Shetland Arts pleased to be putting Fiddle Frenzy tickets on sale and giving audiences the chance to see this fantastic line-up of concerts over the course of the week of 5 – 12 August.
We’re looking forward to welcoming guests from across the world that will enjoy the concerts side-by-side with local audiences.
Shetland Arts is hopeful that guests and audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy some of these events in Mareel, pending final touches to the venue. Shetland Arts has made plans to re-locate events where possible, so those purchasing tickets should keep an eye on local media and the Shetland Box Office website for updates during the week.
To book your tickets for the concerts, please click on the concert titles below to book online or book in person at Shetland Box Office at Islesburgh Community Centre, or over the phone on 01595 745 555.
Peter Cooke Lecture At the Garrison Theatre. Unreserved Seating.
During the 1970s, Dr Peter Cooke visited Shetland to study the distinctive Shetland fiddle style, its players and the various regional styles in existence at that time. His recordings and publication 'The Fiddle Tradition of the Shetland Islands' generated an valued archive of some styles which can no longer be heard. We are delighted to welcome Peter back to Shetland, to present his talk 'Shetland Fiddle Playing: From the Box Bed to Youtube', which will explore the changes in fiddle styles and traditions in Shetland playing, from his early fieldwork to the present day. His presentation will include audio and video archive material and will be followed by a panel discussion of changes in playing and style over the years. A must for all fans of musical history and Shetland fiddle.
Fiddle Frenzy: Harris Playfair At the Garrison Theatre. Unreserved Seating.
For the third year, Harris Playfair will spend a week working with young traditional and jazz musicians in Shetland to form an original, eclectic and energetic Big Band, fusing traditional and jazz styles. Providing a demanding but thrilling learning curve for the participants, the musicians rehearse for a week prior to Fiddle Frenzy to rehearse and arrange tunes, and will perform their achievements as the opening concert for Fiddle Frenzy. Be prepared for an energetic, mind challenging, jazz-fused take on traditional tunes.
Support Acts: Laura Smith (Young Fiddler of the Year 2012) and Kaela Jamieson.
Concert followed by Dance in Islesburgh with Jim Halcrow Band.
Fiddle Frenzy: Jenna Reid Band At the Garrison Theatre. Unreserved Seating.
Since releasing her debut solo album in 2005 and being awarded ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’ at the 2005 Scots Trad Music Awards, Jenna Reid has undoubtedly remained one of the brightest young talents ever to grace the traditional music scene. Jenna has appeared all over the world with Shetland fiddling sensations, ‘Filska’, Scottish super group, ‘Deaf Shepherd’ and ‘Dochas’, winners of ‘Best Up and Coming Band’ at the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards. Following the success of her first album, Jenna was invited by Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas to perform on the third and fourth series of BBC’s Transatlantic Sessions Jenna will perform with a 5 piece line up of her hand which first performed at Celtic Connections in Glasgow in 2007.
Support from Mirka and Iain Williamson
Fiddle Frenzy: Bryan Gear with Violet Tulloch At Walls Public Hall, Walls. Unreserved Seating.
Bryan is a student of the late Willie Hunter, and embodies much of his teacher’s style, grace and emotion in his playing. From heart-wrenching slow airs, to fast paced reels, Bryan plays with meticulous skill to thrill audiences in Shetland each year, and has also travelled to perform at festivals around the world. Bryan performs with one of Shetland’s best known pianists, local musical legend Violet Tulloch, who has performed with many of Shetland’s best known musicians from Tom Anderson to Aly Bain, including a number of TV performances. Together, these two amazing musicians combine to form one incredible duo.
Support from Jim & Berndette and Fradner Gamla.
Fiddle Frenzy: Maggie Adamson & Brian Nicolson At the Garrison Theatre. Unreserved Seating.
Maggie is a young Shetland fiddler of well renowned technical skill. Her talents have reaped her many awards, from Shetland Young Fiddler of the Year 2008 to national Glenfiddich Fiddle Champion 2011. She has wowed audiences locally and abroad with a unique mix of everything from traditional Shetland favourites to gypsy jazz. Brian Nicholson brings equal skill and virtuosity with his guitar accompaniment, to build a duo that will keep you entranced, entertained and wishing for more.
Support from Fiddle Frenzy Tutors and NE3 Folk.
Fiddle Frenzy: Ross Couper & Tom Oakes At the Garrison Theatre. Unreserved Seating.
Fiddle and guitar duo, Ross and Tom combine traditions of Scotland and Ireland, delivering a highly dynamic mixture of power and fragility with warmth and humour. Ross’ explosive fiddle playing lies at the heart of some of the biggest acts on the Scottish folk scene including 2009 Scots Folk Award winning (Band of the Year) Bodega. Tom is a multi-award winning guitarist and flautist, founder member of the genre defying Auvo Quartet.
Support from Fraser Tait (Traditional Young Fiddler of the Year) and Hansel.
Fiddle Frenzy: Corran Raa At Burravoe Hall, Yell. Unreserved Seating.
A Scottish band, heavily influenced by the traditional music that has flowed across the North, Atlantic and Irish Seas. Moving melodies, lush harmonies, soulful vocals and inventive accompaniment. Corran Raa have a passionate interest in their native music. Originating from the length of the country, from Shetland to London, their intertwined musical paths eventually converged on Taransay in 2005. http://corranraa.co.uk.
Support from Lynda & Jean Anderson and Cullivoe Fiddlers. Dance with Leeshinat.
Fiddle Frenzy: Blazin' Fiddles At the Garrison Theatre. Unreserved Seating.
From remote village halls to the Royal Albert “Village” Hall, Blazin’ Fiddles have delighted audiences with their highlands and islands fiddle music and tales. Fiddles and bows blaze away with guitar and piano for one of the most exciting and memorable fiddle ensembles ever to take the stage. www.blazin-fiddles.co.uk.
Support from Fiddle Frenzy Students and Linda Irvine.
