November 14th 2024.
In a remarkable turn of events, an 18th Century baroque fiddle with a rich history is set to make a comeback at two special concerts. It is believed that this fiddle was once played by none other than the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, adding to its already prestigious reputation. The instrument, known as the Gregg fiddle, was originally owned by Burns' dance teacher 250 years ago and will soon be played at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow and the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York.
This ancient and intricately decorated fiddle is currently on display at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, the very place where the esteemed bard was born. Only a select few have been granted permission to play this precious instrument, namely Ayrshire fiddle players Alistair McCulloch and David Moore. However, this is all about to change as the talented Lochaber multi-instrumentalist Ewen Henderson is set to make history by playing the Gregg fiddle in front of thousands at the Hoolie in the Hydro, Scotland's largest traditional music event, in December.
Following this monumental performance, renowned fiddle player and composer Duncan Chisholm will take up the instrument at the esteemed Carnegie Hall in New York during the Hoolie in New York event in April 2025. Before these record-breaking concerts, both Ewen and Duncan have traveled to the museum in Alloway to learn the nuances of this special instrument from its trusted guardians.
Duncan expressed his immense honor and pride at being asked to play the Gregg violin, an instrument that was once a part of Robert Burns' daily life. He also shared his excitement for performing with it at the iconic Carnegie Hall, calling it a truly special moment that he will cherish for the rest of his life. The fiddle, believed to have been constructed around 1750, is said to have been played at the Bachelor's Club in Tarbolton where Burns himself learned dance steps. It has also been recognized as one of the 25 Objects That Shaped Scotland's History by VisitScotland.
It is worth noting that the Gregg fiddle is only played a handful of times each year and has never been played in front of such large audiences or in such grand arenas before. The organizer and broadcaster of Hoolie in the Hydro, Gary Innes, described the upcoming concerts as a "landmark occasion." He went on to explain that as a brand, Hoolie always strives to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of Scotland's vibrant traditional music scene. Working with the National Trust for Scotland on this special project feels like a huge milestone and Innes hopes it will create a moment of magic for both the musicians and the audience.
This year's Hoolie in the Hydro will take place on December 7th, and the event will then cross the Atlantic next year for a special performance as part of New York's Tartan Week celebrations on April 5th. Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates by subscribing to Scottish Field and reading their latest issue. Until then, let's look forward to witnessing the historic performances of the Gregg fiddle and celebrating the legacy of Robert Burns through the power of music.
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