Show available to stream for ten days from: 8pm (Friday 30 April)
“When Margaret Robertson and I played for Spotlight back in 2020, it was really special, not only were we playing live, but we were also playing tunes that are at the heart of our island’s heritage. We are thrilled to be getting together to record this concert next month with the rest of our band from 'Da Auld Rock’ . In these times we are well overdue due a musical 'spree', and really glad we can be part of this year’s festival." – Catriona Macdonald
We’re delighted to present Edinburgh Tradfest’s second specially commissioned show. Following the great success of 2019’s What A Voice, which celebrated female tradition-bearers, for 2021 we’re turning our attention to the Shetland fiddle tradition.
A ‘spring’ is the dialect name for old Shetland dance tunes. This specially filmed online show brings together many of the foremost contemporary Shetland fiddle players for an evening celebrating this distinctive and rich fiddle tradition. Each of the performers are steeped in the older repertoire of these Northern isles and as composers in their own right each are adding their own voice to this living tradition. Join them for special collaboration that promises riotous reels, heartfelt airs and a special meeting of musical friendships.
We have gathered four of Shetland’s finest for this show: Margaret Robertson (Edinburgh Military Tattoo), Chris Stout (Fiddlers Bid), Ross Couper (Peatbog Faeries) and our show’s curator Catriona Macdonald (String Sisters).
All of these players love to play the old tunes and find their influence creeping into their own playing and compositions. We’re not talking about museum pieces here, this music is very much alive!
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