The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Royal seal of approval for orchestra in Perth
CONCERT: Patron shows her support for fiddlers
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra (SFO) received the royal seal of approval as its 2017 tour series began at a sold-out concert in Perth.
The Princess Royal was the guest of honour at the concert hall for a performance by the orchestra, which was set up to champion traditional music.
It did so with gusto in front of a packed audience that snapped up tickets for the show well in advance of its arrival in the city.
The Princess Royal has been the orchestra’s patron since 1993 and regularly attends its performances, which continue to be a must-see for music fans.
The orchestra brought a 100-strong group of fiddlers to the Perth stage, where they were joined by a number of singers, dancers and pipers.
Earlier in the evening, the princess had been welcomed to the city by Perth and Kinross Provost Liz Grant.
She joined local dignitaries and key members of the Scottish traditional music scene at the venue in lining up to greet her.
The concert was the first of six planned by the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra for 2017.
Traditionally, the ensemble gathers for six or seven UK shows each year, with occasional additional forays overseas.
This year, the schedule means five further opportunities to see its members in action.
The orchestra moves on to Aberdeen Beach Ballroom on Saturday March 18.
Performances in Gateshead, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast will follow.
Tickets for the first three of those appearances can be booked now.