25 years on from the very first intake of talented young musicians, 6th year students at the country’s only traditional music school are on on the road to share their music with people across Scotland.
In May 2000, the doors of The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music were opened and nine young musicians started their musical education under the expert tutelage of an array of Scotland’s traditional musicians including. Now, 25 years later, six 6th Year students from Plockton’s Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd / The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music are out on tour for one last time as students of the renowned music centre.
Hot on the heels of performing a special concert for First Minister John Swinney earlier this month, the talented young musicians are performing six gigs before taking to the stage with the whole Centre in June. Current and former students will perform a special evening to celebrate 25 years at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness on the 19th June.
On tour at the moment are Izzy Sommerville (Inverness), Caragh Gillot (Golspie), Niamh Mercer (Tain), Ruairidh Biss (Achmore), Ruaridh Cameron (Dingwall) and Giacomo Cecchini-Fraser (Portree).
The tour started on March 28 in Kyleakin and played at Croy Village Hall on March 29, continuing tonight, March 30, in Crieff with the other dates and venues below.
- Sunday 30th March, Strathearn Arts, Crieff
- Monday 31st March, National Piping Centre, Glasgow
- Wednesday 2nd April, The Tolbooth, Stirling
- Thursday 3rd April, Applecross Hall
Students at the Centre receive an in-depth experience in traditional music, and receive world-class tuition by top traditional musicians such as fiddler and Gordon Gunn; Gaelic singers Deirdre Graham and Rachel Walker; singer songwriter Siobhan Miller; multi-instrumentalist and composer Hamish Napier; fiddle player and guitarist, Innes Watson; harpist and pianist Ingrid Henderson; pianist Mhairi Hall; composer/producer Mike Vass, who is also the Centre Manager, and many others.
Former students include some of the country’s most well-respected traditional musicians, who have gone on to have incredibly successful careers following their time in Plockton, including singer Kim Carnie, Conal McDonagh and Ewan Robertson of award-winning folk band Breabach and Catriona Hawksworth of HEISK, who will be joining the current students at Eden Court for an evening of exciting collaborative performances.
Mike Vass, Centre Manager, added: “Students at The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music have come from all over Scotland to date; pupils from 20 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have attended the Centre over the 25-year history. The young musicians who have come through the doors since 2000 have gained invaluable experience and musical education, preparing them for variety of musical careers, whether that is performing, teaching, or working in sound, lighting or event management.
“The 6th year students have planned this tour, with guidance from our tutor team, and are learning what it takes to have a successful career within the music industry. The annual tour is always a popular item in the music school calendar as it allows our senior students the opportunity not just to go out and play music in different venues, but also to prepare, plan and book everything required to allow the tour to run smoothly. It gives them a taste of life as a full-time or part-time musician.”
The 25th anniversary stramash takes place on the 19th June at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness and tickets are available for purchase online. For more information about the spring tour and about the Centre, please visit www.plocktonmusicschool.com.