Scottish concert and competitions, June 6-7
The Robert Burns Society of Charleston, a local nonprofit that supports and promotes Scottish-American history, heritage, and culture, is bringing four Scottish events including a harp concert and three prize competitions for bagpipes, harp, and fiddle to Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto on June 6-7 at South Carolina Society Hall, 72 Meeting Street.
A solo Scottish harp concert by Maeve Gilchrist takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 6.
Described by one critic as “a phenomenal harp player who can make her instrument ring with unparalleled purity,” Gilchrist has taken the Celtic (lever) harp to new levels of performance and visibility. She has released five albums to date, including her most recent 2020 recording, The Harpweaver was hailed by the Irish Times in its five-star review as, “buoyant, sprightly, and utterly beguiling…. A snapshot of a musician at the top of her game."
The 2025 Joseph MacDonald Memorial Prize for Piobaireachd (Highland Bagpipes) competition is set for June 6 from 5-8 p.m. Four of the finest pipers in the world have been invited to compete at the Classic. Two of the competitors have already won the Clasp to the Gold Medal at the Northern Meeting in Scotland, thought to be the premium prize in the world for piping.
Tickets are also on sale now to experience the 2025 Princess Margaret of the Isles Memorial Clarsach (Harp) Competition during Piccolo Spoleto. Four outstanding harpists from Scotland, Canada, and the USA will perform and compete on June 7, 1-4 p.m.
The society’s final event is the 2025 Dan R. MacDonald Memorial Fiddle Competition. Four outstanding fiddlers from southern Scotland, the Shetland Islands of Scotland, Maine, and California will compete for the coveted Dan R. MacDonald Prize, 4-7 p.m.
"Prepare to be amazed by the exceptional international talent performing on clarsach (harp), fiddle and piobaireachd (bagpipe),” said Col. (Ret.) Wayne Morgan, president of The Robert Burns Society Charleston. “The 2025 Scottish Performing Arts Classic brings together world-class musicians competing for prestigious prizes for their skill and artistry. Join us at Piccolo Spoleto for this unique opportunity to engage with Scottish heritage, learn about its artistic history, and connect with the community.”
Tickets are on sale for $30-$50 at citypapertickets.com. The Classic is brought to Piccolo through a partnership between The Robert Burns Society of Charleston and the Clan Donald Trust for the Gaelic Performing Arts. For more information on The Robert Burns Society of Charleston and its upcoming events, visit burnscharleston.org/.
Provided by The Robert Burns Society of Charleston.