In a special concert for Kings Place’s Scotland Unwrapped series, acclaimed Scottish fiddle player Ryan Young will be playing a violin made in Edinburgh by John Grice. What makes this instrument so special? It was built in 1731 making it the oldest known Scottish violin in existence.

To give this some context, Niel Gow, ‘the father of the Scottish fiddle music’ was born in 1727. The violin has a very beautiful, haunting voice which perfectly complements Ryan’s lyrical, heart-felt playing. Ryan will be accompanied by David Foley (Rura) on guitar.

Focusing on traditional Scottish music, Ryan brings new life to very old, often forgotten tunes by playing them in his own unique way. His fiddle playing is brimming with fresh melodic ideas, an uplifting rhythmic drive and a great depth of dynamics and precision. His sound is very distinctive and takes the listener on an emotional and adventurous journey in any performance. Young’s 2016 debut album was recorded with four-time GRAMMY winner Jesse Lewis (who has worked with the likes of Bela Fleck and Yo Yo Ma) and launched at Feakle Traditional Music Festival in County Clare, accompanied by renowned guitarist, Dennis Cahill (Martin Hayes; The Gloaming). Further MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards nominations include Album Of the Year, and Folk Band Of The Year. ‘Ryan Young with Jenn Butterworth’ was also the only UK artist selected to perform at the prestigious World Music conference, WOMEX, in 2019.

The violin is on generous loan from Tim Wright Fine Violins.

This event will last approximately 2 hours, including an interval.

Reviews

‘…a force of nature’ The Scotsman  ★★★★★

‘He has created his own unique way of playing and is finding great emotional depth in his native Scottish Music. Ryan Young is an up and coming musician who is gaining more and more well deserved recognition. I feel that he has the potential to make a very significant contribution to the Scottish tradition.’ Martin Hayes