DUNCAN NOW AMONG THE HEBCELT ELITE

Interview release
Hebridean Celtic Festival
Year of Homecoming 2014

• Duncan Chisholm thrives in HebCelt ambassador’s role
• Hall of Fame honour for internationally-renowned fiddler
• Musician played at first ever island festival

Internationally acclaimed fiddler Duncan Chisholm has added a new string to his bow this year by picking up another accolade and a new title.

To the many job descriptions Chisholm can apply to his work – band member, solo artist, accompanist and composer – he can now add that of ambassador.

This year the renowned and popular musician was invited into the Hebridean Celtic Festival’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his long association with the award-winning event and his wider contribution to Scottish traditional music.

Chisholm appeared at the first HebCelt in 1996 and has returned to the stage in Stornoway in the island of Lewis five times since. He will be back again next month when the 19th HebCelt is held from 16-19 July and has agreed to act as an ambassador for the event after being honoured.

“HebCelt is a fantastic festival which I have always been happy to promote on my travels around the world.  The only difference now is I’ll be doing it in a more official capacity”, he said of his new status.

“The people of Lewis really embrace the festival and even the journey to Lewis is filled with music and meeting old friends. It’s much more than just a music festival; it’s a gathering of like-minded souls.”

“HebCelt has been part of the music scene in the north of Scotland for nearly 20 years now. It has been wonderful to watch this festival grow; always with such a great line up of new and emerging talent, as well as world famous performers. 

“Great festival programming, coupled with the beautiful grounds of Lews Castle and the draw of heading out to a Hebridean Island, are all factors which have led to this award-winning festival being a firm diary fixture to old and new audiences from far and wide.”

Chisholm, who made his name with bands such as Wolfstone, was nominated within the Musician of the Year category in the 2013 Radio 2 Folk Awards is a much sought-after performing artist and, increasingly, as a composer.

He regularly accompanies fellow HebCelt ambassador Julie Fowlis on stage and  has recently completed a sell-out tour of his own music, throughout Scotland and England.

At HebCelt 2014, Chisholm will be performing with his own five-piece band comprising the talents of Jarlath Henderson, Tony Byrne, Davie Dunsmuir, Ross Hamilton and Martin O’Neill.

He added: “It’s very exciting taking my full band to HebCelt. We will be playing music from my solo albums, but a beefed up, more rocky version of what I do, honed for this festival audience.”

Chisholm has a considerable back catalogue to choose from, with six solo albums and a number of compositions, including the acclaimed Strathglass Trilogy.

“When I am composing, my inspiration usually comes from focussing on a subject matter, whether that be for a commissioned piece of music, working on melodies with and for other artists or, for one of my own albums”, he said.

“There is nothing better than after, what can often be quite a solitary writing experience, bringing full life and colour to music by presenting it live on stage with a full band of such talented friends.”

In the meantime, he will be using every opportunity to put his ambassador role into play. He has already endorsed HebCelt’s annual One Step Further contest which gives a coveted stage slot to emerging talent. This year the competition was won by Inverness-based band Hò-rò.

“Giving a platform to young performers is vitally important to our artistic community.  Having the aspiration and opportunity to perform on a big stage and to get that positive audience feedback will always drive musicians to practise and become better.

“It’s another reason why HebCelt is special as you have new talent playing alongside established and, in some cases, legendary, acts. It’s what people want and, with the Hebridean landscape, you have a perfect mix.”

The 2014 HebCelt will be headlined by Levellers, Big Country and Donnie Munro. Rachel Sermanni, Cara Dillon, Cajun band Magnolia Sisters, from the US, and Canadian outfit Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys will also be among nearly 40 acts featuring in the event’s biggest ever programme.

This year the festival has become part of the Green Arts Initiative, run by Creative Carbon Scotland and Festivals Edinburgh.

NOTES TO EDITORS

This year HebCelt was selected as one of the top 10 UK summer festivals for the fourth year in succession by the influential music magazine Songlines.

The 2013 event was the most successful in its history with ticket sales showing an increase of over 30 per cent on the previous year 2012. The 16,000-strong crowd – double the population of Stornoway - helped generate around £1 million for the local economy

Last year HebCelt was also hailed as one of the greenest festivals in the world after being the only Scottish event to receive an Outstanding award from environmental campaign group A Greener Festival. In addition, it was shortlisted in the Greener Festival category in the UK Festival Awards and in the Best Independent Festival category in the AIM Independent Music Awards.

In 2011 it was ranked Best Large Festival at the industry-sponsored Scottish Event Awards and it won Best Event of the Year award at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in 2004 and 2009.

For more information contact

John Ross
Lucid PR
01463 724593; 07730 099617
johnross@lucidmessages.com

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