Scots fiddle recital at Methven Castle

Aug 27 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

METHVEN Castle hosts a fund-raising Scots fiddle recital by Douglas Lawrence, accompanied by Perth-based Maureen Rutherford, at 3pm on Sunday, September 12.

Douglas was born and raised in Buckie, Banffshire, taking up the violin at the age of nine with local teacher Stephen Merson. He progressed quickly and was soon enjoying major success at festivals throughout the country, playing both classical violin and Scots fiddle, for which he was deeply influenced by the late, great Hector McAndrew from Aberdeen.

Dougie went on to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, graduating with a diploma in performance in 1979, the same year as he won the very prestigious ‘Golden Fiddle’ award.

He immediately joined the RSNO, remaining with the orchestra for some 20 years, until he decided to concentrate more on Scottish fiddle music, travelling the world to give workshops and masterclasses on the works of the great Scottish fiddle masters such as William Marshall, James Scott Skinner, Niel Gow and Robert Mackintosh.

Dougie works extensively in America as well as from home in Glasgow, and is known as a performer, teacher, composer and adjudicator. He is delighted to be playing in Methven Castle.

Maureen Rutherford was also born in Banffshire and studied music with local teachers, before going on to graduate with a Bachelor of Music in performance from Aberdeen University. She too, enjoys playing both classical and Scottish music and particularly loves accompanying either style.

She works as a piano instructor/accompanist for Perth and Kinross schools, a role that keeps her very busy indeed, but she is also much in demand as a performer and adjudicator. Mo and Dougie have been acquainted for more years than either would care to admit, and despite keeping in touch as time has elapsed, this is only the second time they have teamed up together to do a recital such as this!

Seating is limited and should be booked by telephoning 01738 840016 or email enquiries@methvencastle.com.

The minimum donation requested to enjoy this recital is £12.50 per person. Proceeds will go to Perth College (UHI) Development Trust Alzheimer's Research Project.