UP NEXT
Sat 7 Feb
Matt Carmichael | Auditorium
19:30 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:00
What's on by date
What's on by genre
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Sat 7 Feb
Matt Carmichael | Auditorium
19:30 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:00
Featuring Pete Clark (fiddle) & Muriel Johnstone (Piano), and the Birnam-Dunkeld Traditional Youth Music Group.
Pete Clark (fiddle)
Born in Dunfermline, Pete Clark lives in highland Perthshire, not far from where the great Scottish fiddler Niel Gow lived over two centuries ago. He directs his own biannual fiddle courses in the village of Birnam, coaches and conducts the Dunkeld & District Strathspey & Reel Society and is co-founder of the annual Niel Gow Festival.
Pete is a former tutor on the Scottish Music degree course at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, and continues to teach, compose and record. He has taught and performed in many countries including the U.S.A.' Canada and Japan, is visiting lecturer on the fiddle music of Scotland at the University of St Andrews, and writes a regular contribution for “Fiddler Magazine”, published American quarterly.
In 1998, Pete recorded an album in the ballroom of Blair Castle, playing the Niel Gow fiddle which is on display there. In 2017, he made another recording, this time using the fiddle which was Niel Gow’s personal favourite in his later years.
Pete has a lifelong interest in and love for the natural world, and when not fiddling, he is walking, fishing or painting.
Muriel Johnstone (piano)
As a pianist extraordinaire and prolific composer, Muriel Johnstone is highly acclaimed in the world of Scottish country dancing. She's been involved in music and dance since her childhood -- starting piano lessons when she was 7 years old. Muriel went on to study at the London Royal Academy of Music and the University of Edinburgh' where she gained a Bachelor of Music degree, followed by a teaching qualification from Moray House College.
Though “classically” trained, Muriel has always found the pull of traditional music irresistible. Her teaching and playing has led her around the world. Muriel has recorded over 30 albums and produced many books of her original compositions. During her career, she's performed and recorded with many notable musicians, including Angus Fitchet and Alasdair Fraser.
Originally from Ardrossan in Ayrshire, Muriel now lives in Pitlochry, Perthshire, just up the road from Pete. A happy coincidence!
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
These local young musicians are learning fiddle, guitar, accordian or whistle from tutors Karys Watt and Gill Hunter. We are delighted to have their trad band back at the Niel Gow Festival for 2026.
Digital Programme Link: Online Flipbook | Niel Gow Festival 2026
Box Office
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Cafe
Daily | 10 - 4
Welcome to Birnam Arts, a boutique multi-purpose arts, conferencing and entertainment venue.
Pop in to the Foyer Cafe for breakfast, grab a delicious coffee with a selection of our homemade baking or enjoy a light lunch whilst browsing on the free WiFi. Wander upstairs to view the latest of our monthly art exhibitions before visiting the world of Beatrix Potter, or the Gift Shop to purchase a special gift for your loved ones or yourself!
Have always enjoyed BA whether for coffee or concerts. I look forward to many more years of enjoyment.
Rebecca Forbes | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
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Unfortunately our lift is currently out of order. Engineers are working hard to have it fixed and up & running again as soon as possible. We understand this may casue acessibility issues for some of our customers and sincerely apologise.
