Fiddlers rally reels in the audience

More than 50 musicians from all over Scotland gathered in Oban at the weekend for the long-awaited 76th annual Fiddlers Rally Concert.

 

Oban & Lorne Strathspey and Reel Society extended a warm welcome to an appreciative audience with Piper Calan McGuigan, a member of the Oban High School Pipe Band and Traditional School of Music, guiding all to the Argyllshire Gathering Halls with a fine selection of pipe tunes both outside the venue and in the comfort of the halls to start off a fine night of musical entertainment.

 

"attachment_923953" "" "300"] Oban and Lorn Strathspey and Reel Society back on stage in Oban.

 

The event had been put on hold since 2020 because of Covid but on Saturday it was back.

 

Moira Dunlop, of Taynuilt Ceilidh fame, was the delightful Bean an Taighe for the evening, keeping all amused and ensuring the smooth running of the evening.

 

"attachment_923947" "" "300"] Moira Dunlop chaired the concert evening, pictured here with young piper Calan MacGuigan.

 

Musical entertainment was provided by members of the society along with visiting players from all over Scotland under the baton of Helen Jordan. Helen took over the role of conductor some 14 years ago from Daphne Campbell who this year had returned as one of the visiting players in the orchestra.

 

"attachment_923956" "" "300"] Fine performance at the Fiddlers Rally staged at Oban's Argyllshire Gathering Halls.

 

As usual the orchestra kicked off with their signature tune The Hills of Lorne, followed by a march The Road to Glenmore, both composed by the late Charlie Hunter who founded the orchestra in 1944.

 

A varied selection of tunes followed thereafter, both tradition and more

 

modern, keeping the toes tapping, hands clapping and the audience sang along with fine voice to well known Scottish and Gaelic songs.

 

The guest artistes for the evening were Arthur Cormack, Mòd Gold Medallist, Gaelic singer and musician, and Ingrid Henderson, youngest Radio 2 Young traditional musician of the year, principal harp tutor in the National Centre for Excellence in traditional music and musical director. It was a delightful combination of angelic voice and sweet music. Arthur and Ingrid were booked to join the concert in 2020.

 

"attachment_923968" "" "300"] Arthur Cormack performing at the Fiddlers Rally in Oban.

 

Helen was also joined by Jean Boardman, leader of the orchestra and Winnie McNicol,

 

pianist, in a moving duet The Wild Rose of the Mountain.

 

Helen said: "It was a fine evening and all involved thoroughly enjoyed the event. Our thanks are extended to Amanda and staff of The Argyllshire Gathering Halls, our guest artistes Arthur and Ingrid, piper Calan, players and the audience, and to Alba and Bid4Oban who assisted in the sales of tickets.

 

"We look forward to welcoming you all back in 2024 to the 77th Annual Fiddlers Rally

 

Concert, an event not to be missed."

 

 

All pictures taken for The Oban Times by Hugo Londono.

 

 

"attachment_923977" "" "300"] Fiddlers Rally audience.