Heather Downie from Dunblane is a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2015. We asked Heather the following questions:
How did you get involved in Scottish music?
When I was in Primary School the late Martyn Bennet came and worked with us in a project writing music for the anniversary of the battle of Stirling bridge. I remember feeling so inspired by his approach to music. It was a fantastic experience and I was hooked on Scottish music ever since! I feel so proud to be in a country with such a rich musical tradition, I feel like each new piece I tackle on the harp I learn more about it!
Why did you enter BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award?
I believe competition pushes you to become a better player, improving in all areas, technique, arrangement, composition and performance. I am a better musician as a result of the semi-finals, and still improving as I prepare for the finals. I also think the Young Trad competition itself profiles and highlights what is best in Scottish traditional music and brings it to a wider audience, engaging and inspiring others.
What do you hope to gain from the experience?
Firstly I have already met and played with amazing musicians through the competition, and I am looking forward to working with them for the final and of course with the other finalists on the tour. Performing with these other musicians is a real honour, and watching them in the final! I felt so inspired by ther performances in the semi-finals! Being exposed to different styles and approaches has been very exciting. Learning through working with other musicians is a fantastic experience. Also, the advice and guidance already given through the competition has been amazing, I feel this and the future support with be invaluable.
Do you have any particular musical highlights?
Playing in the Carnegie Hall was provably one of my most memorable musical highlights. It was such a fantastic sound, like no other venue. I would love to go back. As far as meeting musical heroes goes, I think meeting and performing, as well as recording with Margaret Bennett. Having been introduced to Scottish music by her son it was such an honour to the perform with her, she is so knowledgable and has a connection on a different level to traditional music, she is an amazing woman.
What are your plans for the future?
I am currently settling up a business with fellow harder Pippa Reid-Foster called Harp Bazaar, everything harp related! I am so excited about our future projects together! Also recording a solo album soon, fingers crossed! And performing with the new band Top Floor Taivers! So lots in the pipeline.
Why not buy a ticket to hear Heather Downie or any other of the finalists at the Grand Finals on Sunday February 1st at 5pm. The finals are part of Celtic Connections festival. If you can’t make it along the event will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland between 5 & 8pm and on the iPlayer afterwards.