Countdown is on to celebration of fiddle music
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ONE of the most in-demand players in the country will adjudicate the 48th annual festival of Scots Fiddle Music when it plays out in Elgin in just over a week.
Patsy Reid, who performed alongside Dougie Maclean and Kylie Minogue at the closing ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, will take the chair at the Elgin Strathspey and Reel Society event, which attracts players of all ages and from near and far for a day of friendly competition.
Patsy, a winner of the prestigious Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship and former member of Breabach, graduated from Strathclyde University in 2004 with a 1st class honours degree in applied music.
She continued her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and gained a post-graduate certificate of education and a post-graduate diploma in violin performance. As well as playing around the country, she is a respected teacher and adjudicator.
Festival secretaries Louise McLean and Jim Hogg said they were delighted Patsy had agreed to attend the Elgin gathering, which takes place on Saturday, April 27 at the Williamson Hall on Duff Avenue. Entries are being taken until April 20.
The festival begins at 8.45am, but spectators can pop in throughout the day and entry is by donation. As well as the chance to hear exceptional musical talent, there will be teas, coffees, and soup at lunchtime.
“It is a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere,” said Mrs McLean, while Mr Hogg added: “Although we have people coming from far and wide, the festival’s heart and soul are the players from across Moray and Aberdeenshire.”
For the last 60 years, society members have entertained at the Fogwatt Burns Supper and, in recognition of the long association, organisers have donated medals for the under-9s and 10-12 classes for the next three years. The joint secretaries also thanked Elgin Rotary Club for its continued support in providing a bow and trophy for the best individual performance in the 13-16 category by a Moray resident.
They also expressed gratitude to the society members for their help in ensuring the event’s smooth running.
