Fiddlers’ flock to Arran for Brodick performance
Young musicians from Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra (AFO) will take to the stage at Brodick Hall later this month as part of their annual performance tour to the island.
The orchestra is made up of strings, bass and percussion players, aged between 10 to 18, and has 130 members.
The group rehearse weekly, play regular concerts across Ayrshire, and undertake an international tour every two years. Attendance is free, and tours are subsidised to make them accessible to all.
Highlights of a previous tour to the southern states of America in 2023 included being invited to play at Graceland and onboard a Mississippi river boat. Last year the group toured Iberia, playing in historic venues and collaborating with groups of young Iberian musicians.
AFO is a registered charity, and the Brodick concert will help raise funds for the next international tour, to Canada in 2027.
The young musicians look forward to their annual visit to Arran. Emily Bennett, fiddle leader of the orchestra, as well as it’s singer, said: “Every year AFO are fortunate enough to visit beautiful Arran for the weekend. Our annual Arran trip is always a highlight of the year with a fantastic concert, ceilidh and activities.
Emily says that being an orchestra member brings many benefits to the young players, who gain tuition, concert experience and make many friends and memories:
“I can speak for myself and many of my friends and tell you that the orchestra has given me so many skills and memories I’ll have for years to come.”
“Since I joined the orchestra in 2020 I have been fortunate enough to go on two fabulous tours with the orchestra. Both of these tours have been incredible opportunities. My friends and I are all so grateful for friends and memories we’ll keep forever, added Emily, who was on Arran to promote the concert, called Fiddlers’ Fling.
“I would really love as many people to come to our concert as possible as it is such a ripe celebration of our Scottish culture we love to share, as well as supporting a charity which does so much good for young people all over Ayrshire - and not to forget the fantastic fiddle music.”
Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra will play Fiddlers’ Fling at Brodick Hall on Saturday May 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at Arran Active in Brodick or on the door.
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