Catherine Fraser

Scots/Australian fiddler Catherine Fraser has gained a reputation as a world-class performer and teacher, and presents the music of her heritage with finesse, passion and sensitivity.
Constantly in demand for concerts and workshops and acknowledged for her ability to combine a high level of technical skill with a rare depth of emotional expression, Catherine has gained the respect of audiences and students alike.
She is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, including Open Fiddle Champion, Kirriemuir, Scotland 2005, and the South Australian Music Industry Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Folk Music, 1996, 1997
Performances include appearances in Scotland, Canada, North America, New Zealand and of course around Australia.
Some career highlights include guest tutoring at the Boston Harbor Fiddle School, performing and teaching at the Scots Fiddle Festival, Edinburgh, and presenting at the Australian National String Teachers Conference, amongst many other international performing and teaching engagements.

"An outstanding fiddler, Catherine has a rare grasp of Scottish dance music..."
The Living Tradition Magazine, UK

www.catherinefraser.com

Sarah-Jane Summers

The fifth generation of her family on the same farm in the Scottish Highlands, Sarah-Jane was brought up steeped in the local fiddle tradition. Add to this a love of Norwegian fiddling and you get a unique combination, described as “lush Highland fiddle music with a Nordic edge” (Cromarty Old Brewery Arts Centre).
Sarah-Jane’s debut solo CD, Nesta, was released to great reviews in late 2008. She is currently gigging with Ewan MacPherson (guitars and vocals) and Duncan Lyall (bass).
The fiddle and Hardanger fiddle player in Nu-Nordic band, Fribo, Sarah-Jane has performed all over the world and at festivals such as WOMAD, Celtic Connections, etc. She has played with many top outfits, including Malinky (with Karine Polwart), The Unusual Suspects, The Grand Union Orchestra, The Outside Track ...
Keen to pass on the tradition and encourage others on their own personal musical journey, Sarah-Jane loves teaching and is the principal fiddle tutor at Glasgow’s RSAMD Junior Academy, as well as teaching regularly worldwide.

“exquisitely performed ... soaring, sonorous, ringing and richly textured” (fRoots)

www.sarah-janesummers.co.uk

Ryan McKasson

From Washington USA, Ryan McKasson is the fiddler for the hugely popular family band The McKassons. Featuring Ryan on fiddle and viola, his sister Cali on piano, brother in law Matt Jerrel on drums and his wife Brooke on vocals, the McKassons offer a fresh and unique sound.

Ryan claimed the National US Junior Scottish Fiddle Championship in 1995 and went on to become the youngest National Open Scottish Fiddle Champion in 1996. Since then he has shared the stage with many of the "greats", and is a vibrant and innovative craftsman.

With his energy and mastery of technique, Ryan will be a great asset to SHISSF 2010

www.themckassons.com

Duncan Smith

Duncan Smith is in demand as a performer and teacher of Scottish musicand dance throughout Australia and New Zealand, and across North America.
A multi-instrumentalist and singer, he has performed in a wide range of musical styles including medieval plainchant, rock and roll, jazz and bluegrass.
A native of Boston (USA) currently based in Melbourne, Australia, he began playing piano for Scottish Country Dancing in 1980 as the first pianist in Barbara McOwen’s band “Tullochgorum”.
In recent years he has specialised as an accompanist and teacher of accompaniment for Scottish music and dance.
Since starting to work with Catherine Fraser in 2001, he has developed a unique improvisational approach, fusing multiple musical styles to create a sensitive and imaginative backdrop for the rich emotional range of the Scottish fiddle repertoire.

www.duncansmithmusicanddance.com