iTRAD SERIES SHOWCASES YOUNG TRADITIONAL MUSICIANS ON BBC ALBA

The eagerly-anticipated iTRAD series featuring forty young traditional musicians begins on BBC ALBA from Monday 13 September at 8.30pm.

Created by mactv and reflecting the rise in interest of traditional Scottish music, iTRAD showcases eight young bands immersed in traditional music. In interviews, visits and live performances, the programme makers capture the talent, drive and energy of the young musicians.

The amazing flow of talent constantly emerging through the Fèisean movement, Gaelic arts tuition festivals mainly for young people that take place throughout Scotland, as well as The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School, is featured in the series through the groups, Fèis Rois, Oidhche Chiadain, Ceilear and three groups from Plockton.

In a visit to the Traditional Music and Gaelic course in Benbecula, some superb performances were filmed under the guidance of tutor Anna Wendy Stevenson. The sheer passion for music the youngsters have shines through the young group from Stornoway, Oidhche Chiadain, and the song writing talents of Fuaim Glaschu, who met at Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School), make for a very special musical treat in this new series. A beautiful Gaelic adaptation of Leonard Cohen’s “Alleluia” is a real treat from the Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail, who like all the iTRAD bands, show inspiring musical ability.

Directed by Don Coutts, iTRAD is packed with delights and surprises and with the performances filmed in Ullapool in crisp winter sunshine the series is definitely one to watch.

iTRAD starts broadcasting weekly, on BBC ALBA starting Monday 13th September at 8.30pm. The series will also be available to view via the BBC iPlayer, www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer.