WEST Devon?s folk arts development organisation Wren Music this weekend presents two days of music, dance and workshops for lovers and players of the bagpipes. The Piping Hot Bagpipe Weekend, tomorrow (Friday 29) and Saturday, will feature traditional and contemporary folk music from a variety of British sources, and a host of highly acclaimed musicians. On Friday, the English bagpipe orchestra Zephyrus offer the glorious harmony and sinuous counterpoint of six sweetly toned bagpipes underpinned by driving percussion, in concert at The Octagon Theatre, Okehampton. Tickets are £10 full price, or £6 concessions (for students and people in receipt of income-related benefits). Formed by Jon Swayne in 1998, Zephyrus brings together some of the best players of modern English bagpipes: Lawrence Morgan-Anstee, Judith Rockliff, Anne-Marie Summers, David Faulkner, and Chris Walshaw. Together the musicians draw on experience in a multitude of bands on the English folk circuit including Blowzabella, The Eel Grinders, Meridian, Misericordia, Moebius, Saxophony and The Wendigo. The six pipers all use Jon Swayne?s Border style bagpipes; a rich-toned instrument developed over the last 20 years. Combining six of them together makes for an unrivalled ensemble sound, perfectly blended, and driven along by the solid and sympathetic percussion lines of Terry Mann. On Saturday there will be a bagpipe and piping tradition workshop day at the Ockment Centre in Okehampton. The workshops have been designed for players of intermediate and advanced levels, and offer an outstanding opportunity for keen musicians to develop a greater understanding of vibrant musical traditions. The two morning sessions, from 10am until12.30pm will concentrate on Border pipes in G with David Faulkner, and Northumbrian pipes in F with Chris Ormston. All instruments (not just pipes) are welcome at the two afternoon sessions. From 2pm until 3pm Chris Ormston will teach tunes from the Northumbrian repertoire, and from 3pm until 4.30pm, David Faulkner will teach tunes from the English and Border repertoires. Fees for the workshops are £25 (£15 concessions), for the whole day, and £10 (£6 concessions) for the afternoon only. Advance booking is recommended, as workshop places are limited to ensure all participants receive personal attention. There will be an informal music-making session at the Plymouth Inn in Okehampton from 5pm. The pub will be serving a range of food for players and listeners alike. The Piping Hot Bagpipe Weekend will culminate on the Saturday night with a Ceilidh, with folk dancing to the three pipe traditions, at the Charter Hall, Okehampton. The ceilidh starts at 8pm, and promises to be an evening of fun and dancing for all the family. All dances are explained, and no experience is necessary ? and you do not have to dress up. The ceilidh will feature music from leading Northumbrian piper Chris Ormston, border pipes from David Faulkner and The Wren Band, and Great Highland bagpiper James Robertson. The dances will be called by Judy Forrow, who has many years experience of calling throughout the Westcountry and beyond. Tickets are available in advance, or on the door at £8 full price, £5 concessions (for students and people in receipt of income-related benefit), and under fives are free. Special combined prices are £40 (£24) for all Friday and Saturday events, and £30 (£18) for all Saturday events. To reserve a place on the workshops, to buy advance tickets, and for further information, please contact Wren Music on 01837 53754, or email [email protected]">[email protected]
