Fiddler Ali is guest soloist

Nov 27 2009 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

FIDDLE ace Alistair McCulloch is special guest at the Ayrshire Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas concert.

And the in-demand performer is sure to cut a dash at the Ayr Town Hall event.

Three times national champion Alistair has become one of Scotland’s best known fiddlers.

And his talent is brilliantly showcased in his latest album Four Seasons in One Day.

Now Alistair is looking forward to playing in front of a home town audience.

The concert is on Monday, December 14, and will feature everything from West Side Story to the Can Can.

Busy Alistair was in China in July, conducting the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra.

Then he toured the Highlands in August to co-incide with his record release.

He has played all over the globe as a member of top ceilidh band Coila.

Alistair is also Scots fiddle tutor on degree courses at the RSAMD and Strathclyde University.

And he is even the fiddler on the soundtrack of hit BBC children's programme, Balamory.

The town hall concert will also feature seasonal favourites, and ASO conductor John Wilson has issued an open invitation to young instrumentalists to join the orchestra to play carols.

Proceeds from the sale of interval refreshments will go to the Kiama Trust, which helps breast cancer sufferers.

The concert starts at 7.30pm, and tickets (£5 and £10) are available from Mackay Music, Cathcart Street, Ayr, from orchestra members or at the door.

The ASO is again having a special concert for pre-school and primary school children, the day before.

It’s at 4.15pm on Sunday, December 13, when youngsters can spend a fun hour listening to the various instruments of the orchestra, singing carols and playing sleigh bells, which will be provided.

All tickets cost £2 and can be obtained from members of the orchestra or at the door from 4pm onwards.