A warm welcome to a Celtic winter
Take a magical, mystical, musical tour of Scotland
IT’S that time of year again: welcome to Celtic January. This is one of the best months to experience Scotland’s pioneering music as part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. The music scene is alive and kicking, from traditional folk and bagpipe music to classical performances and gigs held across the country. From Lau or Fred Morrison to the Treacherous Orchestra or The Chair, contemporary musicians have brought new approaches to Scotland’s traditional music, taking inspiration from a range of influences and cultures to invent vibrant new interpretations.
From January 14-31, Glasgow’s annual folk, roots and world music festival, Celtic Connections, celebrates innovative Celtic music and its connection to cultures across the globe. It’s an 18- day feast of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, exhibitions, workshops, free events and late night sessions not to be missed.
The f estival i s renowned f or its strong spirit of innovation and collaboration, bringing together one-off line-ups for one-night-only collaborative shows. With artists from Inner Mongolia to the Outer Hebrides, Celtic Connections is a hotbed of musical talent from cultures and countries f r om across the globe. The camaraderie continues into the wee small hours at the late-night Festival Club – home of legendary collaborations and spontaneous sessions.
Celtic Connections takes pride in looking to the future as well as celebrating the past. The Opening Concert will celebrate 50 years of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland, with musical director Siobhan Miller at the helm.
You can also experience Celtic music all year round throughout Scotland. As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow hosts more than 100 live events of all musical styles each week. Elsewhere, venues such as Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall and Usher Hall, Eden Court in Inverness, Perth Concert Hall and the Music Hall, Lemon Tree and His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen all offer jam-packed programmes of music, comedy, theatre and dance events throughout the year.
Whatever your taste, Scotland’s vibrant live music scene is an eclectic mix of styles and an important part of the nation’s identity.
In Shetland, Mareel, the UK’s most northerly music venue, not only won several prestigious national awards in architecture but also hosts fantastic concerts and events such as the Shetland Folk Festival and the Shetland International Guitar Festival.
In Orkney, you can enjoy footstomping music. Join in with the locals at a lively traditional session and witness fantastic local talents such as Saltfishforty, Fara or the award-winning duo Gnoss, featuring 19-year-old prodigy Graham Rorie, at the Orkney Folk Festival.
Or tour the Musical Map of Caithness. Travelling round the beautiful coastline by Thurso and Wick via i conic spots such as Whaligoe Steps, the Castle of Mey or Dunnet Head, celebrate local culture, history and nature – while listening to this innovative collection of Celtic instrumentals and songs inspired by the stunning local landscape.
In Assynt, discover the exquisite music of award-winning composer and accordion player Mairearad Green, whose latest album Summer Isles was inspired by the coastline at her Achiltibuie home.
Or take the scenic Road to Errogie on the south side of Loch Ness listening to Adam Sutherland, one of our most innovative and exciting fiddle players.
Wherever your travels take you in 2016, make sure you experience Scotland’s thriving music scene.