Enjoy a taster of the festival with Dà Chòmhlan-Ciùil De Cheathrar, a bold new commission written by Simon Thoumire. This innovative work is the first composition written specifically for two live quartets performing together on stage - one classical string quartet and one folk quartet - brought to life by talented young musicians from across Scotland. These two distinct musical traditions meet in real time, resulting in an immersive, collaborative sound world shaped by contrast, dialogue, and connection. Expect a performance that is both artistically ambitious and deeply rooted in the values of NAFCo: cultural exchange, creative collaboration, and celebration of the living musical traditions of Scotland and the wider North Atlantic region.
Simon Thoumire is an accomplished concertina virtuoso and composer with over three decades of professional experience in Scottish traditional music. A past winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Traditional Musician Award, he is also the founder of Hands Up for Trad, which promotes Scottish music and culture through various projects, including the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award and the Scots Trad Music Awards.
Whether you are a fan of traditional music, classical performance, or innovative cross-genre projects, this NAFCo Teaser event offers a glimpse of the artistic energy building towards NAFCo 2026, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in Aberdeen from 24th - 28th June. The festival brings musicians, dancers, artists and audiences from across Scotland and the wider North Atlantic together for an exciting celebration of traditional music and culture. Expect an exciting programme of concerts, workshops, family events, community gatherings, and international collaborations, all taking place in venues across the City. Whether you're a dedicated traditional music fan or simply curious to experience something new, NAFCo 2026 offers a warm, creative, and welcoming festival for all ages.
Join the NAFCo House Band as it brings its vibrant energy and rich tradition to the stage at the Stonehaven Folk Club. With fiddles, guitar, and piano at the heart of their sound, they create a powerful and expressive musical experience, providing a teaser for the 25th anniversary North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo).
The band - Laura Harrington, Kirsty Clements, Sharon Hassan, Sarah Beattie, and Louie Watson bring dynamic arrangements with deep-rooted cultural influences, celebrating the North Atlantic's unique fiddle heritage with style and passion.
Whether you are a fan of traditional music, classical performance, or innovative cross-genre projects, this NAFCo Teaser event offers a glimpse of the artistic energy building towards NAFCo 2026, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in Aberdeen from 24th - 28th June.