Showcases
All Showcases take place in The Quaker Studio at The Pleasance.
They run on both Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November; from 12 noon until 5pm, with a short break between each Showcase.
There are five Showcases each day; each of approximately 45 minutes.
This is a great chance to see some new, and familiar, faces at the top of their game.
Ticket costs
Tickets are £17.00 per person, per Showcase - or you can buy a Showcase Day Ticket for £50.00 which covers entry to all of that day’s Showcases.
Accompanied children aged 12 or under are entitled to free entry to the Showcases (up to 2 children per paying adult).
Personal assistants/carers are also entitled to free entry to the Showcases.
All Showcases at 12:00 noon are FREE to everyone.
Saturday Showcases: 21st November
12:00 noon: Kiltearn Fiddlers
FREE event
This flagship youth ensemble celebrate 40 years of transformational opportunities in traditional music and Gaelic language. Intensive monthly fiddle classes for advanced players, currently under the astute tutelage of Lauren MacColl, guides this vibrant, forward-looking presence honouring Highland fiddle traditions.
1:00pm: Lussa
Emerging from the vibrant traditional music scene of Glasgow, Lussa create fresh, spirited arrangements of original and traditional tunes. Their infectious energy and joyful sound have captivated audiences around Scotland and abroad. Featuring Naomi Priestnall (fiddle), Elizabet McConnell (fiddle), Bailey McCoo (Piano), and Eneko Lane (guitar/banjo).
2:00pm: Matthew Hardie 200
This year marks 200 years since the death of the Jedburgh and Edinburgh violin maker Matthew Hardie. Popularly known as the 'Scottish Stradivari', his impact on Scottish violin making cannot be underestimated. This unique recital by Iain Fraser and Joanne Stark will be performed on two of Hardie’s finest instruments in conjunction with Edinburgh violin dealers Tim Wright Violins.
3:00pm: Dylan Cairns
Dylan is an exceptionally talented traditional fiddler, guitarist and hurdy-gurdy player based in Glasgow. With a hand in many musical collaborations, his playing draws from his upbringing in West Wales combined with extensive touring across Europe. A stalwart of the Glasgow session scene, Dylan co-founded a project to provide low-cost traditional music to children and adults in Glasgow.
4:00pm: Rachel & Holli
Glasgow-based duo Rachel Campbell & Holli Scott, whose collaboration creates a distinctive sound blending accordion, piano, fiddle, and vocals. Through thoughtful arrangements, they showcase the versatility of their instruments and their natural musical connection. Their music is characterised by rich textures and interplay, creating performances that feel both intimate and dynamic.
Sunday Showcases: 22nd November
12:00 noon: Open Stage
FREE event
An exciting new addition to the festival, this showcase will feature five successful applicants ranging from experienced performers to festival debutantes. Come along and discover new talent and enjoy an inspiring showcase of musicians celebrating a variety of fiddle styles.
1:00pm: Meallan
Danny Kyle Award-winning group, Meallan are an exciting Scottish act; blending fiddle (Kirsty Harrison & Ruby Smith), accordion (Eòin Cumming), clàrsach (Catriona Kane), guitar (Anja Maclennan) and piano (Matthew Duncan), Meallan are inspired by the unique influences of their diverse geographical roots but share a combined passion for original compositions with a contemporary edge and respect for traditional roots.
2:00pm: Gavin Marwick with Ruth Morris and Aaron Jones
Gavin is a fiddler and composer brought up in the rich musical landscape of Edinburgh and influenced by a lifetime of myriad musical experiences. The focus of this recital is Quarterdays, his seasonally-inspired set of compositions around the old Scots quarter days of Candlemas, Whitsun, Lammas and Martinmas. Featuring Aaron Jones (cittern) and Ruth Morris (nyckelharpa).
3:00pm: Matt Tighe
Danny Kyle nominee Matt Tighe is quickly making a name for himself. Initially classically schooled, this ‘fiery virtuoso’ has made the transition from London to Glasgow, and to the world of folk, seamlessly. His distinctive style attests to his influential tutors and he has performed the length and breadth of the country.
4:00pm: The Fiddle Line Podcast
A live recording of The Fiddle Line, a podcast hosted by acclaimed musician John McCusker. The interview dives into the life, journey, and passions of a special guest to be confirmed ahead of the festival. Through in-depth conversation and musical interludes, John will uncover the stories behind the music.