For the first time ever, Scotland’s multi-genre and electrically engaging Celtic Connections Festival is available to everyone in Canada. Moreover, Canadian musicians will take part in a special concert called the “Transatlantic Sessions” on Jan. 29.
Continuing through Feb. 2, the 19-day socially conscious (and COVID-compliant) Scottish celebration will present over 30 online performances, providing global platforms for otherwise temporarily side-lined musicians in over 10 countries. A highlight is the Transatlantic Session coming out of Quebec and Nashville, to be aired on Friday. The former celebrates the music of QuebecFest, featuring Le Vent du Nord, De Temps Antan, and Isle Gross.
Curated in Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, Celtic Connections will be hosted exclusively online for the first time since its inception in 1994. World-class concerts, filmed in advance by professional video crews, can be viewed from anywhere in the world, with tickets sold already in 44 countries. And to make sure the international community can fully embrace the festivities, each concert, once released, will be available for one week post launch.
Forged in Scotland, but with a truly global outlook, Celtic Connections aims to champion “the positivity and optimism which musical performances can bring to millions of people, especially during such challenging times.”
Anticipated festival moments include Rajasthani women singing as the sun rises behind them, a world-class Malawi artist performing from his rooftop, stirring segments from Nordic folk musicians, Roma performers, Sudanese singers, Spanish performers, and Gambian artists. Not to mention a plethora of Scottish talent on show, performing in a variety of genres.
Traditionally, the annual festival welcomed over 100,000 attendees to Glasgow, including a considerable number of Canadian visitors. And with hundreds of Canadian tickets already purchased for this year’s digital showcase, organizers say the festival is a “a perfect display of Scottish hospitality for would-be visitors who are not able to travel to Scotland at this point in time… and a perfect preparation for travel later in the year or 2022.”
The festival also boasts socially conscious elements such as free dementia-friendly concerts for residents of Scottish care homes, and an educational program for families (including in Canada) and Scottish students to learn to play various instruments.
Celtic Connections is delivered by the charity Glasgow Life and is funded by Glasgow City Council, Creative Scotland and The Scottish Government Festivals EXPO Fund. Tickets can be purchased for individual concerts starting at £2 ($3.50) or via an “All Access” festival pass available for £40 ($69). Events can be viewed online, on mobile devices, and through TV connections.
For events, info, and ticket purchase, visit the Celtic Connections website. https://www.celticconnections.com/