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The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
PATRON HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL

 

THE SFO CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF THIS AGE
UNITING THE FUTURE OF SCOTLAND
WITH ITS HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS

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THE SCOTTISH FIDDLE ORCHESTRA is fast becoming Scotland's musical ambassador around the world, such is the expertise and dedication of the Members and their Conductor/Musical Director, John Mason MBE.

The Inaugural Concert of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra was on the 22nd of March 1980 in the splendor of the Music Hall, Aberdeen. Since that time the Orchestra has established a programme of six annual concerts - usually held in the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow; the Usher Hall, Edinburgh; the Town Hall, Birmingham; the Music Hall, Aberdeen; the Caird Hall, Dundee; and the Royal Albert Hall in London. A number of other 'special' concerts are also undertaken each year, allowing the Orchestra to tour Ireland, Canada and the USA.

Members of the Orchestra number approximately 130, who come from all over Scotland, bringing together a truly national Orchestra which draws its inspiration from all the regions of Scotland. In particular, John Mason, the exuberant Conductor of the Orchestra hails from Orkney. Born in Kirkwall, his father was Sheriff Clerk Deputy on the Islands, and John spent his childhood on Orkney only leaving as a young man to eventually study law on the main land.

Almost uniquely the SFO is run by a board of management, consisting of ten members of the Orchestra, whose aim is to maintain a happy and enthusiastic membership, always striving to improve the quality and range of the music, whilst not forgetting its essential light hearted-ness and joy, and the happiness it brings to the listeners. Each member gives freely of his or her time and ability without financial reward whatsoever, seeking only to please and to be appreciated. The average number of players attending any concert is about eighty.

The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra is made up of around 130 of some of the finest players drawn from all parts of Scotland. Under the baton of their charismatic conductor and musical director, John Mason MBE, the Orchestra performs all over the United Kingdom and overseas.

Conductors: John Mason MBE
and Andrew McGarva

James Nicol - tenor and
Mary Sandeman - mezzo soprano

 

The SFO Folk Symphony

With their patron, HRH The Princess Royal, this Orchestra dedicates its performances to innumerable charities and also keeps alive the Scottish fiddling tradition with its huge repertoire.

most titles are available on VHS video, CD and cassette

     
  DATES VENUE BOX OFFICE

CONCERTS 2009

Sept 12th GLASGOW - Royal Concert Hall 0141 353 8000
  Oct 10th Dumfries, DG One Leisure Centre 01387 243 550
  Dec 5th PERTH - Perth Concert Hall 01738 621 031
    other concerts to be announced ....  
     

DISCOGRAPHY

  LISTED IN RELEASE DATE ORDER
some releases may no longer be available to purchase
 

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PRINCE OF THE MISTS
(1987 - 1997 - 2006)

catalogue numbers: RDVD073 (DVD ) 
RECD484 (CD) RELV034 (video) RECS484 (cassette)
 

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THE FIDDLER'S PARTY
(1988 - 1995 - 2007)

catalogue numbers: RDVD076 (DVD) 
RECD485 (CD) RELV023 (video) RECS485 (cassette)
 

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THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
(1990)

catalogue numbers: RELV001 (video) 
RECD487 (CD) RECS487 (cassette)
 

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OVER THE WATER
(1992)

catalogue numbers: RELV008 (video) 
RECD489 (CD) RECS489 (cassette)
 

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FESTIVAL CITY
(1993)

catalogue numbers: RELV009 (video) 
RECD491 (CD) RECS491 (cassette)
 

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LET GLASGOW FLOURISH

catalogue numbers: RELV011 (video) 
RECD492(CD) RECS492 (cassette)
 

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THE LEGENDARY SCOTTISH FIDDLE ORCHESTRA
(1995 - 2006)

catalogue numbers: RDVD074 (DVD) 
RECD498(CD) RELV021 (video) RECS498 (cassette)
 

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THE SCOTTISH FIDDLE ORCHESTRA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
(1996 -1997 - 2006)

catalogue numbers: RDVD075 (DVD) 
RECD504 (CD) RELV022 (video) RECS504 (cassette)
 

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THE SCOTTISH FIDDLE ORCHESTRA PLAYS TORONTO
(1997)

catalogue numbers: RELV044 (video) 
RECD521(CD) RECS521 (cassette)
 

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CANADA O CANADA
(1998)

catalogue numbers: RELV043 (video) 
RECD520(CD) RECS520 (cassette)
 

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THE FIDDLER'S DANCE
A collection of the finest and most entertaining Scottish fiddle music all on one fantastic album.
(2000)

catalogue numbers:
RECD534(CD) RECS534 (cassette)
 

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FIDDLERS CONNECTIONS
The exhilarating and dynamic sound of the massed fiddles of Scotland. Three volumes of recordings by the SFO which have never before been released on CD - over 3 hours for only £9.99 (+p&p)
(2001)

catalogue number:
RECD537(3 CD Box Set)
 

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ANNIVERSARY
The 21st birthday concert of The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, played in Aberdeen almost exactly on the anniversary of their very first concert in the Grand Hall. Reflecting the high spirits of this celebrations and the commitment of the Orchestra to keep Scottish music alive and well.
(2001)

catalogue number:
RECD539 (CD)
  THE THREE CITIES
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra

catalogue numbers: RELV040 (video)
RECD523 (CD) RECS523 (cassette) 
  THE BEST OF THE SFO
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
(DVD 2002)

catalogue numbers: RDVD060 (DVD)  RECD540 (CD) RELV060 (video) RECS540 (cassette)
  SERENITY
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra

catalogue numbers: RECD546 (CD)) 
  A Beautiful Scottish Evening
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra

catalogue numbers: RECD548 (CD)) 
  On A Beautiful Scottish Evening
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
(2004)

catalogue numbers: RDVD 069 (DVD)  RELV 069 (VHS video)
  Silver Jubilee
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra

catalogue numbers: RECD552 (CD)
  Homeward Bound
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
(DVD 2008)

catalogue numbers: RDVD077 (DVD)
RECD552 (CD))
  Highland Cathedral
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra

catalogue numbers: RECD555 (CD)
  Burns An' A' That1
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
(DVD 2009)

catalogue numbers: RDVD080 (DVD)
       

OTHER TITLES

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SCOTTISH FIDDLER'S RALLY
(1979-1996)

catalogue numbers:  
RECD509(CD) RECS509 (cassette)

Article in The Evening News - Edinburgh (26/10/04)

MUSICIANS TO PLAY CONCERT IN HONOUR OF CITY TEACHER

A MEMORIAL concert is to take place next month in honour of an inspirational city teacher.

Three years after the death of Dr Colin O'Riordan a concert is to be held by the musicians who benefited from the trust set up in his name.

Dr O'Riordan, 57, took his own life in October 2001 after becoming depressed about funding cuts to music education.

His friends and family were determined to find a way to continue the work he loved so much and set up a trust fund in his name.

Since it was established in January 2002, the Colin O'Riordan Trust has provided thousands of pounds to help exceptional musicians chosen through an independent audition process.

The trust has also distributed many grants to young people who would otherwise be unable to afford musical instruments.

Now some of those who benefited from the fund will pay in the concert at St Cecilia's Hall in the Cowgate on November 6 at 7.30pm. The concert will feature a number of the musicians performing solo pieces of their choice.

Dr O'Riordan was widely acknowledged as one of Scotland's foremost musical educators.

He was leader of the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra when it was founded in 1963 and once conducted the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall.

A renowned violinist himself, Dr O'Riordan performed at the Usher Hall with the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra just hours before his death.

Further information about the work of the trust can be found at thecolinoriordantrust.org.uk


EMAIL A MESSAGE TO THE SCOTTISH FIDDLE ORCHESTRA
 
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