WMU News

Bonnie Rideout brings Scottish Christmas to Miller

Dec. 8, 2003

KALAMAZOO--Miller Auditorium presents a single performance of Bonnie Rideout's "A Scottish Christmas" Sunday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m.

From the first plaintive notes, Bonnie Rideout's emotional fiddle rendition of "Oh Come, Oh Come Emanuel," to the last stirring chorus of Robert Burns' "Auld Lang Syne," an outstanding troupe of Celtic musicians presents a lively program, weaving the many moods of "A Scottish Christmas."

Rideout's collection of traditional Scottish carols, wassail tunes and dance music includes such favorites as "Greensleeves," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and "Adeste Fideles." The show is presented by some of the most legendary Celitic musicians from both North America and Scotland, blending the sounds of the fiddle, bagpipes, uilleann pipes, border pipes, the Celtic harp, guitar and voice. Traditional dancers add grace and excitement to this elegant program.

On stages from Scotland's Edinburgh International Festival to America's Kennedy Center, Bonnie Rideout's unique style of traditional Scottish fiddling has charmed audiences with her expansive knowledge of dance tunes, bagpipe marches, and ancient Gaelic melodies reflecting the rich musical tradition of her heritage. Her maturity and intensity combined with the sheer joy she projects through the music leave audiences spellbound. The driving rhythms of guitar and percussion behind her strong bow arm make her music irresistible.

A three-time U.S. Scottish Fiddle Champion, Rideout is consistently featured on NPR's "The Thistle and Shamrock," "Morning Edition," and "Performance Today." As a result of her prolific career in the performance, music publishing, and recording industries, Rideout has been selected by the Mel Bay Publishing Company as one of America's most influential fiddlers of the twentieth century.

Tickets for "A Scottish Christmas" range from $20 to $32 and are available by calling (269) 387-2300 or toll free (800) 228-9858, online at <www.millerauditorium.com>, or by visiting the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office, the Epic Center Box Office in Downtown Kalamazoo, or the WMU Bookstore in the Crossroads Mall.

"A Scottish Christmas" with Bonnie Rideout is sponsored by AM 590 WKZO and Coca-Cola.

Media contact: Tracey Lawie, 269 387-2309, tracey.lawie@wmich.edu


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