Isla Ratcliff: The Scottish Four Seasons with Jean-Michel Veillon & Nicolas Quémener

Isla Ratcliff is an inventive Scottish fiddle player, singer, and composer celebrated for fusing traditional music with classical forms and contemporary themes. Her performance at Barony Hall showcases her highly anticipated second album, The Scottish Four Seasons (2025).

Released to mark the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi’s classic, Ratcliff’s album is a bold Scottish trad reinterpretation that highlights the work’s dance-like nature while reflecting on the nation’s changing climate. Featuring her expressive fiddle alongside a string ensemble and piano, the work crosses genre boundaries to explore important environmental concerns. With a background in classical violin and a Master’s degree in Scottish Music, Ratcliff is a unique and compelling voice in the folk world.

Immerse yourself in the haunting beauty and irresistible energy of Breton music as two of its most celebrated masters take the stage. Jean-Michel Veillon, a pioneer of the wooden transverse flute, and Nicolas Quemener, a virtuoso guitarist and acclaimed singer, bring a rich tapestry of sound to life. Their set blends traditional Breton airs and vibrant dance tunes with contemporary compositions, showcasing the depth and elegance of this unique musical heritage. Both artists have graced legendary ensembles such as Kornog, Pennoù Skoulm, and Breton Blend, and collaborated with world-class acts from Arcady to Celtic Fiddle Festival, and even Zakir Hussain & Distant Kin.

For this special Celtic Connections performance, expect a journey that crosses borders-Breton roots interwoven with Irish and Scottish melodies, plus songs that highlight Nicolas’s exceptional vocal artistry.