Shetland Arts has announced the line-ups, including support acts, for all its upcoming Fiddle Frenzy concerts.
This year’s festival, curated by Jenna & Bethany Reid, is all set to be another popular year. Concerts take place every night of the festival, from 3-10 August, giving students taking part in the week the chance to enjoy as much Shetland music as possible, as well as inviting the Shetland public to take part in and enjoy the festival week.
Shetland Arts’ Marketing Officer, Lisa Ward, said: “Concerts are open to all to enjoy, and we’ve already seen a lot of tickets sold. We’re encouraging people to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment. This year, the concerts star a range of fantastic visiting musicians, excellent locally-based musicians, and many of the talented Fiddle Frenzy tutors themselves, really showing off what the festival is all about.”
Sunday night’s festival Opening Concert at Mareel will showcase Shetland Fiddlers’ Society & Shetland Folkdance, Pauline & Linda Irvine, Jenna & Bethany Reid, and NE3 Folk. Monday evening’s concert, also at Mareel, will star Kevin Henderson & Mattias Perez, and Shetland favourites Hom Bru.
Tuesday sees the students based in Vidlin for the day, followed by a concert at the Vidlin Hall in the evening which will star Barry Nisbet & Friends, Papa Stour Sword Dance, and Blyde Lasses, and is followed by a traditional Shetland dance with Alan Nicholson.
The Wednesday evening concert is back at Mareel and will feature the talents of Young Fiddler of the Year 2014 Sophie Moar, RANT, and Ross Couper & Tom Oakes.
Then Thursday will see the Mareel Auditorium laid out cabaret style for the Shetland Sets @ Mareel: an informal, free to attend night showcasing a collection of Shetland musicians including Peter Gear, Callum Watt, Lois Nicol, Kollifirbolli, Northmavine Fiddle & Accordion Club.
Friday will once again see the students based out of the town for the day, followed by an evening concert, this time in Sandwick at the Carnegie Hall. This concert will star Fraser Tait, Lewie, Erik & Jonny, Melboure Scottish Fiddle Club, Maggie & Brian, and is followed by a traditional Shetland dance with Peter Wood.
The festival’s final concert will take place at Mareel on the Saturday and stars Catriona Macdonald & Dave Milligan, and Jenny Keldie & Brian Cromarty, supported by the Fiddle Frenzy students themselves.
Ms Ward said: “We’re delighted to announce an additional event on the Saturday as well – at noon, Catriona Macdonald will deliver a lecture in Mareel’s auditorium on Dr Tom Anderson and his music. This lecture will be free to attend for Fiddle Frenzy students and will go on sale to the general public this Friday (18 July) via Shetland Box Office.”
She added: “We’re also inviting the public to join us at the Festival Club in Mareel Cafe Bar on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday after the evening concerts, where you can soak up the festival atmosphere and enjoy sessions, refreshments, and a beautiful waterfront view.”
Attracting visitors from Australia, USA, Canada, and throughout the UK to study Shetland fiddle, the 2014 festival now has 85 students already registered to take part in the week.
Ms Ward said: “Classes are nearing capacity now so we’re advising anyone who is interested in taking part to sign up asap. The final closing date for signing up to take part in the week is Friday 1 August.”
The line up of fiddle tutors this year is Catriona Macdonald, Kevin Henderson, Maggie Adamson, Ross Couper, Lois Nicol, Claire White, Jenny Keldie and Cathy Geldard. The classes offered include Advanced, Intermediate & Improver. Guitar tuition will be led by Shetland guitarist Brian Nicholson and Orcadian Brian Cromarty. Creative Arts classes will be led by local artist Amy Fisher, and a variety of sight-seeing tours are offered by local company Unseen Shetland.
Booking is via Shetland Box Office at Mareel and/or Islesburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online at shetlandboxoffice.org and/or mareel.org.
View the full Festival Programme below:
