A renowned Scottish fiddler who forged a career playing and educating the next generation of fiddlers around the globe is to perform at this year’s HebCelt festival.
Alasdair Fraser, 63, has performed and taught the next generation for 35 years, but still remains as passionate as ever about the uplifting power of traditional music.
A string of accolades have followed the talented musician, most notably being his introduction to the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
Mr Fraser said: “I’ve never counted the number of people I’ve taught, but there’ve been a lot – 35 years of schools with 150-250 students of all ages and abilities.
“I love to see these folks become empowered to know they can create a life in music – professionals or otherwise. Being around music is an important part of being alive, whether you’re playing or listening or dancing – or all three. It’s a potent force in our lives.”
Mr Fraser is set to commute from his base in California, where he will be joined on stage by his regular partner, cellist Natalie Haas, at the Hebridean Celtic Festival. The duo will appear at An Lanntair arts centre in Stornoway on Thursday, July 19, as part of the festival programme.
Mr Fraser added:“It’s been too long since I was in Stornoway and I am looking forward to continuing where we left off a few years back.
“I am privileged to lead a life following the fiddle and it will be a pleasure to play once again at An Lanntair.
“I wanted to explore the old use of the cello in Scottish music going back to the heyday of Niel Gow and the great 18th century dance repertoire. Then along came Natalie who was perfectly suited to exploring the rhythmic and harmonic possibilities of fiddle and cello together.”
The duo have received much praise over the years with their debut album Fire and Grace achieving the Album of the Year award at the Trad Music Awards in 2004.