Described as ‘one of the best Scottish traditional singers on the planet’ (fRoots), Siobhan Miller is a richly celebrated folk singer and songwriter, whose soulful and stirring renewal of traditional song has won her the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Traditional Track and the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year an unprecedented four times. She appears at the Granary with Innes White, guitar, Charlie Stewart, fiddle and Euan Burton, double bass.

Kris Drever originally comes from Hrossey in the Orkney Islands. Over the years, he has taught himself to be a songwriter, guitarist and singer of note (and sometimes many notes). As well as creating award-winning original songs and instrumental pieces with the trio Lau, he has had a fruitful solo career exploring the cracks between classic and modern songwriting and the traditional music that he comes from. Drever’s sound is rooted in the earthy and hypnotic rhythms of much older music, but there’s a sophistication to both the lyricism and the instrumentalism which places him skilfully in the present. He has an extensive collection of BBC R2 Folk awards, plus a fistful of Scottish NaTrads awards for everything from best album, best singer and best live act to best original song. He has worked with many excellent musicians, including Jack Bruce, Eddi Reader, Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas and Roddy Woomble, and is a member of the beautiful multi-media project Spell Songs: The Lost Words. Currently, Kris is preparing for a series of Lau events around the UK, writing music for a new solo album and learning some old tunes for reasons he can’t quite explain. “Utterly stunning” – fROOTS “Kris Drever is a serious talent” – MOJO £16 General Admission | £14 Concessions | £10 Under 16s We are offering a free carer/companion ticket for any disabled or wheelchair-user audience members throughout our shows this season. Please note that it is helpful if this is booked in advance via the WeGotTickets website, so that we can ensure that there is adequate accessible seating reserved on the day/night of the event. Wheelchair access, or entry for people with a disability is available from the side entrance, by the Phoenix Café. Tickets for our Spring/Summer 2025 events can also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Shop, Findhorn. These will be available for purchase from February 2025. Please note that this is a seated event.

"I surrender unconditionally to these master musicians. The worn concept of tradition and innovation have rarely been used as smart as this" LIRA From the moment Kevin Henderson, Olav Luksengrd Mjelva and Anders Hall of The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc first played together in 2009 they felt a particular chemistry in the sound they created. Some seven hundred gigs later, playing across Scandinavia, mainland Europe, the U.S. and the UK, that chemistry continues to draw the trio together. Passion is a word that comes up often in conversation with Henderson, Mjelva and Hall. Its a word that lies behind the trios determination to find exactly the right tunes to play and exactly the right way to play a certain phrase (Henderson has been known to find forty different examples of them playing the same motif stored on his mobile phone from rehearsals). Passion for the music they make is also what makes them endure forty-two-hour flights that should only have taken two to three hours to get to a concert rather than let the promoter and audience down. Hundreds of tunes have been tried and laid aside in The Nordic Fiddlers Blocs quest for the music which on three albums, their self-titled debut from 2011, "Deliverance" from 2016 and "Bonfrost" from 2020 has charmed listeners in the same way that their live performances beguile and satisfy. In the beginning they were intrigued. For Henderson, who grew up in the fiddle-rich tradition of the Shetland Islands, there was a mystery in hearing his Scandinavian colleagues harmonise with one another. Although Fiddlers Bid, the Shetland group he has played with since his teens and continues to work with, create a harmonious, four-fiddle sound, the Swedish tradition of having one fiddle play a melody and another shadowing it with a harmony line, was something new to him. The jamming sessions that led to the threesome coalescing into a group showed them that they could not only create a unique sound, they also had a richness, helped by their use of standard fiddles, octave fiddle, viola and Hardanger fiddle, that has led to them being likened to a string quartet rather than just a trio. Folk music promoters and festivals internationally have picked up on the Blocs uniqueness. They have played at major events including Tnder Festival in Denmark, Scotlands mammoth Celtic Connections winter music festival, Cape Bretons prestigious Celtic Colours, and the annual A Celtic Christmas Sojourn in Boston. Recognition, including a Norwegian Folk Award and a place in Songlines magazines Top of the World selection for their first album, has come their way and as fellow musicians including Dutch jazz violinist Tim Kliphuis invite them to participate in events such as his Rotterdam Fiddle Weekend, the trio have opened their ears to future possibilities in the jazz and classical spheres. As dedicated tradition bearers, they have also created their own annual fiddle camp, which has taken place in Norway (2018) and Sweden (2019). "On the evidence to hand, pure fiddle doesnt get much better than The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc." Folkworld

We join Carmen in her boudoir, as she tells her own story in words and music. Dare you consult the cards with her? What does she think of the men in her story? Did she foresee her gruesome ending? Wonderful musicianship, spellbinding storytelling, entertaining and very funny. A magnificent evening! ★★★★★ CarmenCo is an ensemble comprising Emily Andrews, flautist/mezzo; David Massey & Francisco Correa, guitars. Formed in 2017, prizewinning trio CarmenCo have performed all over England, Scotland and Wales, honing their distinctive approach and performing their own arrangements of orchestral pieces, opera, folk and world music. They often perform from memory and incorporate movement, dance and storyline into their concerts, as well as varying instrumentation from solo guitar through to voice/flute and two guitars, making their concerts and shows as unique and colourful as the players in the trio. CarmenCo pride themselves on their originality - finding new, unique and entertaining ways to present classical music - as well as their portability - not needing a piano means they can tour to remote and rural villages and perform in venues where traditional opera or chamber music does not reach, thus engaging new and very appreciative audiences all over the country. They are currently touring A Pocket Opera - a comedic concert presented as a play, with costumes, props and a storyline roughly following Bizets Carmen, but told from her point of view. The rave reception this Pocket Opera is receiving has inspired them to start work on their next show, which will be ready for 2026 - watch this space! CarmenCo grew out of the Andrews Massey flute and guitar duo (Emily and David) when they added extra guitarist Francisco (himself an internationally-acclaimed soloist and chamber musician), enabling richer textures to accompany singing, and adding more variety of instrumentation. The Andrews Massey Duo was formed in 2009, and has won the Tunnell Trust Award 2012-2013; were Royal Overseas League Competition semi-finalists 3 times, have appeared at Wigmore Hall, St Martin in the Fields, Kings Place and in Germany, Italy and Sweden. They have made 3 CDs. Never ones to stand still, CarmenCo continues to expand their concert repertoire, and their latest concert additions include an ambitious arrangement of Elgar's song cycle Sea Pictures (the two guitars take on the entire orchestra's parts and it sounds fantastic), and Mozart's virtuosic and playful flute quartet in D-major (the two guitars share the violin, viola and cello parts with dexterity). Bouts of intimacy, creativity and comedy... nearly all the best Spanish tunes I can think of. T he Latest magazine "An unusual, highly entertaining evening... The three first-rate musicians rose to the challenge of acting and dancing as well as musical performance... Superb range of musical colour and artistry throughout the programme" Ayrshire Post "What an outstanding performance by the extraordinarily talented and delightful CarmenCo ensemble. It was a magnificent evening ending with rapturous applause" Concert organiser, Arts in The Langfords "The feedback from your concert has been huge, universally everybody loved it. The number of times I have been stopped in the street this week to compliment the performance is countless." Concert organiser, Portesham for ArtsReach Dorset "The musicianship was wonderful, I love Emily's beautiful voice and the story telling was spellbinding. What I had absolutely not expected was that it would be so entertaining as well as dramatic and touching - I laughed out loud when I was listening. A lot!" Concert organiser, Frome Concerts Group There certainly was a "buzz" as people left having thoroughly enjoyed the evening! Margaret McIntosh, artistic director of Ayr Music Club, Dec 2023

Braemar Gathering Weekend Event Caritas Choir Conductors: Paul Mealor John Frederick Hudson Founded by Paul Mealor, Caritas Choir makes its debut concert here in St Margarets! Named after Mealors composition, Ubi caritas written for the Wedding of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Caritas means love and the choir, made up of singers associated with Mealor over many years, presents a concert of popular and new choral classics. They are joined by popular North-East entertainer, Dr Robert Lovie and Glenfiddich Champion Fiddler, Raemond Jappy.

At the forefront of the UK’s world and roots music scene matching fiery intensity with exquisite finesse.

A nomad, both geographically and musically, songwriter Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code writes straight from – and to – the heart. His songs address universal themes of love, loss, travel, home, accepting the past and embracing the future in a deeply personal way. They are variously painted with the vibrant colours of folk, Americana, jazz, country, soul, pop and, increasingly, celtic traditions; an eclecticism that has seen him compared to John Martyn, Van Morrison and Tom Waits amongst

Beth Malcolm is a singer-songwriter who performs a mix of traditional, modern and her own original Scots songs. Beth spent much of her childhood in a house filled with singing, soaking up old Scots songs like a wee folky sponge. She was named Scots Singer Of The Year in 2022 and has just won it again in December 2024. Kissed and Cried, Beths debut album, was released in 2023 to great acclaim and this massively talented young artist now returns with her new show and album, FOLKMOSIS, a musical coming-of-age story that has been writing itself since before Beth could speak. Initially commissioned by Celtic Connections and developed in association with Perth Theatre And Concert Hall into a multi-media performance, FOLKMOSIS unfolds over three acts embracing traditional and new songs, film and spoken word; the story bending and twisting against a shifting soundscape. Act 1 is rooted in the traditional world, like the classic folk songs Beth grew up listening to. Act 2 follows her rejection years, where she dove into the rich voices of Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini and London Grammar. These love songs, sung from the chaos of modern life, were the soundtrack to angsty, heartfelt late teenage years. Act 3 is Beths coming of age, her coming home, to the songs and sounds of Scotland, as a now-grown woman. Her second album is an extraordinary, lavishly produced and at times painfully honest, coming-of-age narrative" The Scotsman "Stunningly unique, thoughtful and beautifully compiled album The Folk Forecast "Malcolms album sharply defines music as a gift from the past, and an especially good one for present times. The Skinny "Rising star, Malcolm, tells her story with verve and panache At the Barrier

Routes is a string quartet with a dierence; made up of traditional folk musicians, Routes writes and performs a combination of contemporary compositions and innovative arrangements of traditional music. The ensemble bridges the gap between classical and folk music; exploring the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities which are characteristic of a string quartet, but with a folksy, rootsy accent. The quartets music is an exquisite blend of folk, classical and fiddle traditions, featuring evocative arrangements of folk tunes and stunning original compositions. The Routes Quartet is made up of the classic string quartet instrumentation of cello (Rufus Huggan), viola (Emma Tomlinson), and two fiddles (David Lombardi and Madeleine Stewart). With a love of Scottish music, Routes bring dierent approaches from classical, blues and Scandinavian influences to combine with their original compositions and arrangements of existing tunes. Routes were formed out of the thriving Glasgow session scene from a group of instrumentalists with a wide range of tastes and expertise. After the release of their first album, Windrose (2017), Routes played a 24-date sold out tour across the UK and Ireland which led to a Folk Band of the Year nomination in the BBC ALBA Scots. Trad. Music Awards 2017. Launching their second album, Arche (2023), to a sold-out performance at Celtic Connections was very special to the band as it was where the entire process began. Routes have collaborated with artists in live, improvised Routes Sessions to give a platform for soloists to experiment with a live string quartet. Artists include Tim Edey, Amy Papiransky and Fraser Fifield. Routes include educational work in their output working with Trad. and classical students on string craft, composing for strings in Trad. and arranging music for strings. Routes have been inspired by Dreamers Circus, The Fretless and Martyn Bennett. Arche is the new album from The Routes Quartet. Produced by Greg Lawson, David Donaldson and The Routes Quartet. The album features improvised soundscapes in-amongst brand new compositions. The unique approach to record a Trad. string quartet live was captured on film by filmographer Paul Jennings. The film, Routes: Concept. Creation. Capture. explores Routes process, creative decisions and was released in March 2024. 'Scots string quartet with a true folk music understanding' Tim Woodall, Songlines Magazine 'Dierent and exceptional in approach and scope.' Tim Carroll, Folkwords 'Profound learning in both the Celtic traditions and Classical music has left this group respectful of their roots yet complex in their composition.' Marty Cullen, BBC Radio Ulster

Rhona Macfarlane Rhona Macfarlane's musical journey began in a creatively rich household, where she was surrounded by the sounds of Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, and family members playing various instruments. Her early exposure to both folk music and classical training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has shaped a unique sound that marries storytelling with modern, introspective lyricism. Her work has been described as building an atmosphere of tranquillity and respite, drawing listeners into a space of reflection and serenity. Macfarlane released her highly anticipated debut album, As The Chaos Unfolds, in January, 2025. The album, recorded in the Autumn of 2023 at Watercolour Studios in the serene Scottish Highlands, was co-produced by Macfarlane and Matt Ingram. As The Chaos Unfolds is an evocative collection of songs that captures the essence of a coming of age experience. Written during her mid-20sa time of profound personal changethe album explores the often-chaotic journey of navigating early adulthood. The album made the Top 40 Folk Charts, received a 4 star review in the Scotsman as well as widespread radio play from the likes of BBC Radio 2, Radcliffe and Maconie on BBC 6, BBC Ulster and numerous BBC Scotland shows. A gorgeous song Angela Griffin, BBC Radio 2 Its so topical, its so new and shes very talented. Just really love this very much, just a lovely voice Ricky Ross, BBC Scotland A lovely thing Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 6 Music As The Chaos Unfolds is a fantastic showcase for Macfarlanes unique storytelling ability and sound For Folks Sake ★★★★★ Grace Morton Grace Morton is a Glasgow based singer-songwriter. Her playing and creating is rooted in her childhood growing up in Trotternish on the North West Coast of Skye where she was surrounded by music, Gaelic and the warmth of community; offering inspiration and a sense of roots that run deep. Her writing follows the ebbs and flows of the inner and outer world, river swims, moving from sea to city and finding home in people and places. Her songs also speak to the complex and unavoidable parts of growing and learning to know and un-know her own skin - turning these moments and parts of life into song has always felt like an antidote, and a chance to feel raw, honest and connected. Grace hopes her songs create a confluence that is a transportation to somewhere calm, beautifully rugged and familiar.

Heralded by BBC Music Magazine as "a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene," Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael continues to move from strength to strength and grow his reach globally with his powerfully emotive blend of jazz and folk music. He was born just outside of Inverness before moving to Glasgow, where, at the age of 11, he enthusiastically ran home from school clutching a letter from his local music service offering saxophone lessons. Music instantly became his passion, and he soon began writing music for his own band, performing their first gig at the Butterfly and Pig in Glasgow before half the band were legally allowed in the pub. Since then, the band has developed a special chemistry and sound together, grounded in collective improvisation. They regularly perform internationally at venues like Bimhuis, Fasching, Celtic Connections, Ronnie Scotts, and Love Supreme, as well as Matt working as a soloist and arranger with the Grammy Award-winning WDR Big Band and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. Following his critically acclaimed debut Where Will the River Flow (which amassed over 8 million streams), Carmichael signed to the renowned label Edition Records for his second album, Marram, which won "Best Album" at the Scottish Jazz Awards. His latest album, Dancing with Embers, is a collection of emotionally driven instrumental songs where melody takes centre stage. It is Matts most ambitious work so far, with his distinct soundworld being expanded with guests Rachel Sermanni (voice), Brghde Chaimbeul (small pipes), Chris Amer, and Innes White (guitars), alongside his core quintet, which includes pianist Fergus McCreadie (piano), Charlie Stewart (fiddle), Ali Watson (bass), and Tom Potter (drums). A distinctive new voice in a crowded scene....Carmichael has the gift of uplift in his music BBC Music Magazine can make you laugh and shed a tear within the turn of a bar Jazzwise Magazine Has his own sound and is a storyteller BBC FOUR an extraordinarily blissful offering Klof Magazine Deeply emotive BBC Radio 3 an extraordinarily blissful offering Klof Magazine his music is global and contemporary Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (Germany) A deeply personal album, with deep sincerity.' Radio France (FR) Joyous Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2)