Twenty years ago this summer, the first issue of Penguin Eggs surfaced on the Internet.  This publication continues to be bursting with features, interviews, news and reviews from the traditional scene and the current summer special 20th Anniversary Issue (No.78) is no exception.  Read Roddy Campbell’s full review of Sandwood, accessible via the publication here, as he considers Duncan “the indisputable eminent fiddle composer of his generation“.

Duncan is also the subject of an in-depth feature interview in the August 2018 issue of The Scots Magazine.   ‘Sandwood – A Place Beyond Words’ by Cameron McNeish considers how Duncan captures an indefinable location through his music and how Duncan has “produced something quite exceptional” in his Sandwood album.  The full feature is accessible in The Scots Magazine via this link.

In midsummer week, BBC Radio 3 enters one of the most potent sources of the human imagination.  Into the Forest (BBC R3 daily between 630-9am, 18 – 22 June) explores the enchantment, escape and magical danger of the forest in summer, with slow radio moments featuring the sounds of the forest, allowing time out from today’s often frenetic world.

Duncan was invited to join presenter Petroc Trelawny live from the breathtaking landscape of Glen Affric.  Having completed his lauded Strathglass Trilogy inspired by the majestic Glens of Strathfarrar, Canaich and Affric, Duncan was delighted to perform his music live on this programme which explores the cultural heritage of the last remnants of the original Caledonian Forest.

Listen again on the BBC iPlayer via this link. 

Sandwood is now on general release, available to buy / stream / download, worldwide.

Please do visit our ‘Shop‘ where you can purchase the album in CD or download format.

Enjoy the music….

14-18 NOW have unveiled their 2018 season of extraordinary arts events focusing on WW1 Centenary Art Commissions.  This programme of events features brand new artworks by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists which will be presented during the lead up to Armistice Day 2018.

As part of this significant programme of events 14-18 NOW have co-commissioned, with An Lanntair Arts Centre, Duncan Chisholm and Julie Fowlis to deliver a production marking the centenary of the sinking of HMY Iolaire.

This new work will consider this maritime disaster, the resulting tragedy of the significant loss of life to the Hebridean Islands of Lewis and Harris, as well as reflecting on the actions of John Finlay MacLeod whose selfless acts helped save dozens of lives.

This commission will premiere at An Lanntair, Stornoway on the 9/10 November 2018.  Further details of the production will be announced soon.

To all those who have purchased tickets to join us at the Royal Concert Hall’s New Auditorium on February 4th for the sold-out premiere performance of music from Duncan’s brand new album, Sandwood, thank you for your support.

Please do visit the bursting special anniversary programme for Celtic Connections 2018 to see the wealth of live world music and song that will descend on Glasgow between the 18 January and 4 February.

Duncan will make various other appearances during the festival including performances with Julie Fowlis at City Halls on January 20th and with Blazin’ Fiddles at their own anniversary celebration at the Royal Concert Hall on February 1st.

More festival news to follow soon!!

Enjoy the music….