connections, highlighted international partners Norway during the five-day programme which took place between Wednesday 24 January and Monday 29 January. The initiative welcomed international delegates from all over the UK, Europe, Australia, America and Canada to join in appreciation of the Scandinavian talent playing at the festival, including Troms\u00f8-born violinist, singer and composer\u00a0Julie Alapnes<\/strong>, award-winning Hardanger fiddle player\u00a0Alexander Aga R\u00f8ynstrand<\/strong>, Norwegian traditional trios\u00a0Erlend Viken<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0\u00c6vestaden<\/strong>, Nordic folk five-piece\u00a0Gangar<\/strong>, and S\u00e1mi band\u00a0Gabba<\/strong>. Paired with Norway partners at Showcase Scotland was the\u00a0Sounds of Scotland Showcase<\/strong><\/a>, supported by Creative Scotland, highlighting\u00a0Gaelic and Scots artists<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0performing in traditional and folk music spaces. Next year will see Ireland once again take up the mantle as Showcase Scotland partner
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Barony Hall proved to be a spectacular setting for the first time at this year\u2019s Celtic Connections. The stunning building, ideally located in the city centre, was newly introduced as a venue for the 2024 festival, welcoming world-class performers such as award-winning trad band\u00a0Breabach<\/strong>, revered folk musician\u00a0John McCusker<\/strong>, Irish fiddler\u00a0Martyn Hayes<\/strong>\u00a0and multi-talented\u00a0Damien O\u2019Kane<\/strong>, to name a few
\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Music workshops and teaching sessions were also in full swing over the past 18 days. From composing tunes from scratch to having a go at the bagpipes and learning the ukulele, participants had the chance to fully immerse themselves in every facet of the festival, while the festival\u2019s free school concerts programme shared the joy of live music of 8,000 school children from across Scotland over the course of four morning shows<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said<\/strong>: “This year’s Celtic Connections was a testament to the creative power and enduring importance of the arts and the music of the people. The richness of talent on display, the diverse range of genres and the infectious enthusiasm of the audiences made this year\u2019s edition truly special. It’s heartening to see the festival grow and evolve, bringing together artists and audiences from all walks of life, joined by a shared appreciation for music, art and cultural expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe continued success of Celtic Connections reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved. My thanks goes to each person who bought a ticket, performed on our stages, volunteered their time, worked on or backed the event, and to the people of Glasgow who welcomed the world with open arms. Your support is the heartbeat of the festival, and it’s your enthusiasm and dedication that make this celebration of music possible year after year.
\u201cScotland has a rich tapestry of musical traditions, and Celtic Connections is a platform that showcases the beauty and diversity of our own folk music, as well as that of other countries, and the expansive connections it has created. I am immensely proud of how well Scotland continues to champion folk music on the global stage, and feel truly excited about the path that lies ahead for what we\u2019re proud to say has become a world-renowned event.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cCeltic Connections always provides a brilliant start to the year and as another successful edition draws to a close I want to give my thanks to everyone who made it possible and all those who attended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was fortunate enough to be able to see several fantastic performances over the course of this year\u2019s festival, including the opening concert, the Norwegian acts that played at Showcase Scotland, and the wonderful Red Clydeside Centenary Concert for the great John Maclean. The talent, warmth and energy that Celtic Connections always brings never fails to impress and I\u2019m sure I\u2019m not alone in eagerly awaiting next year\u2019s programme.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u201cCeltic Connections 2024 has been a resounding success, and a spectacular showcase of some of the very finest musical talent that Scotland, and almost every corner of the globe, has to offer across a wealth of genres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis year\u2019s wonderfully expansive, exciting programme, and superb international line-up of established and emerging artists, has delighted a very broad range of audiences and attracted festival goers in their thousands. A remarkable range of shows, special performances and inspirational events have been staged at our venues over the past 18 days \u2013 further enhancing Glasgow\u2019s reputation as a world-class cultural events destination and shining the spotlight on its status as a celebrated UNESCO City of Music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis 31st\u00a0edition of Celtic Connections has not only demonstrated how internationally renowned and much-loved this unique festival is, it has also emphasised how immeasurably important it is to Glasgow and to Scotland \u2013 and we look forward to building on its incredible legacy in future years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cPowered by the energy of its artists and enthusiasm of its audiences, Celtic Connections has given Scotland\u2019s music scene the best possible start to 2024. From the Opening Concert onwards, fans have sung the praises of some of the best gigs they\u2019ve ever seen at this or any other festival. It\u2019s a triumph for our own traditional music and a prime example of how connecting with artists from all over the world can brighten the darkest days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celtic Connections began in 1994 when it offered 66 events at one venue. It has since grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year, with an unwavering ambition to showcase the very best traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul, indie and world music and nurture unique local, national and international cultural partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celtic Connections is now a core part of the city\u2019s annual cultural events programme, delivered by charity\u00a0Glasgow Life<\/strong>. Opportunities to support future editions of the festival can be found at\u00a0www.celticconnections.com\/celtic-connections-supporters<\/a>.
Celtic Connections 2025<\/strong>\u00a0will take place from\u00a0Thursday 16 January – Sunday 2 February 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

World-renowned folk, roots and world music festival\u00a0Celtic Connections\u00a0drew to a triumphant close in Glasgow last night after 18 days of spectacular sold-out concerts, innovative musical sessions and star-studded collaborations. From\u00a0Thursday 18 January to Sunday 4 February, the city came alive with over 300 incredible events involving 1,200 artists across 25 of the city\u2019s venues.The biggest […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[9,37],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-20098","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-news","7":"category-newsletter","8":"entry","9":"has-post-thumbnail"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"simon","author_link":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/author\/simon\/"},"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcv15g-5ea","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20098","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20098"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20098\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20100,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20098\/revisions\/20100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20098"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projects.handsupfortrad.scot\/handsupfortrad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}