Young fiddler contest shows music is ‘in safe hands’

Scores of talented musicians will take part in this year’s Shetland Young Fiddler of the Year competition – proving the “musical culture is in safe hands”.

The 34th young fiddler competition will be held on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April in the Garrison Theatre.

There are 145 entries from 100 fiddlers aged from seven to 16. Performances will come under the scrutiny of a panel of three judges – Catriona Macdonald, Maurice Henderson and Peter Gear.  Spectators are welcome to watch the fiddlers perform throughout the daytime sessions.

The prize-winners’ concert and open finals will be held on the Saturday night in the Garrison. The night will kick off with Bryan Gear, Debbie Scott and Violet Tulloch performing the winning entries for the Shetland Folk Society Tune Competition. This will be followed by the traditional and open finalists performing for a final time in front of the judges.

Junior and intermediate winners and runners-up will perform as will Sophie Moar, Young Fiddler of the Year 2014, and Rebecca Kerr, Junior Young Musician of the Year 2015.

A new Young Fiddler of the Year logo will launched at the competition. It was designed by Sound Primary School pupil Emma Leask. It will feature on a fiddle box sticker, in the new colour programme and on competitors’ certificates. There is also a new trophy for the Young Fiddler of the Year, featuring Emma’s logo, made by Cheryl Jamieson of Glansin Glass.

On behalf of the Shetland Folk Society, Valerie Watt, said: “The Young Fiddler of the Year is a highlight on the fiddlers’ calendar. Not only is it a great opportunity for young fiddlers to mix, form friendships and share their music but it also plays a crucial role in ensuring our musical culture is in safe hands for the future.”