Traditional musicians get opportunity to learn about unique Rondello fiddle

The Highland Council’s Inverness Traditional Music Project is working in partnership with Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and Curator, Catharine Niven to run a unique fiddle workshop on Tuesday 15 June from 3.30pm.

The aim of the workshop is to showcase the exhibition of the work of Alexander Battan Grant who made the Rondello instrument at the end of the 19th century.

Inverness-born famous fiddler Sarah-Jane Summers, a direct descendent of Alexander Grant will give a talk on his work producing the Rondello and will play some music on the Hardanger fiddle.

The workshop will include showcasing the fiddles and music of one of Alexander Grant’s most famous students the late Donald Riddell from Clunes, Kirkhill.  Presenting the workshop will be Irene Fraser a former student of Donald Riddell.  Irene will play a selection of music written by Donald Riddell. 

Curator, Catharine Niven said: “I am really pleased to work with the Traditional Music Project team on this workshop and to welcome fiddle players to the museum. Sadly the Rondello can’t be played as it is too fragile but I’m especially glad to have the opportunity to get out the unusual Rondello for people to see.”

Margo Maclennan, Highland Council’s Traditional Music Co-ordinator said: “The TMC Project is delighted to work in partnership with Inverness Museum with an opportunity to share the heritage and traditions of the past with the students and musicians of the present in the work of Alexander Grant and Donald Riddell.”

Due to limited space in the exhibition area a short music session will follow in the main area of the museum and fiddlers from the Inverness Traditional Music Project will join Sarah-Jane and Irene in playing some of Donald Riddell’s music.

For more information as there will be a limited number places offered in the workshop contact Margo Maclennan, TMC Co-ordinator 01463 663817.