A week of classes, workshops, concerts, and sessions on Lerwick's beautiful historic waterfront, Folk Frenzy 2023 was curated by renowned Shetland fiddler, Kevin Henderson and ran from Sunday 6 - Friday 11 August 2023.
Kevin draws on the rich fiddle music tradition of his native Shetland, where he learnt from the legendary Willie Hunter, and on his experience with leading folk bands including Boys of the Lough, Fiddlers Bid, Session A9 and Nordic Fiddlers Bloc to create his own expressive and adventurously individual musical style. Kevin and his team of brilliant tutors lead participants through an intensive and immersive week culminating in a celebratory concert on the Friday evening.
“I’m delighted Frenzy is returning after what will be a 4-year break because of the pandemic. It's been a strange time for everyone, and you can see that folk are over the moon concerts, festivals and the like are back again. There is definitely an excitement about it! 2019 was a big success and I’m looking forward to this edition and to working with a great line up of tutors again. It's going to be fun!" - Kevin Henderson
View the programme online:
Tutors
Jenna Reid
Born & bred in Quarff, Shetland, Jenna has toured the world, recorded and released many albums as a soloist and band member. As a finalist of the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Award, Jenna has always composed & her 5th solo album ‘Working Hands’ is a stunning collection of her writing. Following this release, she was awarded Composer of the Year at the 2019 Scots Trad Music Awards. Jenna is a member of Scottish fiddle band Blazin’ Fiddles and appeared on the Transatlantic Sessions alongside Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas.
Tutors
Andrew Gifford
Resides in Glasgow but has a strong Shetlandic heritage, learning the fiddle from both Willie Hunter and Margaret Robertson whilst at school. He joined Fiddlers' Bid at the age of 16, and has performed across the globe with 'da Bid' and other stomping bands such as The Chair. Teaching the fiddle to all levels has been a large part of his career, and he is regularly sought as a tutor throughout Scotland.
Tutors
Amy Laurenson
BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year 2023 Amy Laurenson is a pianist from the Shetland Isles. Rooted in the traditional music of Shetland, Amy explores the music of her homeland alongside traditional and folk music from Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia. Growing up surrounded by classical music, she has developed a unique style which fuses traditional, classical and jazz elements
