Gael Force at The International Eisteddfod, Wales
Fionnar, the Gaelic vocal harmony group for young people, led by the Màiri Mhòr Gaelic Song Fellowship for The Highland Council has just returned with an armful of prizes from the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales. This highly prestigious and colourful music festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world and choirs and groups come from all over the world compete and perform to large audiences over the course of six days.
Fiona Mackenzie, the Màiri Mhòr Fellow said: “The girls in Fionnar have worked very hard over the last 6 months, putting their stage sets together for the Eisteddfod, both for the competitions and also for the stage performances which they were asked to undertake during the Festival. The set they performed in the Celtic Small ensemble class provided a snapshot of Highland Culture, showcasing the Highland bagpipes, a Gay Gordon’s set and of course, Gaelic Song, where we incorporated the use of the Golden Broom tartan, the official tartan of Highland 2007.”
“The standard of the competition was very high this year with groups participating from many Celtic countries and the girls were thrilled to win 3rd prize and have it presented on the huge Pavilion stage on the showground. Some of the girls also competed in solo vocal and instrumental competitions and proved themselves to be accomplished artists in their own right. We were also delighted to be able, this year, to collaborate with the Kiltearn Feis Rois Fiddlers in their set for the prestigious Massed Celtic ensemble, utilising a local song from Evanton which the girls have just recorded on their new CD, An t-Ionnsachadh Òg.”
“The whole group was absolutely delighted to win first prize in that class against stiff opposition from Wales and Ireland. Demonstrating their Gaelic culture to large audiences in excess of 4000 is also excellent experience for the group and the girls certainly relished the challenge, delighting the audiences with their lovely Gaelic song, piping clàrsach and fiddle playing.”
Fiona Mackenzie herself was also successful, winning second place in the highly prestigious Celtic Vocal Solo competition and going onto perform on the SC4 stage for Welsh television.
Hamish Fraser, chair of the Highland Council Gaelic Committee said: Fionnar are a truly shining example of the way Highland music, song and dance should be portrayed to the rest of the world in 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland Culture. Their success’s and performances are what I believe to be the basis of a legacy which will be alive in the memories of many people from many different corners of the country for many years to come, and will instil in them an urge to visit the Highlands to hear and see more. Fionnars success will inspire many other young people to follow in their footsteps and emulate their achievements, and in doing so will keep alive our precious Highland culture for the enjoyment of future generations.”