Kirkmahoe Concerts – Chris Stout and Catriona McKay

from David Clark

“Reviewers have already attributed a million different adjectives to describe their unique alliance, so here’s another one – genius”!!!! – The Scotsman

As individual musicians Chris Stout and Catriona McKay need little introduction to music audiences, either in the UK or much further afield, both being leading exponents on their chosen instruments and in their respective  musical fields.

Shetland born Chris (fiddle and viola) is hailed as one of Scotland’s leading fiddlers / violinists, whether in a solo capacity, as a member of the group Fiddlers’ Bid, leading his own musically diverse quintet, the ‘Chris Stout Theory’, or indeed soloing with the likes of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra or even the Singapore Chinese National Orchestra. In 2009 alone his travels took him to Brazil, the USA, Japan and the Far East in general, Australia, Europe and Scandinavia, while 2010 commenced with several performances at the world famous Celtic Connections festival followed by a tour in Jordan.

Born in Dundee, but now resident in Glasgow, Catriona, is unquestionably one of Scotland’s most talented, diverse and exciting harp players, ever-willing to experiment and crossing all musical boundaries into the bargain.  In 2007 she won the coveted ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ category at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards and her solo album ‘Starfish’ received glowing accolades on a world-wide basis with the Irish Times labelling it “extraordinarily beautiful”. She is also a member of Fiddlers Bid.

Together they create and explore a dynamic, adventurous and exhilarating style of traditional Scottish music, quite unique to this amazingly talented duo, while still carving out space for each other to encourage musical dialogue and explore the full range of possibilities their instruments hold. Chris and Catriona have just released a new album entitled ‘White Nights’ which they say is “a musical celebration of Northerness” - in particular the light that comes with either the islands long summer evenings (the Simmer Dim) or, in contrast, the dramatic light, landscapes and sounds of winter.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Chris Stout and Catriona McKay in the beautiful surroundings of Kirkmahoe Parish Church, at 7.30pm on 28 May 2011. Tickets £8 – booking strongly advised (dgArts or Thomas Tosh - see poster above).

How to get to Kirkmahoe Parish Church

From the North:  From the village of Thornhill (A76) travel for approximately 8 miles – heading towards Dumfries.  Turn off the A76 just before the road crosses the River Nith at Auldgirth (do not go over the river).  Turn left on a minor road signposted Dalswinton and Kirkton.  Go through Dalswinton Village and continue for about two miles until you come to the village of Kirkton.   The church is located on the right-hand side with parking available opposite in the ‘village square’.

From the South:  Travelling west on the by-pass around Dumfries, at the second roundabout turn off the A75 on to the A701, signposted to Edinburgh (Beattock and Moffat).  Just after the first/another roundabout on the A701 take a left turning on an unnumbered road signposted Kirkton and Auldgirth.  Proceed down this road for approximately three miles, until you come to the village of Kirkton.  The church is located on the left-hand side with parking available opposite in the ‘village square’. 

Kirkmahoe Concerts is a new venture; the previous 4 gigs have been a great success - do come along and see what folk are getting excited about.