notloB is proud to once again present champion Scottish fiddler Alistair McCulloch (concerts 163 & 164, 2015). Hailing from Ayr in Scotland, Alistair is one of Scotland’s best known fiddle performers, teachers, and composers, with many appearances on radio and television. Past winner of many fiddle championships, Alistair is fiddle instructor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has tutored many of the new generation of rising stars.
He is delighted to be collaborating this summer with New England’s Tom Pixton on piano, a well-known and versatile musician.
To date Alistair has performed in over twenty countries, including Australia, New Zealand, China, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, the Middle East and throughout Europe and North America. Says the Scotsman of his work: “As the mountain of fiddle CDs rises even higher, this one can climb straight to the summit ridge”.
His second tunebook, the ‘Alistair McCulloch Collection Volume 2’, was recently reprinted which includes a number of previously recorded pieces. Commissions have included a suite for William Grant & sons of Glenfiddich whisky and an orchestral score to celebrate the visit of the Olympic torch to southern Scotland.
Alistair also regularly tours with his own trio featuring Aaron Jones of Old Blind Dogs, and former Capercaillie whistle wizard Marc Duff. He is a long standing member of the award winning ceilidh band Coila. Over the years he has collaborated with many of Celtic music’s best known musicians. Alistair has directed several fiddle groups and ensembles including the dynamic young group ‘Innovation’ and was formerly a soloist with the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. His playing style is driving and precise, described by the Living Tradition as “fresh, fiery and full of fun”.
Alistair is an enthusiastic and inspirational teacher and has been invited to tutor at the Swannanoa Gathering Celtic Week in North Carolina, the Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddling in New Zealand, Boston Harbor Fiddle School, the Akademia Muzyczna in Wroclaw, Poland and closer to home, Feis Rois in Ullapool.
“This collection confirms him as one of the finest fiddlers and composers of his generation” Living Tradition
“A second collection that showcases a master of his instrument taking its capabilities to the edge of the envelope” Scots Magazine
“A tremendous first album from an outstanding musician” Folk Roots
“McCulloch’s playing is full of energy and technical skill but possesses a warmth and maturity both endearing and noteworthy” Rock and Reel
ARTIST’S WEBSITE: www.alistairmcculloch.com
Doors open at 7:00pm.
ADMISSION: By free-will offering, suggested donation adults $25, teens and seniors $15-20, children $10. 100% of patron donations go to the artist. Cash or Venmo.
RESERVATIONS: notlobmusic.eventbrite.com
COVID PRECAUTIONS: KN-95 or equivalent masks requested. Please read additional Fivesparks COVID-19 protocols for events at https://www.fivesparks.org.