Outstanding opening night in Vidlin at accordion and fiddle festival
A PACKED Vidlin hall played host to an evening of outstanding musicians for the opening night of the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival, writes Chloe Irvine.
An audiences of all ages turned out on Thursday night to enjoy performances from a diverse line-up of musical talent.
The concert was compered throughout by Charlie Kirkpatrick, who kept the audience entertained between sets with his humorous storytelling.
Opening the concert was the Brendan Scollay Band, whose energetic traditional sets quickly had feet tapping throughout the hall.
The performance was enhanced by dynamic percussion that lent additional power and momentum to the performance. The group demonstrated impeccable timing throughout a lively selection of tunes.
Scollay had the audience laughing with his comment that he would buy a dram for anyone able to identify the tune he was playing, before bringing his set to a close with a spirited selection of reels.
The second performance featured Maggie Adamson on fiddle, accompanied by Kirsten Gifford on piano.
The duo immediately captivated the audience with an uplifting and light-footed opening tune before delivering a moving rendition of Swan LK243. The piece revealed a more reflective side to Adamson’s playing and was performed with such sensitivity that the hall fell completely silent before erupting into sustained applause.
Her versatility was further highlighted during a dazzling rendition of the Four String Polka, performed at breathtaking speed. At times she set aside the bow and employed pizzicato techniques, plucking the strings to produce a distinctive, resonant sound.
Adamson revealed it had been 11 years since they last recorded a CD, but alas work on a new one would begin next week.
The evening continued with Dawson, Hutson and Orr, who brought the first half of the concert to a close.
Help keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Good local journalism takes time, care and people on the ground. Membership helps us keep reporting the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read. Members get a weekly newsletter created especially for them, local ads only, and can bookmark stories and join the conversation in the comments.
Already a member? Sign in.
Clearly seasoned performers, the trio appeared completely at ease on stage as they delivered another finely crafted traditional set.
Their programme took listeners on a musical journey from France to Canada, including one tune inspired by the pursuit of squirrels.
The combination of fiddle, accordion and piano proved particularly effective, with the piano frequently emerging as a lead voice in its own right rather than simply accompanying the melody.
The second half opened with the Alistair Macleod Trio, who impressed with their technical proficiency, while the percussion added texture and depth to the overall sound.
The accordions moved effortlessly through intricate passages at tremendous speed, while the drummer alternated between traditional sticks and brush beaters to create a rich variety of tones and rhythms.
Next on stage was fiddle player George Spence, accompanied by guitarist Liam Slater.
Launching into their set with energy and purpose, the duo presented music from Unst, including a tune written by Spence’s father Steven to mark his first birthday.
A slower and more introspective piece followed, highlighting Spence’s remarkable connection with his instrument.
Towards the end of the set, Spence also employed the masterful technique of plucking the fiddle strings by hand to create an unusual and engaging sound that brought a roar of appreciation from the crowd.
The Jayden Moore Band brought together an exceptional ensemble of musicians, featuring accordion, fiddle, piano and drums. Their vibrant performance had audience members swaying along and included wedding tunes that evoked an urge to take to the dance floor.
Another highlight from their set was Farewell to Sumburgh Head, which began with a thoughtfully delivered accordion solo from Moore. Piano and fiddle gradually entered, each instrument retaining its own distinctive character while also blending seamlessly together. Delicate percussion introduced towards the end added to an already atmospheric performance.
Following the raffle draw, the final act of the evening took to the stage, and West Telferton Caledonian Dance Band provided a fitting finale.
Combining high-energy musicianship with engaging storytelling between sets, they quickly won over the audience. Their charisma and stage presence were evident throughout, and they succeeded in bringing the evening to an exhilarating conclusion.
The concert showcased not only the exceptional calibre of musicians, but also the enthusiasm of the Vidlin audience, whose hearty response to every performance helped create an electric atmosphere – strongly setting the tone for the rest of the festival.
The 37th Shetland Accordion and Fiddle festival got under way on Thursday afternoon, and continues until Sunday.
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.
Already a member? Sign in.
