Do you love Scottish music? Elgin fiddle festival is a must
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THE Elgin Strathspey and Reel Scots Fiddle Festival is tuning up for another big weekend.
The popular festival will take place on Saturday, April 22 with daytime competitions in the Williamson Hall in Elgin.
The adjudicator will be Margaret Robertson, who is originally from Shetland but now lives in Falkirk.
An evening concert in 2022 was intended to be a one-off to mark the festival's 50th anniversary, however, it was so successful that it is being staged again this year.
The competitions will start at 8.45am with the nine-year-old and under class.
Primary school children compete in the morning and secondary school children, seniors and championship classes in the afternoon.
The public are welcome to attend and entry is by donation. Teas and coffees will also be served throughout the day.
Joint festival secretary Louise McLean said Elgin Rotary Club has donated "beautifully boxed and engraved" medals for the nine years and under and 10-12 years classes.
"We are very grateful to them for their continued support," she added.
And looking ahead to the festival, Mrs McLean said: "It is always wonderful to witness musicians of all ages and abilities coming together on this day to share their love of music, none of which would be possible without the dedication of instrumental instructors and parents – the future of Scotland’s music is richer for them."
Society orchestras are likely to be competing this year, with the likes of Aberdeen, Inverness, Strathbogie and Elgin all expected to take part.
Guest artistes at the evening concert will be fiddler Douglas Lawrence and pianist Maureen Rutherford, who will present a “Tribute to James Alexander”, founder of Speyfest.
Mrs McLean said: "These are two of the finest musicians in the country and it should be an absolutely fabulous performance. James Alexander supported our festival for so many years and he is a great loss to so many."
The concert in St Columba's South Church starts at 7pm and tickets priced at £7.50 can be purchased at Cathedral Windows, the church office, from society members or by contacting Louise McLean on 07825 686 929.
