Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 5 February 2024 8:33
From Thursday 18 January to Sunday 4 February, the city came alive with over 300 incredible events involving 1,200 artists across 25 of the city’s venues.
The biggest winter festival of its kind in Europe, known for its eclectic mix of genres and inclusive atmosphere, is celebrating over 100 sold out shows across its 300 events alongside welcoming over 115,000 attendees.
Once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, rare performances from global sensations, moving tribute concerts and some of the biggest shows ever played by homegrown talent were all showcased across the city for the incredible 31st edition of Celtic Connections.
Among the hundreds of sensational concerts, each of which celebrated the tradition, innovation and unifying power of music, were:
The dazzling Opening Concert, which welcomed the expansive and genre-defying European premiere of ATTENTION! from American Grammy winner Chris Thile (Nickel Creek) and guests including festival favourites Rachel Sermanni, Dreamers’ Circus and Sarah Jarosz. A fitting start to the festival, the night was one of unparalleled musical creativity, leaving audiences in awe
The Red Clydeside: John MacLean Centenary Concert, which celebrated the music, poetry and legacy of Scottish schoolteacher and legendary revolutionary socialist John MacLean, was an evening of passion and inimitable talent. Led by the brilliant Siobhan Miller, Eddi Reader, Billy Bragg and Karine Polwart, a surprise performance from Scottish social protest singer Dick Gaughan was a hugely emotional and iconic moment during the evening
Roaming Roots Review, this year with the theme Songs of Modern Scotland, brought together music from a who’s who of Scottish talent for a night which celebrated some of the most phenomenal artists and iconic tracks this country has produced. Joining the event’s curator and host Roddy Hart on stage were Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil, Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble and Rod Jones, Del Amitri’s Justin Currie, Camera Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell, celebrated singer-songwriter Emma Pollock, uber talented Hamish Hawk, Admiral Fallow’s Sarah Hayes and Louis Abbott and the inimitable Brownbear among other hugely talented musicians. The night was accompanied by a Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Orchestra, arranged and conducted by John Logan
The Bothy Band, one of the most influential and revered Irish ensembles to revolutionise the playing of traditional music in recent generations, made their mark on Celtic Connections 2024 with a highly-anticipated, long-awaited performance. For the first time since 1979, Donal Lunny on bouzouki, Tríona ní Dhomhnaill on keyboards, Matt Molloy on flute, Paddy Keenan on Uilleann pipes and low whistle, and Paddy Glackin and Kevin Burke on fiddle came together to perform their first full-scale public concert, joined by Seán Óg Graham on guitar
Always a Celtic Connections highlight, Transatlantic Sessions celebrated the rich musical traditions that connect Scotland, Ireland and the US. Featuring an outstanding line-up of artists, including AmericanaFest’s “Can’t Miss Act” Lindsay Lou, Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Carlene Carter, Belfast-based progressive Irish folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside, previous Scots Trad Music Awards Gaelic singer of the year Kim Carnie and captivating Canadian duo Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves, the night saw audiences soak up an exceptional assortment of tunes, songs and genres
A special evening celebrating the life and legacy of Tiree accordionist Gordon Connell was A Ceilidh for Gordon at the iconic Old Fruitmarket. The revered musician and teacher was remembered through music and dance, and the memorable night was led by a host of his former students, including Angus MacPhail of Skipinnish, Gunna Sound’s Campbell Brown, Skerryvore’s Daniel and Martin Gillespie, Trail West’s Ian Smith, Tide Lines’ Ross Wilson and many more
Grammy nominee and multi-award-winning musician Allison Russell wowed crowds at Òran Mór with her purposeful music, portraying a soulful expression of liberation, love and respect. The Canadian songstress’ mastery of her craft was on full display as she commanded the spotlight with her soul-stirring vocals, unrivalled musical talent and powerful words
In a commemorative celebration, the Traditional Music and Song Association revisited the landmark Scots Women concert from the 2001 festival. Scots Women - Generations o' Change honoured the original singers of the first performance, while welcoming a new wave of Scottish female folk singers, showcasing a blend of a capella and band-accompanied songs. Featuring an esteemed lineup, the event was overseen by Musical Director Iona Fyfe and hosted by Scots Poet Len Pennie, providing a vibrant, collaborative journey through Scottish folk music
Showcase Scotland, another core event within Celtic Connections, highlighted international partners Norway during the five-day programme which took place between Wednesday 24 January and Monday 29 January. The initiative welcomed international delegates from all over the UK, Europe, Australia, America and Canada to join in appreciation of the Scandinavian talent playing at the festival, including Tromsø-born violinist, singer and composer Julie Alapnes, award-winning Hardanger fiddle player Alexander Aga Røynstrand, Norwegian traditional trios Erlend Viken and Ævestaden, Nordic folk five-piece Gangar, and Sámi band Gabba. Paired with Norway partners at Showcase Scotland was the Sounds of Scotland Showcase, supported by Creative Scotland, highlighting Gaelic and Scots artists performing in traditional and folk music spaces. Next year will see Ireland once again take up the mantle as Showcase Scotland partner
Barony Hall proved to be a spectacular setting for the first time at this year’s Celtic Connections. The stunning building, ideally located in the city centre, was newly introduced as a venue for the 2024 festival, welcoming world-class performers such as award-winning trad band Breabach, revered folk musician John McCusker, Irish fiddler Martyn Hayes and multi-talented Damien O’Kane, to name a few
Music workshops and teaching sessions were also in full swing over the past 18 days. From composing tunes from scratch to having a go at the bagpipes and learning the ukulele, participants had the chance to fully immerse themselves in every facet of the festival, while the festival’s free school concerts programme shared the joy of live music of 8,000 school children from across Scotland over the course of four morning shows
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “This year's Celtic Connections was a testament to the creative power and enduring importance of the arts and the music of the people. The richness of talent on display, the diverse range of genres and the infectious enthusiasm of the audiences made this year’s edition truly special. It's heartening to see the festival grow and evolve, bringing together artists and audiences from all walks of life, joined by a shared appreciation for music, art and cultural expression.
“The continued success of Celtic Connections reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved. My thanks goes to each person who bought a ticket, performed on our stages, volunteered their time, worked on or backed the event, and to the people of Glasgow who welcomed the world with open arms. Your support is the heartbeat of the festival, and it's your enthusiasm and dedication that make this celebration of music possible year after year.
“Scotland has a rich tapestry of musical traditions, and Celtic Connections is a platform that showcases the beauty and diversity of our own folk music, as well as that of other countries, and the expansive connections it has created. I am immensely proud of how well Scotland continues to champion folk music on the global stage, and feel truly excited about the path that lies ahead for what we’re proud to say has become a world-renowned event.”
Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Celtic Connections always provides a brilliant start to the year and as another successful edition draws to a close I want to give my thanks to everyone who made it possible and all those who attended.
“I was fortunate enough to be able to see several fantastic performances over the course of this year’s festival, including the opening concert, the Norwegian acts that played at Showcase Scotland, and the wonderful Red Clydeside Centenary Concert for the great John Maclean. The talent, warmth and energy that Celtic Connections always brings never fails to impress and I’m sure I’m not alone in eagerly awaiting next year’s programme.”
Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Celtic Connections 2024 has been a resounding success, and a spectacular showcase of some of the very finest musical talent that Scotland, and almost every corner of the globe, has to offer across a wealth of genres.
“This year’s wonderfully expansive, exciting programme, and superb international line-up of established and emerging artists, has delighted a very broad range of audiences and attracted festival goers in their thousands. A remarkable range of shows, special performances and inspirational events have been staged at our venues over the past 18 days – further enhancing Glasgow’s reputation as a world-class cultural events destination and shining the spotlight on its status as a celebrated UNESCO City of Music.
“This 31st edition of Celtic Connections has not only demonstrated how internationally renowned and much-loved this unique festival is, it has also emphasised how immeasurably important it is to Glasgow and to Scotland – and we look forward to building on its incredible legacy in future years.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “Powered by the energy of its artists and enthusiasm of its audiences, Celtic Connections has given Scotland’s music scene the best possible start to 2024. From the Opening Concert onwards, fans have sung the praises of some of the best gigs they’ve ever seen at this or any other festival. It’s a triumph for our own traditional music and a prime example of how connecting with artists from all over the world can brighten the darkest days.”
Celtic Connections began in 1994 when it offered 66 events at one venue. It has since grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year, with an unwavering ambition to showcase the very best traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul, indie and world music and nurture unique local, national and international cultural partnerships.
Celtic Connections is now a core part of the city’s annual cultural events programme, delivered by charity Glasgow Life. Opportunities to support future editions of the festival can be found at www.celticconnections.com/celtic-connections-supporters.
Celtic Connections 2025 will take place from Thursday 16 January - Sunday 2 February 2025.
The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.
READ MOREContemporary glass maker Elin Isaksson has been chosen to create the awards for Scotland’s national music prize the Scottish Album of the Year, via this year’s SAY Award Design Commission.
READ MOREHold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!
READ MOREFilm fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.
READ MOREAre you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?
READ MOREMacrobert Arts Centre has announced the cast of Santa's Magical Lighthouse, to be performed this Christmas at the Stirling venue.
READ MOREFestival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.
READ MOREStudents go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.
READ MOREResidents are being asked to shape the future of Stirling Council's libraries in a new consultation.
READ MOREA rare opportunity to study the plans that led to the construction of the National Wallace Monument will form the centrepiece of a double birthday celebration this week.
READ MOREPrepare to be enchanted once again this winter as Monteviot Lights returns to Monteviot House & Gardens!
READ MOREParticipants can choose any novel way of racking up 100 miles this September to help raise crucial funds for those who need it most in the UK.
READ MOREThe Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band are celebrating after being named fourth best in the world!
READ MOREMeet The Buchanans is announced as the lead title in Macrobert Arts Centre's Central Scotland Documentary Festival (CSDF).
READ MOREToday, on what would have been Michael Jackson's 66th Birthday, entertainers launch their brand-new show; Man in the Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson.
READ MOREDistinguished Senior Consultant Physician and psychiatrist Lotta Borg Skoglund will present groundbreaking research which challenges outdated views on female ADHD.
READ MOREThe winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed!
READ MOREWith Chef Demos, Cocktail & Mocktail Masterclasses and Wild Food Walks!
READ MOREFilm fans can get their big screen fix at Vue for just £4 this Saturday (31 August) as part of National Cinema Day!
READ MOREThe nominees have been unveiled for the Scots Language Awards 2024, with 50 outstanding organisations and individuals in the running for 12 awards at the annual ceremony next month.
READ MOREFresh from a hit run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it earned critical and audience acclaim, Scottish Dance Theatre is taking its groundbreaking double-bill The Flock & Moving Cloud on tour.
READ MOREPeople are being invited to a special celebration at Forth Valley College next month to mark the 20th anniversary of Fair Trade Stirling.
READ MOREMacrobert Arts Centre has announced the full cast for this year’s Christmas pantomime production, Snow White.
READ MOREOrganisers Go Forth Stirling have announced the popular honours will return for a third year with the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday February 27, 2025 at the Albert Halls.
READ MOREAfter a total sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 and 2024, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd takes his smash hit show Scary Times out on tour...Scary Times indeed!
READ MOREAs the cooler days of Autumn approach, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting families and gardening enthusiasts to gear up for a colourful spring with its free monthly Grow How sessions this September.
READ MOREKey summer events at Thistles Stirling led to 1.2% increase in footfall and thousands of pounds raised for Strathcarron Hospice.
READ MOREThe team at Stirling-based jewellery specialists Lily Blanche are celebrating after being shortlisted in the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards 2024.
READ MOREThere's just over 6 weeks to go until this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run and it's expected to be a sell out!
READ MOREThe Caped Crusader turned 85 this year and to celebrate Vue venues across Scotland are showcasing some of the comic book hero’s most loved films.
READ MORE