Two of Scotland’s most revered multi-instrumentalists, Mairearad Green (accordion and bagpipes) and Anna Massie (guitar, banjo, fiddle) are a truly captivating act, providing a highly energetic performance with an instantly warm and friendly stage presence.
Having played alongside each other for over ten years, they revel in an intuitive approach to each other’s musical ideas and interpretations, and an “almost telepathic communication” on stage (Hi-Arts), effortlessly showcasing the fruits of duo partnership to the highest level , creating “music more than the sum of just two parts” (The Scotsman). Now based in Glasgow, Mairearad and Anna both grew up in the Scottish Highlands amidst very similar musical backgrounds (most notably, mandolin playing Dads!), and so share an innate understanding of Scottish culture and music. As a duo they have enjoyed many successes, including five stars in The Scotsman and high praise from KT Tunstall, becoming a much-loved live act.
the camaraderie and sheer fun of musical collaboration is plainly evident and infectious.. – Songlines
full of energy and verve….first class. – R2 Magazine
3:00pm, Gibson Hall, Dollar FK14 7DU
Pre-concert performance from 2:45pm
Perennial winner and nominee of 'Best Jazz Vocalist', Ali Affleck is a trad jazz singer and swing dancer. As an American she is uniquely placed to deliver the authentic sound of Prohibition era music, breathing new life into the music and bringing it to a 21st century audience.
She is a resident musician at Edinburgh's Famous Jazz bar on Chambers Street and this is where she hosts her trademark 'Speakeasy Sessions’ - high energy events that feature the country's finest musicians performing early jazz, swing and blues - a favourite for the swing dance scene!
“Ali Affleck is not a household name yet- but I think she soon will be” […] “Ali sings with the same kind of élan and swing that is very evident in the recordings of a certain Billie Holiday. Now this is high praise indeed but I can assure you that it is entirely accurate. ” – BBC Jazzhouse
Free of charge - all welcome
2:00pm Gibson Hall, Dollar FK14 7DU
Reintroducing the Music in Dollar Young Musician competition!
Young pianists from several local schools will play a short set. Prizes will be awarded for the best performances.
Refreshments will be provided.
It's free, so why not come along and hear musicians of the future. Should be a varied and stimulating afternoon!
3:00pm, Gibson Hall, Dollar FK14 7DU
Pre-concert performance from 2:45pm
This is the rescheduled concert from March 2020. Fingers crossed we can hear the Quartet this time!
Formed in 2005 and based in Edinburgh, the Roxburgh are quartet in residence at the city’s beautiful Lauriston Hall. Their core repertoire includes the late Schubert quartets, the German Romantics, the great French masterworks and, notably, Bartok’s First Quartet and Tan Dun’s Eight Colours for String Quartet.
In recent years the quartet has added earlier music to its repertoire, inspired by performing Bach’s The Art of Fugue at Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities, with harpsichordists John Kitchen and Tom Wilkinson.
Inspired music played with complete control, imagination and deep insight. – Courier
Concert programme3:00pm, Gibson Hall, Dollar FK14 7DU
Pre-concert performance from 2:45pm
Yoanna Prodanova (Bulgarian) cello and Mihai Ritivoiu (Romanian) piano are Tunnell Trust winners from last year. These two outstanding young musicians bring their unique flair and originality to a varied programme. We are delighted to have them perform for us in Dollar.
A native of Bulgaria, cellist Yoanna Prodanova studied in London and has played with several UK orchestras. Her recital career started in Switzerland in 2019.
Romanian pianist Mihai Ritivoiu is the winner of numerous international competitions. In addition to his solo recitals and concerto appearances, Mihai has a rich chamber music activity, most notably as duo partner of the cellist Yoanna Prodanova. Their duo has performed in the UK, France and The Netherlands, and they have been invited to festivals
The duo have recorded their debut album, including works by Janacek, Fauré and Chopin.
it was refreshing to hear late Beethoven in the hands of such a distinguished young duo – Christopher Axworthy
7:30pm Gibson Hall, Dollar FK14 7DU
Pre-concert performance from 7:15pm
We are fortunate to have leading English pianist Clare Hammond playing for us in Dollar. Widely broadcast and recorded, she has created a strong reputation as a 'star' interpreter of several areas, including contemporary music. Clare’s discs for BIS have been widely praised with The Times commending her “deliciously unfussy poise and elegance”. Etude received unanimous critical acclaim for its “unfaltering bravura and conviction” (Gramophone). Her discography includes world premiere recordings of over twenty works.
Acclaimed as a pianist of “amazing power and panache” (The Telegraph), Clare Hammond is recognised for the virtuosity and authority of her performances and has developed a “reputation for brilliantly imaginative concert programmes” (BBC Music Magazine). In 2016, she won the Royal Philharmonic Society's 'Young Artist Award' in recognition of outstanding achievement and in 2020 she was engaged to perform at the International Piano Series (Southbank Centre) and the Aldeburgh Festival.
A revelation... very special and very original. – Michel Dutrieue
Time 7:30pm Gibson Hall, Dollar FK14 7DU
Pre-concert performance from 7:15pm
Sirocco Winds are a dynamic and professional wind ensemble, who came together as alumni of the Glasgow Conservatoire.
Successes for the group include winning the Governors’ Recital Prize for Chamber Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, being invited to perform at the Emerging Artists series at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall and playing live on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio Scotland. Although primarily a wind quintet the group also enjoy exploring chamber music for other instrument combinations and have formed a trio for flute, clarinet and bassoon.
... a musical triumph.... two stunning sets with a huge variety of music ranging across classical, jazz, show tunes – the West Side Story medley was sublime – folk and contemporary. – St Boswell's Live!