Features / Frenzy includes lecture on Tom Anderson’s music
THE FULL line up for Shetland Arts’ upcoming Fiddle Frenzy concerts, curated by Jenna and Bethany Reid, has been unveiled.
Concerts will take place every night of the festival, which runs 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.”
The opening night concert at Mareel on Sunday 3 August will feature Shetland Fiddlers’ Society, Shetland Folkdance, Pauline and Linda Irvine, the Reid sisters and NE3 Folk.
Monday evening’s concert will star one of the isles’ preeminent fiddlers, Kevin Henderson, performing with Mattias Perez, and local favourites Hom Bru.
The students will be based in Vidlin on the Tuesday, followed by a concert at Vidlin Hall that evening starring Barry Nisbet & Friends, Papa Stour Sword Dance and Blyde Lasses, and will be followed by a traditional Shetland dance with Alan Nicholson.
The festival is back at Mareel on Wednesday for a concert showcasing the talents of Young Fiddler of the Year 2014 Sophie Moar, RANT, and Ross Couper & Tom Oakes.
Thursday night will see the Mareel auditorium laid out in cabaret style for Shetland Sets @ Mareel, an informal, free-to-attend night showcasing a collection of Shetland musicians including Peter Gear, Callum Watt, Lois Nicol, Kollifirbolli and the Northmavine Fiddle & Accordion Club.
The students will be based out of town again on the Friday, followed by an evening concert at the Carnegie Hall in Sandwick. The gig will star Fraser Tait, Lewie, Erik & Jonny, Melboure Scottish Fiddle Club and Maggie & Brian, and is followed by a traditional Shetland dance with Peter Wood.
Mareel will then stage the festival’s final concert on Saturday 9 August starring Catriona MacDonald & Dave Milligan and Jenny Keldie & Brian Cromarty, supported by the Fiddle Frenzy students themselves.
An additional event will take place on the Saturday: at noon, Macdonald will deliver a lecture in Mareel’s auditorium on Dr Tom Anderson and his music. The lecture will be free to attend for Fiddle Frenzy students and will go on sale to the general public on Friday (18 July) via Shetland Box Office.
Ward said: “We’re also inviting the public to join us at the festival club in Mareel café/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.”
With visitors from Australia and North America as well as throughout the UK coming to study Shetland fiddle, this year’s festival now has 85 students registered to take part in the week.
Classes are “nearing capacity” and Shetland Arts is advising anyone interested in taking part to sign up as soon as possible. The closing date is Friday 1 August.
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