Showing posts with label world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label world. Show all posts

Sunday 19 February 2023

Celtic Connections Review 2023

 


2023 marked a welcome return. with long queues at the Danny Kyle open mic stage, packed venues and an excitement to have the popular festival back, after the restricted lockdown years of the Covid. (2021, 2022): and showcasing performances from some of the world’s most celebrated artists  Europe’s premier folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections drew to a close after 18 days of spectacular concerts, unique and powerful collaborations and captivating screenings. 

Celtic Connections, one of the world’s largest winter music festivals and this year saw its 30th year, celebrated with an exciting line-up for its Opening concert – The Big Band plus -  Sierra Hull’s mandolin, Hebridean Peat and Diesel folk rock; Maeve Gilchrist harp melodies; Mali’s duo Dre CaliLiam O Maonial’s band Hot House Flowers, singers Karine Polwart, Kim Carnie, Rachel Sermann, and Fergus McCreadie’s jazz piano.  

 

The concert included musicians who have been involve since its beginning, as well as providing a platform for future talent, everything from contemporary dance to punk-inspired folk rock.

The world-renowned festival,19th January to 5th February, was held without restrictions for the first time since 2020, staging more than 300 events with more than 100,000 attendances at 25 venues across Glasgow, from the famous Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to the Mackintosh Church in the west end and Tramway in the southside.(There was also over 10,000 attendances at free events). 

Irish Celtic Music. Róisín Reimagined with award-winning Irish singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Irish Chamber Orchestra teamed up for a new project that combined exceptional vocals with fresh orchestral arrangements of sean nós songs, breathing new life into the noble, classical music of 16th-19th century Gaelic Ireland. 




Another notable performance was Rise Kagona, lead guitarist and only remaining member of the mega-successful Zimbabwean rock band The Bhundu Boys. One of the most successful contemporary folk musicians from Finland, Maija Kauhanen, combined her expressive voice with Finnish kantele when she performed with composer Andrew WaiteRozi Plain performed tracks from her upcoming fifth LP, Prize and local musician Terra Kin presented their debut EP Too Far Gone.

Other highlights - Malian duo Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, with their rich and radiant blend of desert blues, Afro-pop, rock and hip-hop. Hen Hoose, a songwriting collective, brought together artists with ground-breaking music. Man of the Minch, at the forefront of Scottish folk music performed tracks from his debut album, The Tide is at the Turning. One of Mali’s most dynamic artists Rokia Koné  gave her first live performance in the UK of her debut album Bamanan, which was named one of the New York Times Best Albums of 2022.

The popular Cherish the Ladies, all-female American supergroup, champions of Celtic music, captivated with soulful singing, uplifting traditional Irish tunes and energetic dancing, as they celebrated 38 years. 

The sold out Transatlantic sessions brought together accomplished musicians and talented solo performers and went on tour to six UK venues. My personal highlights were Danny Kyle open stage, Vent du Nord, Duncan Chisholm, Kim Carnie and TS concerts


**Showcase Scotland, highlighted international partners Brittany and Wales during the six-day programme. The music industry event, which returned for the first time in two years, introduced delegates from across the world to the Scottish music sector, featuring this year’s partners Spectacle vivant en Bretagne - EPCC, and Wales Arts International - Celfyddydau Rhyngwladol Cymru.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “It has been incredible to celebrate the 30th edition of Celtic Connections and showcase folk, roots and world music, bringing communities from across the globe together in Glasgow. This year’s festival was a huge success and the calibre of the artists was incredible.

“We are honoured to have brought Europe's largest winter music festival to audiences from all over the world for the last 30 years. This year, we paid homage to all the musicians and artists who have contributed to Celtic Connections over the past three decades. We can’t wait to return in 2024 and once again bring music from around the world to the heart of Glasgow.”

Vent du Nord
Fergus McCreadie
Sierra Hull


**New Talent at Celtic Connections -  Lewis McLaughlin, who won the Glastonbury emerging talent

Kim Carnie, award winning Gaelic singer and composer, Mercury nominated Fergus McCreadie jazz pianist, 


*Danny Kyle Stage, 24th year – Binky Blue – Carnan – Chloe Matharu – Falasgair – Tem and Will Boyd-Wallis



*Winner Young Trad Musician 2023
 – pianist Amy Laurence, who mixes traditions from Shetland

This year’s winner of the prestigious award joins a list which recently has included amongst others the 2022 winner fiddler Eryn Rae, pianist Michael Biggins, piper Ali Levack, fiddler Benedict Morris and singer Hannah Rarity.  Amy said: “I am stunned and delighted to be the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician for 2023 and to follow in the footsteps of past winners, who are such an inspiration.”

Originally from Shetland, Amy began her journey through traditional music at the age of 16 when she began attending lessons from Violet Tulloch, who she still considers a large influence.   In 2017 she made the move to Glasgow to study Classical Piano at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before making the switch, in 2019, to the traditional department where she was awarded a first-class honours degree in traditional music.  As part of the 2023 award, Amy wins a recording session with BBC Scotland, an opportunity to perform at the Scots Trad Music Awards later in the year, plus a one-year membership to the Musicians Union.

Wednesday 18 January 2023

CELTIC CONNECTIONS OPENS!

 

Alongside the usual varied musical selection, visitors can enjoy ceilidhs, workshops, talks, exhibitions and more over the 18 days.

The festival will run from Thursday 19 January to Sunday 5 February 2023. Follow the conversation   at @ccfest.

Europe’s premier winter music festival, Celtic Connections opens in Glasgow today, Thursday 19th January, showcasing performances from some of Scotland and the world’s brightest emerging musical talent alongside stalwarts of the scene and returning favourites, and runs to Sunday 5th February. Thousands of musicians from across the world - USA, Ireland, Mali, Morocco, will perform across Glasgow over its two weeks as it celebrates 30 years of pushing the boundaries of traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music.

With thousands of visitors passing through the doors of Celtic Connections each year, the festival’s contribution over the last three decades to Scotland’s cultural landscape and international reputation, and the Glasgow economy during the dark month of January, cannot be understated. Since the festival’s inception in 1994, the number of events staged at Celtic Connections has quadrupled and the number of venues has grown 25-fold. 

Education program. Since its learning programme was established in 1999, more than 200,000 children and young people have taken part in its cultural events. This year sees the return of its educational arm in earnest, with three free school concerts and 44 workshops set to be delivered to school children throughout Glasgow.

 

The festival’s legacy for championing emerging talent with the much-loved Danny Kyle Open Stage and has showcased 146 finalists comprising 440 artists and the festival’s New Voices strand, which allows young musicians to develop and perform brand new compositions, will this year top 76 stunning commissions. Celtic Connections is also supported by a team of 100 volunteers.



**Tonight’s 30
th opening concert Glasgow Royal Concert Hall will celebrate Celtic Connections’ rich history with artists who have featured over the last three decades. The once-in-a-lifetime line up includes Basco, Duncan Chisholm, Fergus McCreadie and Matt Carmichael, Karine Polwart, Kathleen MacInnes, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Maeve Gilchris, Peat & Diesel, Rachel Sermanni, Sierra HullScottish Dance TheatreTRIP, and The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.  They are joined by a special big band, originally brought together for the 2021 digital opening night - Duncan LyallSorren MacleanFraser FifieldPatsy ReidGraham MacKenzieLaura WilkieMichael McGoldrickHannah FisherRoss AinslieAnna MassieGreg Lawson,Alice AllenAlyn CoskerJames Mackintosh.

Mercury-nominated jazz pianist and Scottish Album of the Year Fergus McCreadie and acclaimed harpist Maeve Gilchrist team up with Mr McFall’s String Quartet for a performance at The Mackintosh Church, while Ian Carr & The Various Artists and Madeleine Stewart Trio at Drygate Brewery.

This weekend’s packed schedule includes festivals legends Saltfishforty along with award-winning Scandinavian band BascoTreacherous Orchestra, alongside VÍÍK, who combine Scandinavian song tradition, progressive jazz and alternative rock. Colonel Mustard and The Dijon 5 , and the legendary John McCusker will celebrate 30 years with a host of special guests at City Halls.

*Highlights  include - Shetland musicians Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair, celebrating the upcoming release of their long-awaited duo record; When Mountains Meet / Jub Milain Pahaar: A musical adventure from Scotland to Pakistan combines Scottish and South Asian influenced music, storytelling, and striking visual images to recount the true story of Anne Wood as she sets forth on a voyage from the Scottish Highlands to the Himalayas.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s Strathclyde Suite will host dementia-friendly concerts, with Josie Duncan and Owen Sinclair, and Robyn Stapleton and Claire Hastings showcasing the power of music and its ability to kick-start the brain and unlock memories. 

Afro Celtic Connections - Saint Luke’s play host to Rise Kagona, with lead guitarist of the Zimbabwean band The Bhundu Boys, Diwan, who bring an exuberant fusion of funky mbalax and Afrobeat grooves, with ska, rock and Senegalese soul led by Senegalese singer Samba Sene, and Chief Cheb, a celebrated African philosopher, poet storyteller and teacher.

Tramway will host the world premiere of Moving Cloud – a collaboration of contemporary dance and traditional music created by Celtic Connections and Scottish Dance Theatre, with a new score performed by a 14-piece folk ensemble  with TRIP and Sian along with Greg Lawson and Alice Allen

Celtic Odyssée perform atz Glasgow Royal Concert Hall along with the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, with 18 artists from the eight European Celtic nations coming together in a celebration of a shared heritage. Musical Director is Breton piper Ronan Le Bars, along with Denez Prigent (Brittany), Karen Matheson (Scotland), Karan Casey (Ireland), Cerys Hafana (Wales), Fransy Gonzàlez (Galicia), Sylvia Quesada (Asturias), Lauren Chandler (Cornwall), Finlay MacDonald (Scotland) and many more. They will share the stage with Scottish fiddle-led four-piece FARA, who will bring their unique mix of intricate fiddle harmonies and skilled storytelling.

Troubadour Jim Malcolm, trad singer Susie Malcolm, their daughter, Beth Malcolm, and fiddle legend Pete Clark will celebrate Burns Night with an evening of song at The National Piping Centre, while record label Last Night will host a show at Oran Mòr, celebrating three of the label's most recent successes: wojtek the bearSister John, and Album Club.

James Grant and The Hallelujah Strings will perform at the beautiful Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum this year, not once but twice, after a second date was added due to demand. Audiences will be treated to James’ signature rich vocals and outstanding guitar work, his incredible back catalogue performed alongside the Hallelujah Strings, a 14-piece string section led by Greg Lawson.

The festival will draw to a close on Sunday 5 February when the hotly contested BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition reaches its conclusion, while Transatlantic Sessions celebrates its 20th year of showcasing the shared traditions of Scotland, Ireland and the US, and the GRAMMY Award-winning Fantastic Negrito plays tracks from his new album, supported by talented Nashville-based singer-songwriter and performer Tommy Prine.  

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “Sharing our music and our arts is a vital part of our human existence – it allows us to feel rooted in place and connected to one another, enriching our lives in the process. Over the last 30 years, this is what Celtic Connections has always been about. As we take a moment to recognise and appreciate what we’ve managed to achieve over the last three decades, we go into this year’s festival with feelings of immense determination, pride and gratitude.

“As ever we’re incredibly excited to be welcoming people from across Scotland and the world to Glasgow to enjoy the very best in Celtic, folk, roots and world music. I know our musicians and everyone involved in the festival is ready to make this another incredibly special one in the calendar. With an incredible array of entertainment on offer, audiences can expect to be amazed wherever they find themselves across the city. It’s amazing how when the atmosphere in a venue is so warm and the music so restorative, you don’t notice the January rain or the wind outside.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The curtain rising on Celtic Connections’ showcase of outstanding musical talent from Scotland and all over the world, with its vibrant programme of wonderful live performances in our city’s venues, is always exciting.  And it’s a particularly special occasion this year as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the festival and acknowledge the huge contribution it has made over three decades to Glasgow’s rich cultural offer. 

“The richly deserved, exceptional reputation Celtic Connections has earned as Europe’s leading traditional music festival - and the event’s great importance to the city as a much-loved highlight that attracts thousands of visitors, enriching the lives of local, national and international audiences - is something that Glasgow takes great pride in. We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone taking part in this year’s festival.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Celtic Connections shines a bright cultural light in the winter darkness and I’m delighted the Scottish Government is able to support this year’s 30th anniversary event. This year’s stunning line up of musicians reflects the huge amount of talent we have in Scotland and also the festival’s standing internationally as world-famous artists travel to Glasgow to take part in the celebrations.”

Tickets for Celtic Connections 2023 are available from www.celticconnections.com.

Sunday 27 February 2022

CELTIC CONNECTIONS highlights 2022

 

Covid has given us time and also new appreciation of those crucial human connections. 

In-person performances at Europe’s premier winter music festival Celtic Connections came to a close last night (Sunday 6 February) after almost three weeks of world-class concerts, exhibitions and screenings.

The 29th edition of the UK’s premiere celebration of roots music was hybrid this year with both in-person and online concerts.  For the 18-day festival and staged around 60 in-person concerts, a number of intimate filming sessions and a quality digital offering.

More than 500 artists were involved across the festival in shows that brought in more than 23,000 attendees to 18 venues right across Glasgow - from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and The Old Fruitmarket, the Mackintosh Church, Tramway.

The online programme, which runs until 16th February, has enjoyed thousands of viewers from 31 countries - Japan, South Africa and Israel, with more than 700 minutes of exclusive programming to be enjoyed.

The Showcase Scotland international partner for Celtic Connections 2022 was Wales, with leading musicians performances over the closing weekend. Showcase Scotland took place online for a second year, so Wales will return in 2023 for a full in-person partnership, alongside Brittany. Both leading and emerging talents. 

Old Fruitmarket
Rura
Siobhan Miller
Anoushka Shankar 

The 2022 highlights included a torch-lit Shetland viking march through the streets of Glasgow, a spell-binding performance from Anoushka Shankar accompanied by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, several foot-stomping sell-out trad gigs and a unique strand of shows celebrating Scotland’s Year of Stories.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “Having been faced with such uncertainty at the turn of the year, we feel very fortunate to have preserved an 18-day festival and to have met disruption with innovation and creative solutions at every turn. It’s been a joy to provide a global platform for musicians and performers and to share our love and passion for performance with the world, while keeping those involved safe.  “We have showcased uplifting performances from some of folk’s brightest talent and brought that hugely sought after live-gig experience to thousands of festival attendees - all with a renewed sense of optimism and vigour. Thank you to everyone who stuck with us to make this year’s festival possible. We look forward to returning bigger and better again for our 30th year in 2023.”

John McCusker, Phil Cunningham, Ali Bain
N’famady Kouyaté
Paul Brady
Sarah Jarosz

**Selected Celtic Connection shows are available to enjoy as part of an online pass until Wednesday 16 February.

Rescheduled concerts – Niteworks  Isle of Skye electronic Celtic fusion band - 22nd June / Scottish folk favourites Capercaillie - 23rd June, plus the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Celtic Connections will return for its 30th anniversary  19th January to 5th February 2023.  

Celtic Connections began in 1994 when it offered 66 events at one venue. It has since grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year, with an unwavering ambition to showcase the very best traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul, indie and world music and nurture unique local, national and international cultural partnerships.

 www.celticconnections.com.

Viking Torchlit parade to open Celtic Connections




Tuesday 11 January 2022

Celtic Connections 2022 cancelled events due to Covid

 

It's sad about Celtic Connections having to cancel some concerts, but they are now offering a Digital festival from 26th January.

THE ORGANISERS Celtic Connections music festival have announced that several shows will be cancelled due to the uncertainty around Covid.

FM Nicola Sturgeon announced that she hopes to be able to lift the current restrictions on indoor events on January 24 2022, so hopes are growing that this month's Celtic Connections festival, January 20, can go ahead to some extent, while some events have already been cancelled.

Celtic Connections  have announced it was with "a heavy heart" that they were confirming a number of shows within the programme are no longer able to go ahead. They are in the process of contacting impacted artists regarding cancellations and expect the majority of shows to be affected by restrictions in some way.

 "Our ambition for the 29th edition of the festival was to bring everyone together once again, however the uncertainty and disruption caused by the Omicron variant has meant it is not feasible for us to continue with our existing plans on the scale we had originally hoped.

"Artists and ticketholders for the shows affected so far are being contacted directly and we would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and patience.  We have not come to these decisions lightly and are committed to presenting a form of the festival which brings the connection and joy of Celtic Connections to audiences, while being both feasible and safe for all involved.

"We are currently working through many different scenarios and options and reviewing all shows in line with existing event restrictions. We will continue to keep our audiences up to date as the plans for Celtic Connections 2022 evolve."

The opening concert, ‘Neath The Gloamin’ Star, was to feature younger musicians and songwriters.

Cara Dillon



Before Christmas organisers said restrictions and the timeline against future reviews presented significant challenges for the festival. However, with restrictions placed onaudience numbers for indoor events at just 200 for all-seater shows and 100 for standing, and one-metre distancing, shows have sadly been cancelled.

The event, promoted by Glasgow Life, the charitable trust which runs the city's culture and leisure services, was due to be held in Glasgow from January 20 to February 6, with an 18-day programme featuring traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music. More than 1,000 musicians were due to take part in the 29th edition of the concert series.

The online version of the festival in 2021 sold more than 27,000 tickets and attracted audiences from over 60 different countries, with more than 10.5 million minutes of musical entertainment viewed over a 19-day programme.  Previous festivals have featured Robert Plant, Laura Marling, the Chieftains, Bobby Womack to name a few - and more than 100,000 attendances.

https://www.celticconnections.com


Adam Holmes

 
**Some events have already been cancelled, however. Below is a list of the affected performances.

Roaming Roots, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, January 23

Dean Owen at CCA, January 28

Geraint Watkins Band and Emma Jane, Drygate Brewery, January 21

 

 

Shetland 550, The Mackintosh Church, January 21

Ceilidh With The Peter Wood Band, National Piping Centre, January 22

The Lonesome Ace Stringband & The Magpies, Mitchell theatre January 22

Elephant Sessions 10th Anniversary Special, Glasgow Barrowland, January 22 (re-scheduled for September 23)

The Conundrum: International Piping Night, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (New Auditorium), January 22

Neal Francis and Unoma Okudo, Drygate Brewery, January 22

 

An Tobar: 25 Years, Drygate Brewery, January 23

Megan Henderson with Ainsley Hamill: Not Just Ship Land, Mitchell Theatre, January 23

Frankie Gavin and Màirtìn Ò Connor and Stundom, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (New Auditorium), January 23

Le Vent Du Nord, Old Fruitmarket, January 28

Ian Fraser with Josie Duncan, Mitchell Theatre, January 28

Spiers & Boden, Òran Mór, January 28

Astrid and Ewan Macfarlane, Drygate Brewery, January 27

Lera Lynn and Donovan Woods, CCA, January 27

Allison Russell and Ala de Liona and Emily Scott Robinson, Saint Luke’s, January 26

Breabach with Beòlach, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, January 26

Jason Wilson’s Ashara, CCA, January 29

Leventime: A Tribute To Jackie Leven, Òran Mór, January 29

Stina Marie Claire, CCA, January 30

Andrew Wasylyk and Twelfth Day, Mitchell Theatre, January 30

Hamish Henderson Night: Ballad Of The Banffies, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, January 30

Jill Jackson and Lady Nade, Old Fruitmarket, January 30

 

Annabelle Chvostek and Elaine Lennon, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Strathclyde Suite), January 31

Kate Rusby, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, February 1

Rachel Baiman and Cahalen Morrison, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Strathclyde Suite), February 1

Catriona Price, Mitchell Theatre, February 2

Amadou & Mariam, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, February 2

Darlingside, Saint Luke’s, February 2

Dervish, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, February 3

Tom Oakes, National Piping Centre, February 3

The Mastersons and Julia Taylor, CCA, February 4

Ryan Young and Chris Amer with Janice Burns and Jon Doran, National Piping Centre, February 4

Roddy Hart And The Lonesome Fire, Saint Luke’s, February 6


Friday 31 January 2020

Auld Lang Syne Concert -Celtic Connections 2020



What an excellent concert!
With a top line up of singers backed by the quality playing of the Scottish chamber orchestra and house band, consisting of Donald Shaw, fiddler John McCusker. The concert was recorded for Radio Scotland. Of course performing the much loved Burns songs with a top orchestra and quality singers was bound to be a winner and everyone was on top form tonight. 

Karen Matheson

Gaelic singer, Karen Matheson began the concert with some of Burns most romantic songs:with her clear, expressive voice and backed by the band and orchestra – Bonnie Jean, Lassie in the Lint White Coat, Ca the Yowes. She also performed a Donald Shaw composition, Let Me Wander. 

Jarlath Henderson

From Northern Ireland, piper and singer Jarlath Henderson, impressed with one of my best loved Burns songs, Westlin Winds. “One of the best songs ever written, it says all there is to say.” quote from folk singer Dick Gaughan (I missed his powerful voice). Henderson also performed one his own compositions and an excellent vocal on, Green Grow the Rashes O.  

Eddi Reader was cheered on stage and she sang – Jamie Come Try Me, Red Red Rose, and Charlie is My Darling - backed by the orchestra. After which Shona Donaldson sang a poignant Highland Widow’s Lament and the Slaves Lament, plus the more upbeat and rhythmic Rattlin Roarin Willie.  

For the grand finale Reader sang her passionate interpretation of Ae Fond Kiss and for a glorious finish with Auld Lang Syne and with the audience on their feet after such an enjoyable night.  

Eddi Reader
I wondered what would it have meant to Burns to have his songs thrill audiences all these years after he wrote them – and all over the world!  I was particularly glad to hear Westlin winds, Slaves Lament, Rattlin Roarin, Green Grow the Rashes O and Ae Fond Kiss, 

Burns was a great romantic poet and wrote some of the world’s greatest love songs -  but also so much more. He cared deeply on many issues – the Rights of Man (and women), his love and caring of nature, keeping Scots traditions alive, song collecting, equality, freedom and democracy. 

He was passionate about his song collecting but he was also a radical and reformer. His heroes from boyhood were freedom fighters. He also wrote one of the world’s best known and loved songs of equality - A Mans a Man for a That, which is sung today all over Europe, Canada and beyond. 


Jarlath Henderson, is an Irish folk musician. He is a  Uilleann piper, guitar, Cittern, low whistle and flute and winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young folk award 2003.