Entertainment / Local boy wins ‘most promising accordionist’ accolade
A YOUNG local musician has been named the most promising under-16 accordionist in Scotland after winning the Bill Wilkie Memorial Trophy at the Perth Accordion & Fiddle Festival.
Ten year old Ryan Johnson, from Vidlin, also came first in the 10 and under age group, as well as in the under-12 traditional accordion solo competitions. He was second in the dance music event.
Mum Tori Johnson said Ryan has been playing the accordion since he was five.
“Ryan works really hard and practices every day, and we couldn’t be prouder of him,” she said.
“Ryan would like to say – I enjoy traditional music, and really enjoyed playing with my cousin for the dance music section. That’s the first time I’ve entered a competition with someone else.
“My teacher Michael Philip is funny and lets me choose my music which I like. I’m really happy with what I’ve achieved.”
The 72nd festival was held virtually with winners announced on Saturday afternoon.
Other notable results for local musicians included Victoria Byrne-McCombie coming first in the girl’s section of the junior traditional accordion solo championship, second in the junior pipe music accordion solo and third in the junior musette accordion solo.
She was also second in the junior world music accordion solo.
Meanwhile Bruce Peebles came third in the senior pipe music accordion solo event. He also won the dance music competition ahead of Ryan Johnson.
In the fiddle section of the competition Kristie Williamson came first in the under-12 fiddle solo event, while Yelena Anderson and Maisie Henderson scooped first and second places in the all Scotland junior fiddle solo championship.
Meanwhile Maise Henderson won the junior slow air fiddle solo ahead of Holly Stephen, while Emma Leask came third in the senior section of the slow air fiddle solo.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.