Celtic Encounters
Celtic Encounters promises an unforgettable meeting of musical traditions, an intimate, atmospheric celebration of Scotland and Brittany in one of East Lothian's most beautiful historic houses!
About Celtic Encounters
| 15th Apr 2026 to 16th Apr 2026 | |
| 1.30pm - 4pm & 6pm - 9pm | |
|
Gilmerton House Gilmerton House , North Berwick EH39 5LQ |
|
| Afternoon Concert & Afternoon Tea £40 / Evening Concert & Drinks £70 | |
| Visit the event website here | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
| Follow gilmertonhouse on Instagram |
East Lothian’s historic Gilmerton House will host Celtic Encounters, a unique two-day series of intimate concerts bringing together exceptional musicians from Scotland and Brittany on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April 2026.
Set within the elegantly wood panelled upstairs Music Room of Gilmerton House, each of the four individually ticketed performances (Afternoon and Evening on both days) is limited to just 74 guests, offering a rare opportunity to experience world-class Celtic music in a historic and atmospheric private setting.
Celtic Encounters grew from a personal and cultural connection. The idea was first inspired by Gilmerton House’s Matt Kinloch & Jo Squiban, whose father is renowned Breton pianist Didier Squiban. Didier’s passion for Brittany, Scotland and Celtic traditions led to the suggestion of bringing a small group of musician friends to perform at Gilmerton House. What began as a simple artistic exchange has evolved into a rich collaboration between Breton and Scottish artists, a meeting of kindred musical traditions across the Channel.
The concerts will feature powerful, evocative music rooted in the shared Celtic heritage of Scotland and Brittany, blending classical refinement, improvisation, and traditional folk influences.
The Artists
Breton Musicians
Matthieu Jubin – Main Pianist
Prizewinner at international competitions in Paris and Dinard, Jubin’s repertoire spans Bach to Debussy. His 2023 album En Pays Breton celebrates 20th-century Breton classical composers.
Dominique Martin – Pianist
A classically trained Breton pianist influenced by jazz and Celtic music, Dominique performs her own arrangements of traditional melodies from Brittany, Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Her solo albums Enez Glaz (2022) and Enez Glaz – Saison 2 (2025) showcase her distinctive voice.
Rozenn Le Trionnaire – Clarinet
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London and the Conservatoire de Paris, Rozenn has performed at major European venues including the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Queen Elizabeth Hall. Praised by The Times as a “prodigiously gifted young clarinettist,” she brings an international dimension to the programme.
Jérémy Simon – Accordion (Bayan & Accordina)
Born in Brittany in 1986, Simon is known for his expressive, energetic and powerful playing. Blending classical, jazz and traditional aesthetics, he is a specialist in improvisation and cross-cultural collaboration.
Scottish Musicians
Dàna – Scottish Folk Ensemble
Featuring fiddle, clarsach (Scottish harp), whistle and piano, Dàna brings lyrical depth and vibrant energy to Scotland’s traditional repertoire.
Fionnlagh – Small Pipes
Adding the distinctive voice of the Scottish small pipes, Fionnlagh completes the musical dialogue between the two Celtic nations.
Each concert offers more than a performance, it is an immersive experience of the house itself.
During intervals, refreshments will be available, and guests at the evening concerts are encouraged to stay and enjoy the atmosphere after the performance.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Chopin & Champagne by Candlelight
Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Mary's Cathedral, that perfectly complements the romantic brilliance of Chopin's music.
READ MORE
Beethoven Sonatas By Candlelight
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional early evening piano recital at the beautiful candlelit venue of St Giles' Cathedral!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Quartet Lunchtime Series
Join the Edinburgh Quartet at St Cecilia's Hall for a series of Lunchtime Concerts in 2026!
READ MORE
Moonlight Sonata By Candlelight
Experience an enchanting piano recital bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight and set in the awe-inspiring beauty of Edinburgh's St Giles' Cathedral!
READ MORE
Burly Ceilidh Club
Enjoy an evening of Scottish scran, jigs and reels with a live ceilidh band taking you through all the steps into the small hours at the Ghillie Dhu's Burly Ceilidh Club!
READ MORE
The Ultimate K-Pop Live Show
K-Pop Live celebrates your favourite K-pop hits, packed with high-energy performances and next-level choreography inspired by K-pop’s most energetic stage shows.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Royal Mile Chamber Music Series
St Giles' Cathedral plays host to the annual Edinburgh Royal Mile Chamber Music Series, featuring an exceptional selection of chamber music.
READ MORE
Breathe Well. Sing Well. Live Well. Edinburgh Workshop for Women
Have you always wanted to sing and would like to build your courage to sing with confidence? Then join Louise Macdonald for this Singing Workshop for Women at The Salisbury Centre!
READ MORE
Disco Days Edinburgh
Join the party at Scotland's beloved afternoon clubbing experience... Disco Days - all the fun of a night out, but during the day!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links