Full line-up announced for Fiddle Frenzy

The line up for this year’s Fiddle Frenzy concerts has been announced – with Kevin Henderson and Jenna and Bethany Reid among the top musicians performing.

This year’s festival is curated by the Reid sisters and concerts are to take place every night of the event – which runs from 3rd to 10th August.

Shetland Arts marketing officer Lisa Ward said: “Concerts are open to all to enjoy and we’ve already seen a lot of tickets sold. We’re encouraging people to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

“This year the concerts star a range of fantastic visiting musicians, excellent locally based musicians, and many of the talented Fiddle Frenzy tutors themselves, really showing off what the festival is all about.”

Sunday night’s opening concert at Mareel will showcase Shetland Fiddlers Society and Shetland Folkdance, Pauline and Linda Irvine, Jenna and Bethany Reid, and NE3 Folk.

Monday evening’s concert, also at Mareel, will star Kevin Henderson and Mattias Perez, and Shetland favourites Hom Bru.

Tuesday sees the fiddle students based in Vidlin for the day, followed by a concert at the Vidlin Hall in the evening which will star Barry Nisbet and Friends, Papa Stour Sword Dance and Blyde Lasses. The concert is followed by a traditional Shetland dance with Alan Nicholson.

The Wednesday evening concert is back at Mareel and will feature the talents of Young Fiddler of the Year 2014 Sophie Moar, Rant, and Ross Couper and Tom Oakes.

On Thursday there is Shetland Sets @ Mareel: an informal, free to attend night showcasing a collection of Shetland musicians including Peter Gear, Callum Watt, Lois Nicol, Kollifirbolli and Northmavine Fiddle and Accordion Club.

Friday will see the students based out of the town for the day, followed by an evening concert, in Sandwick at the Carnegie Hall.

On the bill are Fraser Tait, Lewie, Erik and Jonny, Melboure Scottish Fiddle Club and Maggie and Brian, they will be followed by a traditional Shetland dance with Peter Wood.

The final concert will take place at Mareel on the Saturday and features Catriona Macdonald and Dave Milligan, and Jenny Keldie and Brian Cromarty, supported by the Fiddle Frenzy students.

Ward said: “We’re delighted to announce an additional event on the Saturday as well – at noon Catriona Macdonald will deliver a lecture in Mareel’s auditorium on Dr Tom Anderson and his music.

“This lecture will be free to attend for Fiddle Frenzy students and will go on sale to the general public today.

“We’re also inviting the public to join us at the festival club in the Mareel Cafe Bar on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday after the evening concerts, where you can soak up the festival atmosphere and enjoy sessions.”

Attracting visitors from Australia, USA, Canada, and throughout the UK to study Shetland fiddle, the 2014 festival now has 85 students already registered to take part in the week.

Ward added: “Classes are nearing capacity now so we’re advising anyone who is interested in taking part to sign up as soon as possible. The final closing date for signing up to take part in the week is Friday 1st August.”

The line-up of fiddle tutors this year is Catriona Macdonald, Kevin Henderson, Maggie Adamson, Ross Couper, Lois Nicol, Claire White, Jenny Keldie and Cathy Geldard.

The classes offered include advanced, intermediate and improver.

Guitar tuition will be led by Shetland guitarist Brian Nicholson and Orcadian Brian Cromarty.

Creative arts classes will be led by local artist Amy Fisher, and a variety of sight-seeing tours are offered by local company Unseen Shetland.