BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician explained

BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician
Venue:Glasgow City Halls
Presenter:Hands Up for Trad
Network:
Host:
Holder:Calum McIlroy
Year:2001
Year2:2024

The BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician competition has run annually since 2001.It exists to encourage young musicians to keep their tradition alive and to provide performance opportunities, tools and advice to help contestants make a career in traditional music.[1] Former winners include Hannah Rarity, Mohsen Amini, Robyn Stapleton, Shona Mooney and Emily Smith.[2]

Competition

The competition was started in 2000 by Simon Thoumire, together with fiddler Clare McLaughlin and Elspeth Cowie, national organiser of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA), and was first awarded at the 2001 Celtic Connections festival.[3] BBC Radio Scotland started to support the award the following year, and has continued to do so. The award is organised and run by Hands Up for Trad on behalf of BBC Radio Scotland.[4] [5]

The usual format of the award is a residential weekend in October at Wiston Lodge, South Lanarkshire for twelve semi-finalists. From there, six are selected to go on to a final concert, where the winner is chosen by a panel of judges.

Since 2007, the final concert has been held in Glasgow City Halls on the last day of the Celtic Connections festival, and broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland. Between 2012 and 2015 the final concert was also televised on BBC Alba.[6] The presenter was initially Mary Ann Kennedy, replaced in 2016 by Bruce MacGregor. From 2020 the final concert was again televised on BBC Alba with Joy Dunlop giving Gaelic commentary alongside MacGregor.

The semi-finals of the 2021 competition took place in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of the Wiston Lodge weekend, the entrants performed in the foyer of the BBC Pacific Quay building, with no audience.[7]

The eligibility criteria are that the contestant is aged between 16 and 27, and is normally resident in Scotland or has lived in Scotland for five years.[8] This age range is more extended than the similarly titled BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award. That award is open to all United Kingdom residents, but its age range is just 16 to 21.[9] Hence the contestants for the Scottish award are usually more advanced musicians, often students or graduates of one of the degrees in traditional music such as the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's BMus with Honours (Traditional music), and already established in a professional career in music.

While the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award uses the umbrella term "folk", the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician award is specifically for a Scottish musician performing the music of their own tradition, though not necessarily Scottish traditional music.[10]

The TMSA Young Trad Tour is an annual tour of Scotland by the finalists and the previous year's winner, organised by the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland, and supported by Creative Scotland. The destinations include the Celtic Connections festival and the hometowns of each of the finalists. The musicians also make an album together.[11]

Award winners and nominees

Winners are listed first and marked with a blue riband .

YearNameHometownInstrumentHigher music education

<

--- 2024 --->
2024[12] [13] Bagpipes Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Voice Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Guitar, mandolin & voice Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Voice Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Fiddle Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
  Voice, step dance percussion Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
2023[14] [15] [16] piano Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  accordion Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Gaelic song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  voice, guitar Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  New England, USA fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  smallpipes University of the Highlands and Islands
2022[17] [18] fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Glasgow clarsach Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[19]
  Gaelic song Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
  pipes Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Glasgow piano Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
2021[20] piano Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  lever harp Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  voice Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  voice
  bagpipes Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
2020[21] [22] [23] whistles, pipes Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  guitar, mandolin, voice Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[24]
  Scots song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Gaelic song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  accordion Edinburgh University and Maynooth University[25]
2019[26] [27] [28] fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  guitar, voice Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[29]
  fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  bagpipes Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Gaelic song
  flute
2018[30] [31] Scots song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  bagpipes Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Scots song University of Aberdeen and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  piano Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  whistles, pipes Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  guitar, voice Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
2017[32] [33] [34] fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  accordion Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Scots song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  bagpipes University of the Highlands and Islands
  Scots song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  Gaelic song
2016[35] [36] concertina
  fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  clarsach Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  accordion Benbecula College
  fiddle Benbecula College[37]
  fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
2015[38] song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  fiddle
  clarsach
  fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  fiddle
2014[39] voice Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  piano Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  accordion Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  guitar, song
  fiddle Strathclyde University
  fiddle Strathclyde University
2013[40] accordion
  piano Royal Northern College of Music and Eastman School of Music
  fiddle Royal Northern College of Music
  accordion Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  fiddle
  pipes, whistle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
2012[41] [42] fiddle
  Gaelic song
  fiddle
  fiddle Royal Northern College of Music and Royal Academy of Music
  fiddle
  Scots song
2011[43] fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[44]
  song
  accordion
  pipes Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama[45]
  Gaelic song and clarsach Berklee College of Music[46]
  piano
2010[47] Inveruriefiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[48]
  accordion, harp
  harp Berklee College of Music
  pipes Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  harp Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[49]
  pipes Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[50]
2009[51] [52] fiddle Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  guitar
  pipes, whistle Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  Gaelic song
  fiddle
  fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
2008[53] guitar, voice
  pipes, whistle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[54]
  Scots song Royal Conservatoire of Scotland[55]
  pipes, smallpipes, flute, whistles
  accordion, piano
  clarsach
2007[56] [57] [58] [59] Gaelic Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama[60]
  Gaelic song Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama[61]
  fiddle
  wooden flute
  pipes, whistles
  accordion
2006[62] [63] fiddle Newcastle University[64]
  fiddle
  accordion
  Gaelic song Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  flute, piano, Scots song Berklee College of Music[65]
  pipes, whistle Sabhal Mòr Ostaig[66]
2005[67] bagpipes Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama[68]
  clarsarch, song
  fiddle
  song Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  fiddle Strathclyde University[69]
  song Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig[70]
2004[71] [72] Gaelic song Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  voice, fiddle
  clarsach, voice Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  fiddle, voice Strathclyde University
  accordion
  fiddle, piano, voice Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
2003[73] fiddle, guitar Strathclyde University
  song
  fiddle
  fiddle
  flute
  fiddle, voice Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama[74]
2002[75] Scots song Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  fiddle Strathclyde University[76]
  Golspie harp Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama[77]
  voice, guitar Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama[78]
  fiddle Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  smallpipes, whistle, Highland pipes
2001[79] [80] [81] fiddle Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
  fiddle Royal Northern College of Music[82]
  flute
  pipes, accordion
  Scots song
  banjo Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama[83]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: About the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award . . 23 April 2014 . 20 October 2020.
  2. Web site: Young Trad Musicians: Previous winners . . 12 December 2012 . 2021-01-31.
  3. News: Gilchrist . Jim . A reel reward . 12 January 2021 . . 10 Jan 2001 . . 15 . .
  4. Web site: Young Trad Musicians . . 20 October 2020.
  5. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician . . 2021-01-01.
  6. News: BBC ALBA to broadcast BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year final 2013 . 27 October 2020 . Allmedia Scotland . 30 January 2013.
  7. The BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2021 Semi Finals . 2020-10-15 . Radio broadcast . . Introduced by Anna Massie . Travelling Folk.
  8. Web site: Competition Rules . . 20 October 2020.
  9. Web site: Radio 2's Young Folk Award 2019 – Terms and Conditions . . 20 October 2020.
  10. Web site: What is a Scottish traditional musician? . . 26 October 2020 . 2013.
  11. Web site: TMSA Young Trad Tour . Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland . 2 December 2020.
  12. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2024 Finalists . BBC . 19 January 2024.
  13. News: 2024-02-05 . Mandolin player wins BBC Young Traditional Musician award for 2024 . 2024-02-05 . BBC News . en-GB.
  14. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician: 2023 finalists . . 2023-02-09.
  15. Web site: Amy Laurenson, BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award Winner 2023 . . 7 February 2023 . 2023-02-09.
  16. News: Ferguson . Brian . Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson crowned Scotland's best young traditional musician . 9 February 2023 . . 2023-02-05.
  17. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician: 2022 finalists . . 16 December 2021.
  18. Web site: Fiddle player Eryn Rae wins BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2022 . . 7 February 2022.
  19. News: O'Hanlon . Hannah . Musician's moving tribute to 'mentor' Robert Black . 13 January 2022 . Campbeltown Courier . 7 May 2021.
  20. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician: 2021 finalists . . 22 October 2020.
  21. News: Wyllie . James . Dingwall piper named BBC Radio Scotland's young traditional musician of the year . 20 October 2020 . . 2 February 2020.
  22. News: Jobson . Jonny . Dingwall's Ali Levack on overnight success – 10 years in the making . 20 October 2020 . . 6 February 2020.
  23. Web site: Ali Levack wins BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2020 . . 25 October 2020 . 3 February 2020.
  24. Web site: Horsecross Sessions . Small City Big Personality . 28 January 2021 . 19 October 2014.
  25. Web site: Pàdruig Morrison . New Music Scotland . 28 January 2021.
  26. News: Tonner . Judith . Airdrie man marks 'amazing' time as young traditional musician of the year . 20 October 2020 . . 4 February 2020.
  27. News: Fiddle player wins young traditional musician award . 25 October 2020 . . 28 January 2019.
  28. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2019 Finalists Announced . BBC . 28 January 2021.
  29. Web site: About . Luc McNally . 28 January 2021.
  30. News: Clark . John-Paul . Hannah returns for Linlithgow concert . 20 October 2020 . . 1 August 2019.
  31. Web site: Singer Hannah Rarity wins BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2018 . . 25 October 2020 . 29 January 2018.
  32. News: Bonn . Melanie . Glenfarg fiddler named Young Trad Musician of the Year 2017 . 20 October 2020 . . 7 Feb 2017.
  33. News: Greenaway . Heather . Rising stars of folk music, battling for Celtic crown, on how they found their passion . 20 October 2020 . . 30 Jan 2017.
  34. News: Charlie Stewart named young traditional musician 2017 . 25 October 2020 . . 6 February 2017.
  35. News: Greenaway . Heather . Young Scot Awards 2016: Celtic music superstardom? Easy squeezy says talented concertina player . 20 October 2020 . . 14 February 2006.
  36. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2016 . . 28 January 2021.
  37. Web site: About . Robbie Greig Fiddle . 28 January 2021.
  38. News: Thomson . Lorna . Dumfries singer Claire Hastings 'still in shock' after winning the BBC Alba Young Traditional Musician of the Year award . 20 October 2020 . . 4 February 2015.
  39. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award finalists announced . . 26 October 2020 . October 2013.
  40. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Final 2013 . . 12 December 2012 . 26 October 2020.
  41. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2012 . . 26 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120215203517/http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/youngtrad/ . 15 February 2012 . 2011.
  42. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2012 . . 29 January 2021.
  43. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2011 announced . . 26 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120118191412/http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/press/Young_Traditional_Musician_Winner_2011.htm . 18 January 2012 . 2011.
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  45. Web site: Lorne MacDougall Hello World . . 31 January 2021.
  46. Web site: About . Mairi Chaimbeul . 31 January 2021.
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  55. Web site: About . Amy Lord . 31 January 2021.
  56. Web site: Future glittering stars of traditional music win through to prestigious final . . 26 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070115233927/http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/press/Young_Traditional_Musician_finalists_2007.htm . 15 January 2007 . 10 October 2006.
  57. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2007 announced . . 25 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070519193620/http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/youngtrad/young_trad_2007_winner.htm . 19 May 2007.
  58. News: Gaelic singer scoops BBC honour . 25 October 2020 . . 30 January 2007.
  59. Web site: Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Of The Year 2007 announced . . 25 October 2020 . 29 January 2007.
  60. Web site: [{{AllMusic|artist|mn0001576001|pure_url=yes}} Catriona Watt ]. Buchanan . John D. . . 31 January 2021.
  61. Web site: Tutor Focus: Darren MacLean, Tutor of Gaelic Song . . 31 January 2021.
  62. Web site: Szymborski . Susan . YOUNG TRAD TOUR 2006 . HI-ARTS . 25 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080517011929/http://www.hi-arts.co.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-hianewm2j.RefLocID-hiacg5005001.Lang-EN.htm . 17 May 2008 . 29 September 2006.
  63. Web site: Young Traditional Musician Finalists 2006 . . 26 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120225095828/http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/press/Young_Traditional_Musician_finalists_2006.htm . 25 February 2012 . October 2005.
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  65. Web site: Biog . Hamish Napier . 18 June 2010 . 31 January 2021.
  66. News: McFadyen . Neil . MAC ÌLE – THE MUSIC OF FRASER SHAW . 31 January 2021 . Folk Radio . 26 September 2017.
  67. Web site: Young Scots bagpiper blasts his way to prestigious piping prize . . 25 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080509083209/http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/press/pressrelease_24jan2005.htm . 9 May 2008 . 24 January 2005.
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  70. Web site: About . Maeve Mackinnon . 31 January 2021.
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  72. Web site: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2004 . . 25 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100605121549/http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/youngtrad/finalists2004.htm . 5 June 2010.
  73. Folk and world music listings . 2003-01-16 . . 53 . 2020-10-26 . 459.
  74. Web site: Info . Lori Watson . 31 January 2021.
  75. News: BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2002 . 26 October 2020 . . 28 Jan 2002.
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  79. News: Adams . Rob . Celtic Connections Chris Stout, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall . 6 January 2021 . . 2001-01-15 . . 15 . .
  80. News: Armstrong . Gary . Pollokshields musician reflects on career two decades after winning first BBC Young Trad award . 20 October 2020 . . 2 February 2020.
  81. Web site: The very first Young Trad Award . . 26 October 2020 . 2013.
  82. Web site: Fiddle with Patsy Reid . Sabhal Mor Ostaig . 31 January 2021.
  83. Web site: Celine Donoghue . Glasgow Folk-Music Workshop . 31 January 2021.

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