BBC Radio 4: Pretender Prince

May 15, 2025/in news, Uncategorized /by admin

‘Pretender Prince‘ by Limelight, for BBC Radio 4.
Jack Lowden presents a compelling five-part drama-documentary series about the rise and fall of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Written by Colin MacDonald, with original music composed and performed by Duncan Chisholm.

Don’t miss this full-cast dramatisation with expert commentary from historians, Jacqueline Riding, Alistair Moffat and Maggie Craig, and a specially-commissioned soundtrack composed by Duncan Chisholm and performed by four of Scotland’s leading traditional musicians; Duncan Chisholm, Ingrid Henderson, Martin O’Neill and Ross Ainslie.

The first episode will be broadcast of BBC Radio 4 on Friday, 16 May at 215pm with the whole series also available on BBC Sounds on 16 May.

About Duncan

Duncan Chisholm is one of Scotland’s most recognised and accomplished fiddle players and composers; Duncan’s music contains the rarest of chemistries, a glorious combination of invention, tenderness and passion. Born and brought up near Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland, Duncan has spent most of his life developing his unique musical voice. Fiddle playing at its best, Duncan’s feather-light handling of dynamics and ornamentation, allied with his pure-distilled tone, lend his characteristic spine-tingling magic to his music.

Winner of the 2018 Scots Trad Music Awards ‘Album of the Year’ for his album Sandwood, Duncan creates music which is sumptuously layered and awash with dazzling colours, textures and rhythms. It is music that requires no introductions or programme notes to carry you on its journey. The sound may be traditional but this is 21st Century traditional music which is sophisticated, exhilarating and meltingly beautiful.

Duncan’s well-established musical career has taken him throughout the UK, Europe and the USA, both through his solo work and while playing with other musicians and bands.

With such a personal interest in and connection to the Highland landscape that so deeply inspires him, Duncan has worked hard to instil great pride and passion into recording musical masterpieces influenced by Scotland’s wild places.

“My creative world widens with each passing year and the possibilities for self-expression are limitless. Enjoy the music.” Duncan Chisholm.