Free Aberdeen Concert to Showcase World Leading Fiddle and Dance Festival
Aberdeen music lovers are being offered a free preview of one of the world’s leading traditional fiddle and dance festivals ahead of its return to the region this summer.
The performance will showcase Dà Chòmhlan-Ciùil De Cheathrar, a bold new commission by Simon Thoumire, an award winning concertina virtuoso and composer with over 30 years’ experience in Scottish traditional music.
Written specifically for two live quartets performing together, this composition brings a classical string quartet and a folk quartet onto the same stage in an immersive and collaborative performance.Featuring the local Thistle Quartet and Glasgow based Cuan Quartet, the concert takes place at the Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen, on Thursday 9 April from 12.45pm to 1.30pm. The performance is just a glimpse into the talent, creativity and collaboration that can be expected throughout the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) which runs from 24 - 28 June across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Organised by the University of Aberdeen’s Elphinstone Institute, the five-day programme will bring together musicians, dancers, audiences and enthusiasts from across Scotland and the wider North Atlantic for an exciting celebration of traditional music and culture as NAFCo celebrates its 25th anniversary in its place of origin.Laura Harrington, NAFCo Festival Director, said, “Simon is an exceptional musician and composer with a real flair for bringing people and ideas together through music. We’re delighted to have him involved in this exciting NAFCo teaser concert and look forward to seeing the energy and creativity of his compositions come to life in this performance. It promises to be a lively and memorable event, and a great introduction to the dynamic programme of NAFCo events coming up this summer.”
Looking ahead to the festival, fellow Festival Director, Kirsty Clements, added, “Attendees can look forward to a varied programme of concerts, workshops, family-friendly events, community gatherings and international collaborations, taking place at venues across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Whether a devoted follower of traditional music or simply curious to experience something new, NAFCo 2026 promises a warm, creative and inclusive festival, with something to inspire audiences of all ages.”The full programme is available at northatlanticfiddle.com, with organisers encouraging early booking for what promises to be one of the region’s standout cultural events of the summer.
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Aberdeen Fiddle Festival Launches Crowdfunder Appeal
A week-long celebration of fiddle music and dance set to take place in and around Aberdeen this summer has launched a crowdfunder appeal to support its ambitious event plans.
The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) will run from 24 – 28 June, bringing together artists, academics, musicians, enthusiasts and audiences to share ideas, research, traditions and the joy of music and dance.Organisers have therefore decided to take matters into their own hands by launching a crowdfunder, encouraging supporters to help them deliver a special programme of events to mark the 25th anniversary of NAFCo in Aberdeen, where it first started in 2001.
Laura Harrington, Festival Director, commented, “Our aim is to bring a large and varied programme to venues and community spaces around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, showcasing local, national and international artists representing music and dance traditions from Scotland, the Baltic, Scandinavia, mid Europe, Ireland, Canada and the USA. The in-kind support already committed shows how strongly valued the festival is for those in and around Aberdeen, but we do need further support to help us deliver the amazing programme which we have planned.”
The NAFCo schedule includes a variety of events, workshops and sessions bringing together renowned local and international musicians, as well as emerging performers. Audiences and enthusiasts can look forward to ceilidhs and concerts, film screenings and music sessions, festival lounge and busking trails, an international youth celebration and family-friendly events.The crowdfunder has already received strong support, with over 90% of the £7500 target raised. Creative Scotland has committed to match fund all monies raised, if the target is met, further boosting finances available for the event.
However, organisers are appealing for continued support, as in a further act of generosity, a private donor has committed to matching the total amount, if the crowdfunding campaign reaches £10,000 by the end of a March. This would provide NAFCo organisers with a grand total of £20,000 in funds to deliver their showcase event programme.Kirsty Clements, Festival Director, added, “Every single donation really does count, and there is a range of supporter benefits to take advantage of by making a donation through our crowdfunder campaign. This money will enable us to deliver an amazing programme of events, including outreach sessions to local schools and free family events, ensuring NAFCo remains accessible, inclusive and affordable for everyone to enjoy. Thank you very much to everyone who has supported us so far, we are extremely close to meeting our target, and hope if you haven’t yet pledged support that you will be encouraged to do so.”
To find out more and pledge your support, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/nafco2026
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