Join us for a great line-up of pipers at the Lit & Phil from 1.00pm on Friday 8th March 2024, for our annual concert to mark International Bagpipe Day! TICKETS £7 – ON THE DOOR ONLY!
There will be a playaround afterwards, so bring your instruments. Refreshments available from the Lit & Phil Bar.
ANDY WATCHORN
Andy first became interested in traditional music over 40 years ago. After hearing recordings of Joe Hutton, George Atkinson and Billy Pigg and ‘live’ piping at Newcastleton Festival in the mid 1970s, he decided to make the move from Highland pipes to the Northumbrian smallpipes. Andy was fortunate to learn many tunes playing in the company of Joe Hutton, Will Atkinson and the Cheviot Ranters (to name but a few) in the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, his repertoire has expanded to include tunes from Scandinavia as well as constantly looking for new tunes from many parts the UK.
Watch Andy’s performance from the 2017 Newcastle Piping Festival!
PAUL MARTIN
County Durham piper and multi-instrumentalist Paul Martin grew up in the piping and musical traditions of Britain and Ireland, but has also been inspired by music with medieval and European origins. During his regular performances he can be heard playing pipes from the Scottish Highlands to Slovakia, and music from the 13th century to more recently written tunes for bagpipes.
Check out Paul’s variety of pipes on his Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/Dunholmpiper
ALEX BARRASS
Raised in the North East, Alex took up the pipes at school in 2018, under the guidance of Andy Lawrenson. Later receiving tuition from Chris Ormston, Alex’s playing is modelled on the traditional, detached style associated with the Clough family of Newsham. He has also been influenced by the likes of Andy May, Pauline Cato, and Adrian Schofield. Alex is currently studying at the University of Leeds, where he is President of the university’s Folk Society. Favourites within Alex’s repertoire include the compositions of Billy Pigg, James Hill, and Tom Clough.
Watch Alex’s concert promo video here!