10/10/2006 for IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Future glittering stars of traditional music win through to prestigious final.

The road to Glasgow’s celebrated Celtic Connections festival and the chance to become the 2007 winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award has been set for 6 young and talented traditional musicians.
Darren MacLean (23) - Isle of Skye (Gaelic song), Mike Vass (23) - Nairn (fiddle), Calum Stewart (24) - Garmouth (wooden flute), Catriona Watt (18) - Isle of Lewis (Gaelic song), Calum MacCrimmon (25) - Monifieth (pipes, whistles), Martin Hunter (23) - Glasgow (accordion), were chosen from the 12 fantastic young musicians who took part in the Award’s semi-finals concert in Coulter, South Lanarkshire on Saturday 7th October. In an amazing night of music showcasing Scotland’s strength of talent in up and coming young traditional musicians, the filled to capacity hall, which including 5 judges, were treated to an exhilarating and always entertaining exhibition of musicianship and stagecraft from the competitors.

This is the seventh year of the competition and the grand finals will take place on 28th January 2007 in The City Halls, Glasgow as part if the Celtic Connections festival.

The winner of the Award will get the chance to perform at an International music festival, a CD with Foot Stompin’ Records, 1 years membership of the Musician’s Union. All the finalists will get 1 years membership of the Traditional Music and Song Association, and a session on BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk programme.

This is an Award that exists to encourage young musicians to keep their tradition alive and to maximise their musical potential by the pursuit of a career in traditional music.

ENDS

For further information contact:

For further information contact: Simon Thoumire @ "Hands Up For Trad"
w: www.handsupfortrad.co.uk. e: info@handsupfortrad.co.uk t: 0131 208 3089 m: 07775854572

Past winners: Gillian Frame (Arran), Emily Smith (Thornhill), Anna Massie (Fortrose), James Graham (Lochinver), Stuart Cassells (Falkirk), Shona Mooney (Lauder).
Event sponsors are South Lanarkshire Council, Foot Stompin' Records, Celtic Connections Festival, Musicians Union, Watercolour Music, British Council Scotland, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Traditional Music and Song Association, Clydesdale Folk Club.

Back to BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award