CELTIC CONNECTIONS STARTS TO PRESS ACCLAIM
Written by Archie Fergusson on 21/01/2017
Celtic Connections 2017 has begun! What an incredible start to the festival last night with Laura Marling & BBC SSO headlining the opening night at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
The Scotsman reported “This year’s Celtic Connections Opening Concert turned out to be as generously populated an evening as previous massed celebrations, with a first half of special guests which felt like a concert in itself.”
The audience were certainly spoilt for choice, with an array of talented special guests that took to the stage in the first half. Karine Polwart opened the show with a specially composed piece to mark the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States.
Following Karine were previews from international guests – Saharan singer Aziza Brahim and bluegrass pop from Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys.
Rachel Sermanni and Adam Holmes were next a compatible duo who both have solo slots throughout the festival. Cara Dillon charmed her audience with a rendition of She Moved Through The Fair Cara was followed by Declan O’Rourke who added some orchestral arrangements to his set, nicely leading to the main event…
The world premiere saw a room spellbound by Laura Marling’s quiet authority and incredible vocals, Laura gave a very special performance as she opened this year’s Celtic Connections festival.
Laura was accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in a world premiere.
The performance was conducted by Grammy Award winning Jules Buckley, with stunning new arrangements of Laura’s repertoire by Kate St. John.
Having the opening night raise the bar Friday night’s performers kept it at dizzy highs with first class performances all over the city, including the sell-out show at The Barrowland starring Manran with Blazin’ Fiddles supported by Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys
