‘Something I will remember for the rest of my life’ - Inverness musician’s rare performance with Gregg fiddle at ‘iconic’ Carnegie Hall
Renowned Inverness fiddle player and composer Duncan Chisholm is set to perform with the historic “Gregg” fiddle tonight, in the iconic surroundings of New York’s Carnegie Hall.
In a collaboration between the National Trust for Scotland and Scotland's Hoolie in New York event, the rare performance will form part of a stateside celebration of Scotland's rich musical heritage on the international stage.
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The Gregg fiddle, a decorated baroque instrument dating back to 1750, is attributed to William Gregg, the dance teacher of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.
Historically, the fiddle is believed to have been played at the Bachelors' Club in Tarbolton, South Ayrshire, where Burns learned to dance.
It has travelled to the US once before until now, with Ayrshire fiddle players Alistair McCulloch and David Moore the only musicians with permission to play it.
The instrument is currently housed at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, South Ayrshire.
Duncan Chisholm said of the performance: “I am incredibly honoured and proud to have been asked to play the Gregg violin, an instrument that played a daily part in Robert Burns’ life.
“To perform with it in such an iconic space as Carnegie Hall in New York will be a truly special moment and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
The "Hoolie in New York" event, hosted by Alan Cumming, will feature a line-up of esteemed Scottish artists, including Mànran, Julie Fowlis, Dougie MacLean, the Oban High School Pipe Band, and performers from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The concert is being held during NYC Tartan Week, the largest annual celebration of Scottish heritage in New York City.
Ali MacLeod, Head of Fundraising at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “This is an exciting partnership celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Scotland.
“It’s a unique opportunity to blend entertainment with heritage, creating an enriching experience for all involved.
“Among the many places and objects we seek to protect and promote are the birthplace and archive of Robert Burns, including the extraordinary Gregg fiddle, and the archive of Gaelic language and song amassed by John Lorne Campbell and Margaret Fay Shaw on the Isle of Canna in the Inner Hebrides.
“These are just two examples of ways we protect and share the heritage of Scotland’s vibrant traditional music scene.
“By joining forces with the Hoolie events, we can make a significant impact on cultural preservation and engagement.”
Gary Innes, musician, broadcaster and founder of Hoolie in the Hydro, said: “To have Scottish traditional music ringing out across Carnegie Hall’s red seats is testament to the continuing rise in popularity of our country’s musical heritage.
“Performing Scottish traditional music in this eminent venue truly affirms our genre’s place among the world’s musical tapestry.”
