Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 5 February 2024 8:33
From Thursday 18 January to Sunday 4 February, the city came alive with over 300 incredible events involving 1,200 artists across 25 of the city’s venues.
The biggest winter festival of its kind in Europe, known for its eclectic mix of genres and inclusive atmosphere, is celebrating over 100 sold out shows across its 300 events alongside welcoming over 115,000 attendees.
Once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, rare performances from global sensations, moving tribute concerts and some of the biggest shows ever played by homegrown talent were all showcased across the city for the incredible 31st edition of Celtic Connections.
Among the hundreds of sensational concerts, each of which celebrated the tradition, innovation and unifying power of music, were:
The dazzling Opening Concert, which welcomed the expansive and genre-defying European premiere of ATTENTION! from American Grammy winner Chris Thile (Nickel Creek) and guests including festival favourites Rachel Sermanni, Dreamers’ Circus and Sarah Jarosz. A fitting start to the festival, the night was one of unparalleled musical creativity, leaving audiences in awe
The Red Clydeside: John MacLean Centenary Concert, which celebrated the music, poetry and legacy of Scottish schoolteacher and legendary revolutionary socialist John MacLean, was an evening of passion and inimitable talent. Led by the brilliant Siobhan Miller, Eddi Reader, Billy Bragg and Karine Polwart, a surprise performance from Scottish social protest singer Dick Gaughan was a hugely emotional and iconic moment during the evening
Roaming Roots Review, this year with the theme Songs of Modern Scotland, brought together music from a who’s who of Scottish talent for a night which celebrated some of the most phenomenal artists and iconic tracks this country has produced. Joining the event’s curator and host Roddy Hart on stage were Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil, Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble and Rod Jones, Del Amitri’s Justin Currie, Camera Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell, celebrated singer-songwriter Emma Pollock, uber talented Hamish Hawk, Admiral Fallow’s Sarah Hayes and Louis Abbott and the inimitable Brownbear among other hugely talented musicians. The night was accompanied by a Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Orchestra, arranged and conducted by John Logan
The Bothy Band, one of the most influential and revered Irish ensembles to revolutionise the playing of traditional music in recent generations, made their mark on Celtic Connections 2024 with a highly-anticipated, long-awaited performance. For the first time since 1979, Donal Lunny on bouzouki, Tríona ní Dhomhnaill on keyboards, Matt Molloy on flute, Paddy Keenan on Uilleann pipes and low whistle, and Paddy Glackin and Kevin Burke on fiddle came together to perform their first full-scale public concert, joined by Seán Óg Graham on guitar
Always a Celtic Connections highlight, Transatlantic Sessions celebrated the rich musical traditions that connect Scotland, Ireland and the US. Featuring an outstanding line-up of artists, including AmericanaFest’s “Can’t Miss Act” Lindsay Lou, Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Carlene Carter, Belfast-based progressive Irish folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside, previous Scots Trad Music Awards Gaelic singer of the year Kim Carnie and captivating Canadian duo Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves, the night saw audiences soak up an exceptional assortment of tunes, songs and genres
A special evening celebrating the life and legacy of Tiree accordionist Gordon Connell was A Ceilidh for Gordon at the iconic Old Fruitmarket. The revered musician and teacher was remembered through music and dance, and the memorable night was led by a host of his former students, including Angus MacPhail of Skipinnish, Gunna Sound’s Campbell Brown, Skerryvore’s Daniel and Martin Gillespie, Trail West’s Ian Smith, Tide Lines’ Ross Wilson and many more
Grammy nominee and multi-award-winning musician Allison Russell wowed crowds at Òran Mór with her purposeful music, portraying a soulful expression of liberation, love and respect. The Canadian songstress’ mastery of her craft was on full display as she commanded the spotlight with her soul-stirring vocals, unrivalled musical talent and powerful words
In a commemorative celebration, the Traditional Music and Song Association revisited the landmark Scots Women concert from the 2001 festival. Scots Women - Generations o' Change honoured the original singers of the first performance, while welcoming a new wave of Scottish female folk singers, showcasing a blend of a capella and band-accompanied songs. Featuring an esteemed lineup, the event was overseen by Musical Director Iona Fyfe and hosted by Scots Poet Len Pennie, providing a vibrant, collaborative journey through Scottish folk music
Showcase Scotland, another core event within Celtic Connections, highlighted international partners Norway during the five-day programme which took place between Wednesday 24 January and Monday 29 January. The initiative welcomed international delegates from all over the UK, Europe, Australia, America and Canada to join in appreciation of the Scandinavian talent playing at the festival, including Tromsø-born violinist, singer and composer Julie Alapnes, award-winning Hardanger fiddle player Alexander Aga Røynstrand, Norwegian traditional trios Erlend Viken and Ævestaden, Nordic folk five-piece Gangar, and Sámi band Gabba. Paired with Norway partners at Showcase Scotland was the Sounds of Scotland Showcase, supported by Creative Scotland, highlighting Gaelic and Scots artists performing in traditional and folk music spaces. Next year will see Ireland once again take up the mantle as Showcase Scotland partner
Barony Hall proved to be a spectacular setting for the first time at this year’s Celtic Connections. The stunning building, ideally located in the city centre, was newly introduced as a venue for the 2024 festival, welcoming world-class performers such as award-winning trad band Breabach, revered folk musician John McCusker, Irish fiddler Martyn Hayes and multi-talented Damien O’Kane, to name a few
Music workshops and teaching sessions were also in full swing over the past 18 days. From composing tunes from scratch to having a go at the bagpipes and learning the ukulele, participants had the chance to fully immerse themselves in every facet of the festival, while the festival’s free school concerts programme shared the joy of live music of 8,000 school children from across Scotland over the course of four morning shows
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “This year's Celtic Connections was a testament to the creative power and enduring importance of the arts and the music of the people. The richness of talent on display, the diverse range of genres and the infectious enthusiasm of the audiences made this year’s edition truly special. It's heartening to see the festival grow and evolve, bringing together artists and audiences from all walks of life, joined by a shared appreciation for music, art and cultural expression.
“The continued success of Celtic Connections reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved. My thanks goes to each person who bought a ticket, performed on our stages, volunteered their time, worked on or backed the event, and to the people of Glasgow who welcomed the world with open arms. Your support is the heartbeat of the festival, and it's your enthusiasm and dedication that make this celebration of music possible year after year.
“Scotland has a rich tapestry of musical traditions, and Celtic Connections is a platform that showcases the beauty and diversity of our own folk music, as well as that of other countries, and the expansive connections it has created. I am immensely proud of how well Scotland continues to champion folk music on the global stage, and feel truly excited about the path that lies ahead for what we’re proud to say has become a world-renowned event.”
Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Celtic Connections always provides a brilliant start to the year and as another successful edition draws to a close I want to give my thanks to everyone who made it possible and all those who attended.
“I was fortunate enough to be able to see several fantastic performances over the course of this year’s festival, including the opening concert, the Norwegian acts that played at Showcase Scotland, and the wonderful Red Clydeside Centenary Concert for the great John Maclean. The talent, warmth and energy that Celtic Connections always brings never fails to impress and I’m sure I’m not alone in eagerly awaiting next year’s programme.”
Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Celtic Connections 2024 has been a resounding success, and a spectacular showcase of some of the very finest musical talent that Scotland, and almost every corner of the globe, has to offer across a wealth of genres.
“This year’s wonderfully expansive, exciting programme, and superb international line-up of established and emerging artists, has delighted a very broad range of audiences and attracted festival goers in their thousands. A remarkable range of shows, special performances and inspirational events have been staged at our venues over the past 18 days – further enhancing Glasgow’s reputation as a world-class cultural events destination and shining the spotlight on its status as a celebrated UNESCO City of Music.
“This 31st edition of Celtic Connections has not only demonstrated how internationally renowned and much-loved this unique festival is, it has also emphasised how immeasurably important it is to Glasgow and to Scotland – and we look forward to building on its incredible legacy in future years.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “Powered by the energy of its artists and enthusiasm of its audiences, Celtic Connections has given Scotland’s music scene the best possible start to 2024. From the Opening Concert onwards, fans have sung the praises of some of the best gigs they’ve ever seen at this or any other festival. It’s a triumph for our own traditional music and a prime example of how connecting with artists from all over the world can brighten the darkest days.”
Celtic Connections began in 1994 when it offered 66 events at one venue. It has since grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year, with an unwavering ambition to showcase the very best traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul, indie and world music and nurture unique local, national and international cultural partnerships.
Celtic Connections is now a core part of the city’s annual cultural events programme, delivered by charity Glasgow Life. Opportunities to support future editions of the festival can be found at www.celticconnections.com/celtic-connections-supporters.
Celtic Connections 2025 will take place from Thursday 16 January - Sunday 2 February 2025.
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MOREHere's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MOREAward winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MOREThis March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MOREitison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.
READ MOREPavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MOREScottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MORETop amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORELive Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MOREPavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MOREBBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MORERoy Brett, the Chef Patron at Scotland’s newest five-star hotel, has shared a dessert recipe which pairs perfectly with your haggis, neeps and tatties.
READ MOREForth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.
READ MOREVue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MOREBowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife has announced that, for the first time since they launched, they’ll be extending their hotly anticipated Monthly Market Weekends to include February.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MOREDog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.
READ MOREThe Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MOREDon’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MOREFife knitting and yarn entrepreneur, Milli Abrams, is set to row solo and unsupported 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a bid to raise money for charity.
READ MORECambo Country House and Estate is thrilled to announce details of its upcoming renowned Snowdrop Festival, now in its 16th year, which will run throughout February and early March 2025.
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MOREScotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MOREAfter becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MOREA generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORECaledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE