Music festival draws to a close
THE five-day Lochaber Music Festival to a close on Thursday evening with the concert held at Lochaber High School.
The audience were entertained by a selection of performances from youngsters ranging from beginners to advanced. There were recitations of poetry by prize-winners, including Daniel Parfitt from Inverlochy, who gave a colourful rendering of Burns’ Address tae a Haggis. Included in the programme were music and singing from a range of styles.
Each year the festival incorporates the young musician of the year competitions sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lochaber. Winners this year were Francesca Rose, Lochaber Music School (senior), and Ailsa Janzen, Kinlochleven High (junior).
Also performing on Thursday evening was the premier instrumental award winner Molly Cameron, Lochaber High School, along with premier junior vocal award winner Jake Sessions, Lochaber Music School, and the premier Scots traditional award winner Cameron MacIsaac, from Lochaber High School. Unable to attend was Anna Gregory from Appin, who won the premier senior vocal award.
The prizes at the end of this year’s drew final concert were presented by David Thomson from the Rotary Club of Lochaber. David has, for many years, been an interested and valuable supporter of the festival.
The attendance of Rhona MacKintosh, formerly a festival winner herself, was welcomed and she presented a piano trophy in honour of her late mother Joan, to Emma McColl from Fort William.
The festival committee paid tribute to all the young people who took part last week and to the teachers, parents and members of music and dance organisations who work hard to ensure a high standard of performance in the classes during the course of the week.
The committee also acknowledge the sponsorship of the Burns Club of Lochaber and Liberty British Aluminium, as well as the many members and patrons who regularly contribute to the event. It always welcomes new members and patrons.
Lochaber Music Festival is there for entrants from all areas of Lochaber and beyond and it is hoped to sustain the entry profile for the 2019 festival, which will take place between March 15 and 21.