Fiddlers were Big in Japan
Sixty five young musicians and a 15- strong adult team have all returned safe following a 12,000 mile odyssey to Japan.
And two weeks in the land of the rising sun was an unforgettable and emotional experience for them all, says Euan Terras, vice chairman of the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra.
The group blazed a trail for Ayrshire over eight concerts, soaked inthe amazing culture and triumphed at the Peace Garden at Hiroshima.
It was the AFO’s eighth international tour and a very costly exercise.
Euan said: “Our day in Hiroshima was the real highlight.
“We were the first orchestra ever to be allowed to perform live music in the Peace Gardens and we had the opportunity to present the two winning entries of Provost Helen Moonie’s ‘ Peace Towns’ competition to the Mayor of Hiroshima and to the Mayors for Peace organisation.
“My wife and fellow AFO Director Kathleen Terras presented the artwork and I presented them with World Peace Tartan.
“At our Summer Concert in June, the Orchestra were appointed Ambassadors for World Peace Tartan.
“We live streamed the performance on Facebook so that the families and Provost could watch it live here in Scotland. We also got a ‘ shoutout’ on Radio 1 from Zoe Ball.
“The tour was an amazing experience for our young musicians that will live with them forever.”
* Fancy joining? New strings players welcome at rehearsals August 24, Kingcase Church, Prestwick, 1.45pm.