BBC Alba to screen Celtic Connections concert for Gaelic Centre 50th anniversary
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SABHAL Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, kicks off its 50th anniversary celebrations today (Saturday) with a special Celtic Connections concert.
Taking place in Glasgow’s City Halls, BBC Alba and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal have announced that they will air the special night featuring an array of stars from across the Scottish traditional music scene in the spring.
Featured artists paying homage to the important role Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has played in their lives, and in the cultural life of Scotland, include Julie Fowlis, Donnie Munro, Christine Primrose, Margaret Stewart, Sian, Dàimh, Dòchas, Peter MacPherson and the Fergie MacDonald band.
The house band features Musical Director Mhairi Hall, Marc Clement, Patsy Reid, Fraser Stone, Ingrid Henderson and Angus MacKenzie. Hosts for the evening will be presenters Joy Dunlop and Ewen Henderson.
MG ALBA Director of Content Margaret Cameron said: "We are delighted to broadcast this special Celtic Connections concert on BBC Alba to celebrate 50 years of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
"Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has made significant strides in promoting and supporting Gaelic language and culture and has helped produce some of the finest artists in Scotland, fostering brilliant creative content, in its relatively short history.
"We hope those who can’t make it to Celtic Connections will be able to join us on BBC Alba in April to enjoy the star-studded musical line-up."
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal Gillian Munro commented: “The Gaelic language and culture would be in a very different place today were it not for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the impact of its many thousands of students over the last 50 years.
“This special night at Celtic Connections is an opportunity to celebrate the world-class talent that has passed through our doors, and to attract a whole new generation of students of the Gaelic language and culture. We are delighted the BBC will be broadcasting this across TV and radio.”
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, added: “Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is an extraordinary institution - it has nurtured, inspired and supported thousands of students in its 50 years – many of whom continue to be beacons on the buoyant Scottish traditional music scene today.
"We are delighted to host their 50th anniversary concert at the festival and celebrate the fantastic establishment and all its achievements.”
BBC Alba is available on the following platforms: Sky 117 (Scotland)/Sky 169 (rest of UK); Freeview/You View 7 (Scotland only); Virgin Media 120 (Scotland)/Virgin Media 161 (rest of UK); Freesat 109; BBC iPlayer.
