Young musicians to represent isles in national competition

A trio of young Shetland musicians is participating in this year’s prestigious National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs competiton.

Fjanna comprises (from left) Mike Laurenson, Anya Johnston and Jodie Smith.
Fjanna comprises (from left) Mike Laurenson, Anya Johnston and Jodie Smith.

The annual event is being staged at the Macdonald Inchyra Grange Hotel in Falkirk on Saturday 5th March.

Collectively known as Fjanna, the group comprises Mike Laurenson, 13, on accordion, Jodie Smith, 13, on fiddle and Anya Johnston, 12, on fiddle and piano.

They have entered the group, duet and solo sections of the competition, working hard to ensure a polished performance and looking forward to representing the isles.

The youngsters – students of Peter Wood, Eunice Henderson and Violet Tulloch – have also been invited to play at various venues in and around Glasgow, as well as making a special visit to the city’s Royal Conservatoire of Music and taking part in a musical exchange event hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway.

Ms Henderson, who is accompanying and supporting the students on their trip said: “This is a very valuable opportunity for Mike, Jodie and Anya to showcase their talent, hard work and commitment to traditional Scottish music at a national level.

“They have rehearsed diligently and we are all very excited at the prospect of this trip.”

ONE COMMENT

Add Your Comment
  • Chris Laurenson

    • February 24th, 2016 21:48

    Absolutely wonderful the opportunities available to young musicians today, well done guys. When I was a kid in Shetland early 60’s I had to teach myself the accordion and play by ear. All the best for a great future, Chris Laurenson (Australia)

    REPLY

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.