Shetland’s musical airwaves ring solidly to the sound of the fiddle at the
best of times, but in August this year the islands are set to go fiddle crazy
when Shetland Arts Trust promote their first Shetland Fiddle School and an
associated fiddle festival called ‘Fiddle Frenzy 2004’.
The six day event, which will run from 17th – 22nd August, will feature a
series of workshops, master-classes, beginners classes, concerts and traditional
music sessions, running the length and breadth of the islands from the Northern
Isles of Unst and Yell to Sumburgh at the south end of the islands.
Shetland Arts Trust Music Development Officer Davie Gardner said “We
recognise the growing popularity and benefits of events such as these and
thought it a bit ridiculous that, given Shetland’s internationally acclaimed
fiddle tradition and heritage, the only ‘official’ Shetland fiddle school is run
in Stirling. Rather than simply promote a ‘school’ aimed at improving technical
excellence we decided to give those attending the event a full and varied
insight into, and active involvement with, the history and living tradition of
Shetland fiddle music, incorporating all that’s unique and authentic about the
local style(s).
As such we’ll be running workshops on the Yell and Unst local styles,
ones covering internationally renowned musicians such as Dr Tom Anderson and
Willie Hunter, and even one providing participants with an authentic taste of
social life in Shetland 100 years ago. This particular workshop will be held in
a genuine croft house museum. The workshops will be delivered in a structured
but entertaining and informal manner, creating the opportunity for visitors to
directly meet and interact with a myriad of local musicians, especially those
actively involved with keeping past and present traditions alive and
vibrant.
There will also be the opportunity to visit local fiddle making
workshops, brush up on your skills via a series of fiddle master / improvers
classes and view a series of music related exhibitions, and much more besides.
All of this will be done ensuring emphasis on a personal touch and experience
for everyone involved.
A variety of suitably atmospheric venues will be utilised to host the
numerous events throughout the community including Busta House, Herrislea House,
Unst Heritage Centre, The Booth, Hillswick and the Croft House at Dunrossess to
name but a few.
In addition to the fiddle school element of the event there will be a series
of concerts and numerous traditional sessions, entitled ‘Fiddle Frenzy 2004,
running throughout the six days. Again these events will be spread throughout
the community and will be open to everyone. Add to that the fact that there will
be ample opportunity to sample other elements of Shetland culture such as
wildlife, history / archaeology, crafts, scenic tours etc and it all adds up to
something that could be safely termed “a very unique event and experience
indeed”.
Dr Aly Bain has agreed to be patron of the event along with two other names
synonymous with the local music tradition, Violet Tulloch and ‘Peerie’ Willie
Johnson. Among the participating local tutors will be Christopher Stout (fiddle
~ Fiddlers Bid) Catriona Macdonald (fiddle ~ Blazin Fiddles) Jenna Reid (fiddle
~ Filska), Judi Nicolson (Fiddle), Violet Tulloch (Piano), Margaret Scollay
(fiddle), Brian Nicolson (guitar) and many more besides.
An all
encompassing price will be charged for participation in the event, and all
travel arrangements, accommodation requirements and other related issues can be
arranged and tailored to suit individual needs and budgets.
For further information or booking contact Davie Gardner at Shetland Arts
Trust on (01595-697550) or e-mail david.gardner@shetland-arts-trust.co.uk
