Six pipers and format confirmed for new-look Livingstone solo competition

Organizers of “The Livingstone” have announced the format for the new-look competition, and confirmed that so far six pipers have accepted their invitation to the smaller-scale, higher-profile contest, of which pipes|drums is the presenting sponsor.

The October 6th contest calls for each competitor to deliver a 20-30-minute performance, which must include no fewer than two selections of music composed by a “Canadian-based” composer – defined as someone who has held a Canadian passport at one time or another. The performance time includes tuning and talking, if the piper chooses.

Colin Clansey, Alex Gandy, Michael Grey, Andrew Hayes, Ian K. MacDonald and Sean McKeown have each confirmed that they will compete at The Livingstone – presented by pipes|drums. Each piper will receive an honorarium for participating.

The event will be held at the Hamilton Club, 6 Main Street East, in Hamilton, Ontario, and will begin with a reception at 6.30 pm, and appetizers served at 7. Performances will begin at 7:30. Judges for the competition will be Reay Mackay, Ed Neigh and Bob Worrall, and Bill Livingstone Jr. – whose father the event commemorates – will act as emcee for the evening.

Tickets to the semi-formal / Highland dress suggested event have been priced at $31.50, and are available online.

The Livingstone – presented by pipes|drums is organized by the Niagara-Hamilton Branch of the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario, as the competition has been from its first year in 1977. Bill Livingstone has also acted in a special advisory role.

Organizers said that they are awaiting confirmation from one more competitor.