Celtic Connections 2021 offered hope, renewals and light in dark times.
This was such a treat to enjoy so many quality concerts in the comfort of our own homes! Variety is a key word at Celtic, and one of its strengths.
The festival celebrates different cultures and the range and quality of talent. It also showcases Glasgow impressive, historic venues - Mackintosh church, Kelvingrove galleries, Barrowlands, City Chambers, old Fruimarket,
The digital festival aired over 30 concerts showcasing over 100 musicians. It has been a huge success with sales (tickets and passes) surpassing expectations with 27,000 sold to audiences from over 60 countries. Over 10.5 million minutes of musical entertainment have been enjoyed by viewers over the last 19 days.
I particularly enjoyed concerts with – Duncan Chishom, Elephant Sessions, Vent Du Nord, Blue Rose Code, The Opening concert, Karen Matheson, Karine Polwart. Other Highlights – Fara, Breabach, Dreamers Circus, Admiral Fallow, Jose Gonzalez (Sweden), The Staves, Molly Tuttle, more. And the Roaming Roots revue with Songs of survival,
The ‘Farewell concert‘ ended the festival with a lone piper at the Glasgow SEE Hydro, the first performance there for a year - will we ever see it packed again? Also included was haunting Gaelic singer Darren MacLean and a poignant poem by Edwin Morgan, The Release. While the pure tones of Rachel Sermanni sang her song ‘Lay my Heart’ the video showed highlight moments from this years online Celtic Connections. And I highly recommend for a finale showcase of the breadth and quality range of talent.
The festival overs the whole range of emotions with expressive melodies, reassuring vocal harmonies, and energetic rhythms. The festival is a platform for folk traditions and new talent.
While a scaled down festival this was an impressive line up! Here’s hoping to be actually at the concert hall in 2022! https://www.celticconnections.com
Strange times indeed. Music gives us a voice,
Brings us together,
Offers new horizons,
New hopes,
New dawns,
That we can dream again, hope again,
Touch again.
