Tuning up for Lochaber Music Festival

THE 44th annual Lochaber Music Festival begins on a ‘traditional’ note tomorrow (Friday March 16) with chanter and piping at Lochaber High School hostel.

Things continue in the same vein on Saturday with more piping and Scots fiddle, clarsach and accordion.

On Saturday afternoon, the more advanced players selected by the adjudicators will take part in a competition to win the Premier Scots Traditional Award.

On Monday, there will be further competitions involving young musicians from Lochaber (and some adults). On Monday, speech classes take place at the Alexandra Hotel, while singing and strings classes are held at Bun-Sgoil Ghaidhlig Loch Abar.

The Kilmallie Community Centre event in the evening promises a range of entertaining vocal and instrumental classes.

More music will follow on Tuesday with woodwind at Lochaber High School hostel and piano, Scottish country dance, Lochaber High School choir ‘Harmonize’ and strings at Kilmallie Community Centre.

On Tuesday evening, the Young Musician of the Year Award sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lochaber will take place in Lochaber High School hall, together with the premier instrumental and junior vocal award competitions.

On Wednesday morning, brass competitions will be held at Lochaber High School hostel while the Kilmallie Community Centre is the venue for choirs, action drama and group music making.

Audiences are welcome to attend all classes in the course of the week.