PROGRAMME

FIDDLE FRENZY 2014 Fiddle Frenzy has grown to become a very special festival and this year will be no exception. Shetland Arts has a great and dedicated team of staff, volunteers and tutors who work hard to ensure that our visitors and students from across the world and closer to home have the best possible experience in a carefully crafted intensive week of tuition, tours and gigs. I would like to thank everybody who have made Fiddle Frenzy 2014 possible and although it is not possible to thank everybody by name, there are three that deserve special mention and recognition: our two curators Jenna and Bethany Reid and our Programming Coordinator Lynda Anderson without whose efforts, the Festival would not be what it is today. This year’s Festival will be my last as the Director of Shetland Arts, which makes it particularly poignant for me. It has been a huge privilege and a joy to be part of the team that has shaped the Festival over the past 8 years - have a great week, I know I will.

GWILYM GIBBONSDIRECTOR, SHETLAND ARTS

For the second year, Fiddle Frenzy has been curated by sisters Jenna & Bethany Reid, who had led on the content and shape of the week. Having grown up immersed in the music and culture of Shetland and taught by the islands’ greatest fi ddlers, the girls have gone on to pursue successful careers in both performance and tuition. Whether performing in award winning ensembles RANT (Nominated in BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014) and Blazin’ Fiddles (Best Folk Band 2013 Scots Trad Music Awards) or teaching in schools and Summer camps all over the world, Jenna and Bethany are greatly sought after as fi ne musicians delivering Shetland music at its best.

Shetland Arts reserve the right to amend this

programme if required. All information in this edition

is correct at time of publication, 25 July 2014.

“WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED CURATING LAST YEAR’S FESTIVAL AND IT’S FANTASTIC TO BE WELCOMED BACK BY SHETLAND ARTS. WITH A GREAT TEAM OF TUTORS, EXTRA SPECIAL TRIPS OUT AND ABOUT, AN EXCITING LINE UP OF CONCERTS NOT TO MENTION PLENTY OF SESSION OPPORTUNITIES, WE VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING THE EXPERIENCE WITH YOU!”

JENNA AND BETHANY REID

Established in 2004, Fiddle Frenzy has become an annual part of Shetland’s fi ddle tradition, offering a week of concentrated tuition and performances and a chance to be immersed in the local musical culture and the beauty of our unique islands.

Shetland is known for its unique fi ddle tradition, which has thrived within the islands for hundreds of years, and in recent decades gained an international reputation. Home-grown talent such as Aly Bain, Dr Tom Anderson, Willie Hunter, Jenna Reid, Chris Stout, Bryan Gear and Maggie Adamson, and bands including Hom Bru and Fiddlers’ Bid, developed their styles in the islands and have gone on to perform on stages across the world.

Shetland tunes are known for their individual style, one which links to the Scandinavian heritage of the islands, themselves a Norwegian province until pledged to Scotland as a Royal wedding dowry in 1469. With the fi ddle at its core, household gatherings and local dances would be fi lled with the simple melodic tunes, each with its own link to a pocket of Shetland folklore and traditions - the ‘trows’ (trolls), the landscape, the crofting or the fi shing and seafaring lifestyles.

To this day, the musical tradition remains strong, helped in no small part by the introduction of traditional fi ddle tuition to the Shetland education system in the early 1980s, in a movement led by Dr Tom Anderson. This continues to generate a wealth of young talent who perform regularly across the islands and beyond Shetland shores.

THE SHETLAND FIDDLE TRADITION

“THE WHOLE WEEK WAS FULL OF HIGHLIGHTS!” 2013 Frenzy Student

This year, we are offering 3 levels of fi ddle tuition at Fiddle Frenzy: Improver, Intermediate and Advanced. When you book, you will be asked to choose one. Please rest assured that if on arrival you feel you’re in the wrong class, you’ll be able to move to a class that better suits you. You can expect class sizes of around 10-15 students.

We start with an introductory class on Sunday afternoon, to get you warmed up and decide which class feels most comfortable for you. Then Monday - Friday, there are two classes per day, one morning and one afternoon. Each session includes approx 2 hours of teaching with a 30 min mid-session coffee break. You will be taught by a variety of tutors across the week, to expose you to different interpretations and styles within the Shetland tradition. In total the week provides around 20 hours of class time.

All students are invited to perform in the fi nal Saturday evening concert. Music for this will be sent out to you prior to your arrival in Shetland, rehearals will take place daily, led by Jenna & Bethany Reid. Check the schedule on timings of these sessions, called ‘Saturday Set Rehearsals’.

IMPROVERYou should be able to play a few tunes without much hesitation and have had some experience learning by ear.

INTERMEDIATEYou should feel at ease playing several tunes at a medium speed and feel quite comfortable learning by ear.

ADVANCEDIdeally, you should be keen on learning by ear and very confi dent at playing more technical tunes and be able to play at a quick tempo.

FIDDLE CLASSES

KEVIN HENDERSON

ROSS COUPER

JENNY KELDIE

LOIS NICOL

CATRIONA MACDONALD

CLAIRE WHITE

JENNA REID

BETHANY REID

MAGGIE ADAMSON

CATHY GELDARD

The key to any successful learning experience is of course a great teacher. For Fiddle Frenzy, we recruit a team of the best exponents of the Shetland fiddle tradition, to guide you through the tunes and techniques and add that little bit of Shetland to your style.

In 2014, Jenna & Bethany have assembled an exciting and unique collection of tutors, some of whom are Frenzy veterans, as well as some new faces to the team. They are all well established musicians, taught by the likes of Dr Tom Anderson and Willie Hunter, and will be on hand to share their skills with you and support you as you learn the tunes and techniques.

TUTORS

“I HAD A REALLY ENJOYABLE TIME, LEARNT LOTS OF NEW

TUNES, ABSORBED SOME SHETLAND CULTURE, HAD THE

OPPORTUNITY TO SEE SOME FORMAL AND LESS FORMAL

PERFORMANCES FROM GOOD MUSICIANS, MADE SOME NEW

FRIENDS AND CONTACTS AND GOT TO KNOW OTHERS, THAT I HAD

MET BEFORE, BETTER.”

2014 FIDDLE TUTORS

KEVIN HENDERSONKevin, now based in Norway is from Lerwick. He is a

founding member of award winning Shetland group,

Fiddlers’ Bid, formed in 1991, has been a member of

folk music legends, Boys of the Lough, since 2001, a

member of Scottish super group, Session A9, since

2004 and recently helped to co-found The Nordic Fiddlers

Bloc who are causing quite a stir since forming a few

years ago with their unique, fresh and inspiring sound.

In 2011 Kevin released his debut solo album, “Fin Da

Laand Ageen” to great critical acclaim.

JENNY KELDIEJenny grew up in Burra, Shetland and was taught by

Dr Tom Anderson. She now lives in Orkney where she

teaches music, and is greatly involved in the musical

community having established youth fi ddle groups and

also performing as both a singer & fi ddle player.

ROSS COUPERBorn & raised in Shetland, and son of musician & fi ddle

teacher Margaret Scollay, Ross is a familar face at Fiddle

Frenzy and always a popular tutor. Ross’ explosive fi ddle

playing lies at the heart of some of the biggest acts on

the Scottish folk scene previously part of Scots Folk

Award winning (Band of the Year) Bodega. He is currently

fi ddle player with the mighty Peatbog Faeries.

LOIS NICOLLois is a member of the very musical Nicol family from

Lerwick and a member of local groups Haltadans &

Fullsceilidh Spelemanslag. She has taught at a number

of past Fiddle Frenzies and will soon take up her new

post as fi ddle instructor in Shetland schools. Lois

graduated with honours from Newcastle University’s Folk

& Traditional Music degree in 2012.

FIDDLE TUTOR PROFILES

CATRIONA MACDONALDCatriona, who grew up in Lerwick, was a pupil of Dr Tom

Anderson and founding member of Shetland’s Young

Heritage during the early 1980s. She then moved to

London to study at the Royal College of Music, before

settling in the Scottish Borders to pursue her career as

a professional traditional musician. She has extensive

teaching experience, including as lecturer on the

BMus Folk degree at Newcastle University. She has

also performed extensively both solo, and with groups

including Blazin’ Fiddles and String Sisters.

MAGGIE ADAMSONMaggie, from Fladdabister in Shetland has achieved a

great deal in her 22 years. Currently studying for a BMus

at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she has twice

been crowned Glenfi ddich Fiddle Champion, and three

times Oban Fiddle Master. She has worked with National

Youth Orchestra of Scotland, Ulster Youth Orchestra and

National Jazz Orchestra of Scotland. She tours regularly

with Brian Nicholson, with the duo having released 4

CDs. With many more accolades including a Danny Award

win, and nomination for ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’ at

the Trad Awards, Maggie has also recorded for BBC’s

“Take the Floor “, toured Germany with Donnie Munro

and has just returned from opening HebCelt Festival with

Munro’s full band.

CLAIRE WHITEClaire grew up in Shetland and has played fi ddle from a

young age, taught by Dr Tom Anderson. Now based in the

Scottish Mainland where she works for BBC Scotland,

she is a busy performer including with Blyde Lasses, and

continues Tom’s work as tradition bearer, sharing the

Shetland fi ddle tradition with her own students.

CATHY GELDARDCathy grew up in Lerwick, playing with local groups High

Strings and Shaela. On leaving school, she moved to

Newcastle to study the Folk & Traditional Music Degree,

followed by a Masters in Composition and still lives in

the city. Although a Shetland fi ddler at heart, she draws

on many infl uences including Scott Skinner and French

Candadian tunes.

CURATORS & FIDDLE TUTORS

JENNA REIDJenna grew up in Quarff, Shetland, taught by Tom

Anderson and Willie Hunter and now works professionally

as a traditional musician. Since releasing her debut solo

album and being awarded ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’

and nominated as ‘Best Instrumentalist’ at the Scots

Trad Music Awards, Jenna has undoubtedly remained

one of the brightest talents ever to grace the traditional

music scene and remains in high demand as a

performer and tutor. She has released three solo albums

to high acclaim. As a member of Folk Band of the Year;

Blazin’ Fiddles, Jenna continues to tour regularly as the

group release the brand new studio album, ‘SIX‘. Jenna

and fellow RANT girls collected a Herald Angel Award in

2013 following the release of their debut album and are

delighted to be nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Award for

Best Instrumental track. In 2013, Jenna launched her

fi rst book of tunes ‘The Quarff Collection’.

BETHANY REIDBethany, younger sister of Jenna, began playing the

fi ddle at the age 5, and remains the youngest person

in Shetland to win the title of Shetland’s Young Fiddler

of the Year Competition, at age 11. On leaving school,

she went on to study music at Strathclyde University,

graduating in 2008 with fi rst class honours, and now

teaches music in Glasgow. As well as fi ddle, Bethany is

also a skilled pianist. Bethany works regularly with her

sister Jenna, having formed Filska together during their

school years, to more recently composing and arranging

a collection of music for the highly acclaimed Shetland

Bus project, depicting the escape of Jan Baalrud.

Bethany is also a member of RANT. A highly experience

teacher, Bethany led St Ninian’s High School Ceilidh

Band to win Scottish Power’s ‘Powerful Performance

Award’, supported by the Celtic Connections Festival

2010.

GUITAR

In addition to fi ddle, we also offer a class in traditional guitar accompaniment. Please note this class is not suitable for complete beginners. Students should be able to play basic chords and be familiar with the instrument.

BRIAN NICHOLSON

BRIAN CROMARTY

2014 GUITAR TUTORS

“LOVED THE MORE OR LESS SPONTANEOUS THINGS - PLAYING IN THE STONE CIRCLE ON FETLAR, PLAYING AND WAVING TO THE STUDENTS DEPARTING ON THE FERRY, BRYAN GEAR AND VIOLET TULLOCH PLAYING IN THE BAR OF MAREEL. IT WAS GREAT THAT ALL THE STUDENTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE SAT NIGHT CONCERT.”

BRIAN CROMARTYBrian was born and raised in Orkney where he still

lives. He is best known as one half of Saltfi shforty

with his friend and fellow Orcadian Musician Douglas

Montgomery, both also founding members of The Chair.

Brian is a multi-instrumentalist with effortless skill and

a driving rhythmic style. Brian will teach the Thursday &

Friday guitar classes.

BRIAN NICHOLSONBrian, originally from Yell, is a very well known Shetland

guitarist, having played with many bands and musicians

over the years and in all genres from jazz, to rock, to

blues as well as traditional. Brian performs regularly with

Maggie Adamson, with the duo winning rave reviews for

their performances of traditional, jazz and swing tunes.

Brian will teach Sunday - Wednesday classes.

GUITAR TUTOR PROFILES

Each year at Fiddle Frenzy, we recognise that groups and families often travel to Shetland for the Frenzy week, and that some members are not musicians but would still like to be immersed in the Frenzy experience. For those interested in trying out arts, crafts and textiles, our ‘Creative Fringe’ has become a highly popular part of the week, and offers a chance to meet and learn from some of Shetland’s resident artists, who are part of our thriving creative community. There are options to branch off into your own area of interest each day and to get out and about and use Shetland’s landscape as your inspiration.

ART CLASSES ‘CREATIVE FRINGE’

AMY, FAR RIGHT, WITH HER STUDENTS IN 2013

Fiddle Frenzy’s Creative Fringe is led by local artist Amy Fisher. Amy grew up in Shetland and went on to study in Aberdeen, graduating in 2005 with a BA in Painting from Grays School of Art. Since returning home to Shetland she has lectured for a variety of individuals and groups of all ages, delivering mixed media, drawing, painting, printmaking, weave and craft workshops.

Amy’s infectious enthusiasm for her work, and ease with which she is able to share her skills and teach students have led to a growing popularity of these mixed art classes during Fiddle Frenzy week. The creative fl ow, gentle chatter and occasional explosions of laughter from the group offer a relaxing additional strand to the Frenzy Week. Music students are welcome to explore new creative skills and join in a class or two, or simply wander through and explore the impressive pieces that are consistently produced by students.

Full Frenzy, Half Frenzy and Day Frenzy options are available for Creative Fringe Classes. Please be aware that class times may not run exactly in line with music classes, due to the nature of the work, and that weather-depending, some classes may be delivered outdoors.

MONDAY 4 AUGUSTBOOKBINDING & PAPER 10AM - 12.30PM, 2PM - 4.30PM Auditorium @ Mareel, LerwickMeet at Mareel Cafe Bar, 9.45am Use bookbinding skills to make your own customised sketchbook, then experiment with collage. Your sketchbook can be used and fi lled throughout the week at the other creative classes.

SUNDAY 3 AUGUSTFELTING 2.30 - 4PM Upper Cafe Bar @ Mareel, LerwickStart off your creative week by hand and needle felting your own postcards.

WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUSTSCULPTURE 10AM - 12.30PM, 2PM - 4.30PM

Outdoors at Hay’s Dock/Mareel Foyer, LerwickMeet at Mareel Cafe Bar, 9.45am Find inspiration outdoors and use air drying clay to create marine inspired textural relief tiles and trinkets from found objects, wire and yarn. Please take outdoor clothing.

THURSDAY 7 AUGUSTDRAWING & PAINTING 10AM - 12.30PM, 2PM - 4.30PM

Outdoors at Hay’s Dock / Museum Boat Hall, Lerwick Spend the day experimenting with a variety of techniques and media in various locations around Lerwick. Please take outdoor clothing.

FRIDAY 8 AUGUSTTEXTILES 10AM - 12.30PM, 2PM - 3PM Sandwick, followed by group visit to Sumburgh Head 3-5pm. Bus for Sandwick loads 8.40am and departs at 9am.Visit to local knitwear and weave factor, shops and museum. Then create your own woven wall hanging or sketchbook cover with Shetland yarn and beachcombed objects. Please take outdoor clothing.

TUESDAY 5 AUGUSTPRINTMAKING 10AM - 12.30PM, 2PM - 3PM Vidlin followed by group visit to Lunna 3-5pmBus for Vidlin loads 8.40am and departs at 9am Sketch around the beautiful lower Voe area, then use your chosen drawing to make a linocut and prints. Please take outdoor clothing.

Shetland is a unique and beautiful collection of islands, and we’re keen that you get out and about to see the sights. With over 100 islands, 17 of which are inhabited, there are plenty of options! To do this, we run opt-in afternoon tours aimed at friends & family visiting with those taking classes, or as an option if you’re feeling a bit fi ddled out and need a break. Please note that tours run at the same time as classes and are offered as an option to take a break from class and see the sights. Tours are included within the package prices for The Full or Half Frenzy. Visitors not signed up for Fiddle Frenzy who would like to take advantage of the tours can buy an individual ticket. With limited availability, reserving a seat in advance is recommended via Shetland Box Offi ce, with no additional cost to students. Each of these tours require a minimum of 6 bookings to run. Please sign up by Friday 1st August where possible, although seats on the day will be available on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

MONDAY 4 AUGUSTSANDNESS 2PM - 6PM

A trip to the West Mainland of Shetland to visit the Huxter Water Mills, and Jamieson’s Knitwear Factory with Trowie stories en route.

£40/Free for students*

WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUSTWESTERWICK & BONHOGA GALLERY

2PM-6PM

We will head way out West to Westerwick where we will enjoy some dramatic coastal cliff scenery, stopping off at Bonhoga Gallery at Weisdale Mill where we can enjoy the exhibition, shop and some delicious coffee and cake.

£40/Free for students*

THURSDAY 7 AUGUSTMOUSA ISLE 12PM - 5PM

This exciting trip takes us by boat across to the RSPB Nature Reserve of Mousa, an uninhabited island, which has been mentioned in the Norse Sagas and which has the best preserved Broch in the world for us to explore. We can enjoy the surrounding archaeology and climb to the top of the Iron Age tower. We can also experience the island’s wonderful wildlife and nature. This excursion will involve a short boat trip and a 2 hour walk. Therefore, warm, outdoor, waterproof clothing and walking boots would be recommended. A packed lunch will be provided. This trip is weather dependant. There will be an alternative tour should the ferry be unable to sail due to tides or bad weather.

£50/Free for students*

FRIDAY 8 AUGUSTFLADDABISTER, SANDWICK & SUMBURGH

9AM – 7PM

This trip takes us through Fladdabister and Cunningsburgh where we will explore old lime kilns, croft houses and farmsteads. This area is rich with history and folklore, and our story teller and guide will keep you entertained all day. We will join the fi ddle students for lunch, before heading south to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and the multi-period archaeological site of Jarlshof. A trip guaranteed to be fi lled with musical surprises and stories!

£80/Free for students* (inc. lunch & dinner)

TUESDAY 5 AUGUSTVOE, ESHANESS & LUNNA

9AM – 7PM

We will leave with Frenzy students to travel north at 9am. After a coffee, we will head north to Eshaness, where we will have an opportunity to explore some of Shetland’s most dramatic coastline and geology. We will return to have lunch with Frenzy students and travel with them in the afternoon to Lunna House, the base of the ‘Shetland Bus’ operation.

£80/Free for students* (inc. lunch & dinner)

TOURS ARE RUN BY TOM & MICHELE DEYELL OF ‘UNSEEN SHETLAND’ A LOCAL COMPANY WHO HOLD A WEALTH OF KNOWLDGE IN LOCAL HISTORY, CULTURE, FOLKLORE AND MUSIC.

WWW.UNSEENSHETLAND.COM *booking recommended as space is limited

We all know how hard our students work across the Frenzy week and so to give everybody time to relax and see a bit of Shetland together, this year we have built in two group trips to two spectacular Shetland locations.

GROUP TRIPS

3 – 5PM

Visit Lunna Kirk, Lunna House and hear a short performance of Jenna & Bethany Reid’s ‘Shetland Bus’ story - a musical tale of Jan Baalsrud, a member of the Norwegian resistance against Nazi occupation of Norway during World War 2, and his escape through Norway into Sweden following a disastrous journey from Lunna House, their Shetland base.

TUESDAY 5 AUGUSTLUNNA

3 – 5PM

Sumburgh Head is famed seabird colony at the southern tip of the Shetland mainland and a well-established RSPB reserve. With stunning landscape and a recently opened renovation of the buildings that surround the Stevenson Lighthouse, there is much to see.

We will take a walk up to Sumburgh Head itself and a chance for students to get their fiddles out for a tune with a view!

FRIDAY 8 AUGUSTSUMBURGH HEAD

SUNDAY 3 AUGUSTLERWICK

12 noon - 2pm RegistrationLower Foyer, Mareel

2pm - 2.20pm Welcome & IntroductionsAuditorium, Mareel

2.30pm - 4pm Classes

6pm - 8pm Student Welcome Reception with Soup & BannocksUpper Cafe Bar, Mareel

8pm - 11pmSunday Night @ FF see page 19Auditorium, Mareel

11pm - 1am Festival Club

MONDAY 4 AUGUSTLERWICK

9.30 - 10amSaturday Set RehearsalAuditorium, Mareel

10am - 11am Classes

11.00 - 11.30 Coffee Break

11.30 - 12.30 Classes

12.30 - 2pm Lunch

2pm - 3pm Classes

3pm - 3.30pm Coffee Break

3.30 - 4.30 Classes

8pm - 11pmMonday Night @ FF see page 20Auditorium, Mareel

11pm - 1am Festival Club

ClassesVarious spacesMareel & Museum

Coffee BreakAuditorium, Mareel

LunchFrenzy Cafe Open at Auditorium, Mareel

Festival Club Cafe Bar, Mareel

TUESDAY 5 AUGUSTVIDLIN

8.40am Bus Loading

9am Bus departs from Mareel, for Vidlin

10am - 11amClassesVidlin

11.00 - 11.30 Coffee Break

11.30 - 12.30ClassesVidlin

12.30 - 2pm LunchVidlin Hall

2pm - 3pmClassesVidlin

3pm - 5pmGroup visit to Lunna

5.30 - 6.30pmDinner Vidlin Hall

7pm Bus leaves for Lerwick after dinner

7.30pm - 10.00pmTuesday Night @ FF see page 21Vidlin Hall

10pm Bus leaves for Lerwick after concert

10.30 - 12.30pmTraditional Shetland DanceVidlin Hall

1am Bus leaves for Lerwick at the end of the dance

Lunch & dinner on days out of town included in package costs

THE FRENZY WEEK

THURSDAY 7 AUGUSTLERWICK

9.30 - 10amSaturday Set RehearsalAuditorium, Mareel

10am - 11am Classes

11.00 - 11.30 Coffee Break

11.30 - 12.30 Classes

12.30 - 2pm Lunch

2pm - 3pm Classes

3pm - 3.30pm Coffee Break

3.30 - 4.30 Classes

7.30 - 10.00Thursday Night @ FFsee page 23Auditorium, Mareel

FRIDAY 8 AUGUSTSANDWICK

8.40am Bus Loading

9am Bus departs from Mareel, for Sandwick

10am - 11amClasses Sandwick

11.00 - 11.30Coffee Break Sandwick

11.30 - 12.30Classes Sandwick

12.30 - 2pm Lunch Carnegie Hall

2pm - 3pmClasses Sandwick

3pm - 5pmGroup visit to Sumburgh Head with option to visit Jarlshof

5.30 - 6.30pmDinner Carnegie Hall, Sandwick

7pm - Bus leaves for Lerwick after dinner

7.30pm - 10.00pmFriday Night @ FFsee page 24Carnegie Hall

10pm Bus leaves for Lerwick after concert

10.30 - 12.30pmTraditional Shetland Dance Carnegie Hall

1am Bus leaves for Lerwick at end of the dance

SATURDAY 9 AUGUSTESHANESS TRIP/LERWICK

1.00 - 2.00pmLecture: Tom Anderson: His Musical Life & Infl uences

2pm - 5pmVisit to Dr Tom Anderson’s Eshaness

8pm - 11pmFinal Night @ FFsee page 25Auditorium, Mareel

11pm - 1am Festival Club

WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUSTLERWICK

9.30 - 10amSaturday Set RehearsalAuditorium, Mareel

10am - 11am Classes

11.00 - 11.30 Coffee Break

11.30 - 12.30 Classes

12.30 - 2pm Lunch

2pm - 3pm Classes

3pm - 3.30pm Coffee Break

3.30 - 4.30 Classes

8pm - 11pmWednesday Night @ FF see page 22Auditorium, Mareel

11pm - 1am Festival Club

SUNDAY 10 AUGUSTLERWICK

2.00 - 5.00pmFinale Tunes & FarewellsA last chance to squeeze in a few more tunes & say goodbyes. Upper Cafe Bar, Mareel

Evening concerts give you a chance to hear some great Shetland music. Each night, we present a mix of Shetland-based and visiting musicians which this year will centre around our tutor line up. On Tuesday and Friday, evening concerts with traditional local dances, are held on each of the locations we visit on those days. This is a great opportunity to experience at fi rst hand our impressive network of volunteers who run our local community halls, to an exceptionally high standard.

Evening concerts are open to both students and the public. Tickets for all evening concerts are included in the Full Frenzy package, and available to purchase individually. All concerts are sold with unreserved seating.

EVENING CONCERTS

EVENING CONCERTS

SUNDAY 3 AUGUST @ MAREELJENNA & BETHANY REIDOur Fiddle Frenzy curators, Jenna & Bethany Reid, will open the fi rst concert of the week with a few tunes from Shetland and beyond.

PAULINE IRVINE & LINDA GAIRPauline Irvine and Linda Gair are sisters born and brought up in Whalsay, who have been playing since the age of 8 and taught by Debbie Scott, Willie Hunter, Trevor Hunter and Margaret Scollay. They both perform regularly with a number of Scottish Dance Bands and Linda is fi ddler with Rock, Salt & Nails.

SHETLAND FIDDLERS’ SOCIETYFormed in 1960 by the late Tom Anderson for the fi rst Shetland haemfarin, the group continues to meet weekly to rehearse and work on the preservation of traditional Shetland tunes and perform regularly across Shetland & beyond.

NE3 FOLKNE3 Folk are a Newcastle based trio, made up of two Shetlanders - Cathy Geldard (fi ddle) and Victoria Laurenson (accordion) joined by Chris Meredith (guitar). They’ve spent a busy fi rst 3 years together, touring Norway twice, and working on their debut album Show us Your Reds. With beautiful arrangements and driving rhythms, a dynamic performance is guaranteed.

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£18/£16

DOORS 8PMSTART 8.30PM

MONDAY 4 AUGUST @ MAREEL

KEVIN HENDERSON & MATTIAS PÉREZ One of Shetland’s best known fi ddlers, Kevin is a founding member of Shetland band Fiddlers Bid and in 2011 released his solo album Fin Da Laand Ageen to great critical acclaim. The album featured Mattias Pérez, a well established member of the Swedish folk scene, on guitar and mandola. Such was the response to the album, and the duo’s take on presenting Shetland’s music, the duo now tour together.

HOM BRU Playing together since 1978, Hom Bru are a staple of the Shetland traditional music scene. Featuring banjo maestro Gary Peterson, Brian Nicholson on guitar and John Robert Deyell on fi ddle they are a must-see band on the Shetland scene.

ANYA JOHNSTON At age just 11, Anya is an astounding young Shetland fi ddle player and a great example of the living tradition of Shetland fi ddle music. Taught by Eunice Henderson, she was crowned Junior Young Fiddler of the Year in the 2014 competition.

£18/£16

DOORS 8PMSTART 8.30PM

TUESDAY 5 AUGUST @ VIDLIN HALL

BLYDE LASSES Claire White (fi ddle) & Frances Wilkins (concertina) have been playing together as a duo since 2006. In April 2013, they released their debut album of traditional, contemporary and self-penned Shetland songs and tunes. Claire was taught by the late Dr Tom Anderson, and was a member of Shetland’s Young Heritage, now known as the Heritage Fiddlers. Frances lived in Shetland during the 1990s and taught herself Shetland melodies on the concertina.

PAPA STOUR SWORD DANCEA traditional sword dance dance from the Shetland island of Papa Stour, performed by a group who keep alive a centuries old tradition, made famous by Sir Walter Scott in his novel, The Pirate.

DANCE Followed by traditional Shetland dance with Alan Nicholson.

BARRY NISBET & FRIENDS Hailing from Cullivoe in Yell, Barry is a well known fi ddle player from the isles and a member of The Cullivoe Fiddlers, and Rack & Ruin.

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DOORS 7PMSTART 7.30PM

WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUST

@ MAREEL

RANT Featuring curators of Fiddle Frenzy, and well known sibling fi ddle stars, Jenna & Bethany Reid, RANT also features Sarah-Jane Summers and Lauren McColl, another two of Scotland’s fi nest fi ddle players. They made their debut performance in July 2012, storming onto the scene and immediately earning high praise, “delightful … a quartet which should enrich both the traditional and classical music scenes in future” (Northings.com). Using just their fi ddles, they weave a tapestry of melodies, textures, layers and sounds.

ROSS COUPER & TOM OAKES Shetland born Ross Couper, and Tom Oakes of Devon are a fi ddle and guitar duo deeply rooted in the traditions of Scotland and Ireland but with a vital modernity that chronicles their many musical journeys so far. Expect a highly dynamic mixture of power and fragility with a warmth and humour that leaves audiences exhilarated and entertained.

SOPHIE MOAR Fifteen year old Sophie Moar, from Cunningsburgh fought off the competition to the declared Shetland’s Young Fiddle of the Year in April 2014. Sophie is a pupil of Eunice Henderson and also a member of the South Mainland Young Fiddlers, who this year will visit the Sidmouth Festival to perform.

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£18/£16

DOORS 8PM START 8.30PM

THURSDAY 7 AUGUST @ MAREEL

PETER GEARPeter grew up in Yell, Shetland and was winner of the Young Fiddler of the Year competition in 1988. Peter has played with a number of Shetland bands including Bongshang having developed his own unique style.

KOLLIFIRBOLLISisters Astryd (piano /concertina) & Kaela Jamieson (fi ddle), daughters of revered Shetland fi ddlers Debbie Scott & Ronnie Jamieson join forces with Mary Rutherford (fi ddle) to form Kollifi rbolli who present a lively & exciting mix of old & new tunes from Shetland and beyond.

NORTHMAVINE FIDDLE & ACCORDION CLUBFormed in 1982, the group has gathered fi ddle & accordion players from across the North Mainland who meet every Tuesday night the Hillswick Hall. They are guaranteed to get your feet tapping!

LOIS NICOL Having graduated with honours from Newcastle University’s Folk & Traditional Music degree in 2012, Lois has since returned home to Shetland and begun building a reputation as an effective and inspiring teacher. She also plays with local folk bands Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag and Haltadans.

FREE

DOORS 7PMSTART 7.30PM

SHETLAND SETS @ MAREELJoin us for a night showcasing local Shetland talent. A variety of bands will perform in Mareel’s Auditorium set cabaret style. Entrance is free and via Mareel’s Cafe Bar

MAGGIE ADAMSON & BRIAN NICHOLSONMaggie Adamson grew up in Shetland, and is currently building a fast growing and glowing reputation as one of the best known fi ddlers. Maggie was recognised for her talents at a young age and has performed extensively throughout Scotland and beyond with her duo partner Brian Nicholson. Maggie is now studying at the Royal Conservatoire Scotland in Glasgow and has twice been crowned Glenfi ddich Fiddle Champion. Known for her effortless skill in a range of styles, Maggie’s playing ranges from classical, to jazz, to traditional. Brian displays equal diversity and skill on guitar making them a perfectly matched duo and an absolute pleasure to hear.

FRASER TAITA native of Sandwick, Fraser is 15 years old and a well known young fi ddler in the islands, and has been a regular at Fiddle Frenzy since the age of 9. He has loved fi ddle music from young age and cites Willie Hunter as his main infl uence. Accompanying him will be teacher Eunice Henderson.

LEWIE, ERIK & JONNYBrothers Lewie & Erik Peterson, both local to Sandwick are familiar faces on the Shetland music scene, both members of Vair & The Revellers. They are joined by fellow Vair member, guitarist Jonny Polson.

MELBOURNE SCOTTISH FIDDLE CLUBThe Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club’s Travelling Fiddlership allows the MSFC to benefi t from the rich traditions of Shetland, provides an opportunity for musicians from Shetland to tour in Australia, and has started a burgeoning friendship between the two fi ddle hemispheres! The 2014 recipients will tell you all about the fi ddlership, and play you a short selection of tunes, both homegrown and adopted from around the world.

DANCE The concert will be followed with a traditional dance with music by Peter Wood.

£14/£12 DOORS 7PM START 7.30PM

FRIDAY 8 AUGUST @ CARNEGIE HALL, SANDWICK

SATURDAY 9 AUGUST @ MAREELCATRIONA MACDONALD Growing up in Shetland, and taught by Dr Tom Anderson, Catriona has gone on to establish herself as one of the leading lights of the Shetland tradition and is considered to be one of the world’s leading traditional players. In 1991, she won the prestigious ‘BBC Radio 2 Young Tradition Award’, and is a previous and founding member of Blazin’ Fiddles and the female fiddle band, String Sisters.

Catriona will be joined by Dave Milligan. Born and raised in the Scottish Borders, Dave is a pianist whose musical imagination flows freely between jazz improvisation and the traditional airs and dance meters of his native Scotland.

£18/£16

DOORS 8PMSTART 8.30PM

JENNY KELDIE & BRIAN CROMARTYJenny is a past winner of the Shetland young fiddler of the year competition. Now arguably better known as a singer, she also performs with Laeverick and the Poptarts. Brian is part of Saltfishforty and the Chair. Together they perform songs from Orkney, Shetland, and everywhere else too. They like to sing harmony, and mostly play piano and guitar.

FIDDLE FRENZY STUDENTSOur students from across the week (over 70 in total!) will take to the stage to perform tunes they have learned specially for the performance.

£5 / FREE FOR STUDENTS

1-2PM

SATURDAY 9 AUGUST @ AUDITORIUM, MAREEL

LECTURE BY CATRIONA MACDONALD

TOM ANDERSON: HIS MUSICAL LIFE AND INFLUENCES

FOR STUDENTS ONLY

2-5PM

SATURDAY 9 AUGUST

VISIT TO DR TOM ANDERSON’S ESHANESS

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Fiddle Frenzy is based in Shetland’s main town Lerwick. 2013 saw the move of Fiddle Frenzy to its new base in Mareel, Shetland’s new music & cinema venue. Classes take place within Mareel and also at neighbouring Shetland Museum & Archives.

On Tuesday & Friday, we travel to areas outside Lerwick for classes and evening events will take place on those days (see schedule for more details).

SHETLAND MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

MAREEL

VENUES

FESTIVALCLUB

Following the Lerwick concerts, we run a Festival Club at Mareel for students to either sit back and relax, or get involved in the energetic group sessions, allowing everybody to try out their new tunes. Spaces will be provided for sessions at different speeds, to enable players of all experience to join in.

11PM - 1AMSUNDAY 3 MONDAY 4WEDNESDAY 6SATURDAY 9CAFE BAR, MAREEL

FRENZY SHOP & INFO POINTAcross the Fiddle Frenzy week, an Information Point will be based in the lower foyer at Mareel, run by our fantastic Volunteer Team, to answer any questions you have, from where the nearest pharmacy is, to how to fi nd your class location.

The Frenzy Shop will also operate at the same location, selling CDs by artists & tutors, Fiddle Frenzy tune books, bags, stickers, t-shirts etc.

THE OPENING HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

SUNDAY 3LOWER FOYER, MAREEL 12NOON - 2PM

MONDAY 4 WEDNESDAY 6 THURSDAY 7LOWER FOYER, MAREEL9AM - 10AM12NOON - 2.30PM4.30PM - 5PM7PM - 8PM11PM - 11.30PM

TUESDAY 5VIDLIN HALL6.30 - 7.30PM10PM - 10.30PM

FRIDAY 8CARNEGIE HALL6.30 - 7.30PM10PM - 10.30PM

SATURDAY 9LOWER FOYER, MAREEL12NOON - 1PM7PM - 8PM11PM - 11.30PM

SUNDAY 10LOWER FOYER, MAREEL12NOON - 2PM

FRENZY FOOD ‘The belly keeps the back up’ as they say, and it’s a hectic week so we want to make sure you’re all aware of food options during the Frenzy Week.

On Tuesday & Fridays, lunch and dinner will be provided for you, the cost of which are included in your teaching package. Coffee, tea & soft drinks will be provided free of charge during designated class breaks.

On Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, lunch and dinner costs are not included. There are many options to choose from in Lerwick and on arrival, we will provide you with a list of restaurants & cafes. For lunch on these days, we will run a Frenzy Cafe in Mareel’s Auditorium, selling special lunch package deals. The area will be set with tables & chairs to provide plenty of space for all students and tutors to eat together.

THE FRENZY CAFE 12.30 - 2PM MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

MAREEL CAFE BAR Mareel’s Cafe Bar will open from 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday serving drinks only 9am - 10am and then open with our normal menus throughout the day.

For full menu information visit www.mareel.org/cafe/

QUESTIONS? Please contact the Fiddle Frenzy Team: fiddle.frenzy@shetlandarts.org +44 (0) 1595 743843 (during office hours)Or you can write to us at the address right

KEEP UP TO DATE www.shetlandarts.org/fiddlefrenzywww.facebook.com/fiddlefrenzy

Mareel, Lerwick, Shetland. ZE1 0WQwww.shetlandarts.org

2 - 9 AUGUST 2015

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!