Famous fiddler heading to Blackwood

By Lachlan Ellis

Paul Anderson’s traditional Scottish music was enjoyed by Her Majesty the Queen well into her 90s, and the world-renowned fiddler is bringing his brilliant melodies to Blackwood.

Mr Anderson first played for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the small church of Crathie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, earning an invite to play for her again at Balmoral Castle, which he would go on to do regularly.

A performer of traditional Scottish fiddle music, Mr Anderson has composed over 700 tunes in the traditional style, and will give Blackwoodians and visitors to the town a taste of Scottish tunes at St. Martin’s Chapel on Monday 15 May.

Fellow Scottish musician and Blackwood resident Fiona Ross is organising the event, and said she was proud and excited to be bringing traditional Scottish music to the town.

“I sing traditional Scottish songs, I’ve only been in Australia since 2009. I was very involved in the traditional music scene back there, and that’s how I knew Paul. I knew he was coming to Australia for something he’s doing up in New South Wales, then I saw he was going to be in Melbourne, so I sent him a message asking if he’d fancy coming to do a concert for us in Blackwood,” Ms Ross told the Moorabool News.

“He said ‘oh yeah, I can do that, I’ll come and play for you’. He’s a great guy, he loves the opportunity to share what he does. I’m totally excited, I just can’t wait. It’s going to be a fantastic night, and being from Scotland myself, it’s something very close to my heart…I’m very proud to have someone who is likewise sharing their heritage.”

Mr Anderson will play from 7 – 10 pm on Monday 15 May, with the concert a unique opportunity to experience his music in an intimate local setting.

Tickets are just $20 for adults, and $15 for concession. To book before tickets run out, visit https://www.trybooking.com/book/search, search ‘Paul Anderson St. Martin’s’, and click the first result.

For more information, contact Fiona Ross at [email protected].