News
July 17, 2013

Inveraray, Peel, Glasgow Police set to perform at Pipes+Drums event at Piping Live!

pipes|drums Magazine is pleased to present the third annual free Pipes+Drums recital at the 2013 Piping Live! International Festival of Piping where six of the leaders from three of the world’s best pipe bands will perform as duets on Tuesday, August 13, at 2 pm at the Street Café outside of the National Piping Centre.

From Inveraray & District Pipe-Major Stuart Liddell and Leading-Drummer Steven McWhirter will take the stage; from the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band Pipe-Major John Cairns and Leading-Drummer Graham Kirkwood will perform; and from the Greater Glasgow Police Scotland Pipe Band Pipe-Major Duncan Nicholson and Leading-Drummer Eric Ward have accepted their invitation.

“Pipes+Drums is a rare opportunity to hear several of the world’s greatest pipe-majors and leading-drummers play one-to-one, demonstrating the musical touch and nuance that guide their sections and bands overall,” said organizer Andrew Berthoff, editor and publisher of pipes|drums. “Outside of the World Solo Drumming Championship, these performances of pure Highland piping and snare drumming by these individuals in one place do not exist, and we’re delighted to bring them to the crowds at Piping Live! for free.”

It will be the first time performing at Pipes+Drums for Nicholson and Ward, who have guided their band to solid success in the last few years. Eric Ward is one of the world’s most accomplished pipe band drummers, while those who know Nicholson’s playing sing his praises.

It’s also the first Pipes+Drums appearance for Graham Kirkwood, who took over the Leading-Drummer spot at Peel Police last year. A 25-year veteran of Grade 1 pipe bands, Kirkwood is lauded for a sympathetic musical touch and state-of-the-art dynamics. His pipe-major, John Cairns is a double Gold Medalist and performed two years ago at Pipes+Drums.

Liddell and McWhirter also return to the event after delivering one of the most celebrated performances at Pipes+Drums in 2011. The three-time and current winner of the World Solo Drumming Championship, McWhirter’s pairing with Stuart Liddell is a dream combination. In a recent pipes|drums poll, Liddell was chosen the world’s greatest all-round piper by a wide margin.

Each duet will play for 15-20 minutes, and all will deliver at least one competition March, Strathspey & Reel. The rest of what they play is up to them.

The last two Pipes+Drums events have been packed and in 2012 the crowd spilled onto the steps of the Street Café marquee, and enthusiasts are encouraged to arrive early.

In previous years the 1.5-hour event offered four duets. This year’s Pipes+Drums received a one-hour time slot.

pipes|drums is nonprofit, and recommits available funds to sponsor events such as Pipes+Drums.

pipes|drums is once again the official media partner of the Piping Live! festival.

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