Loch Shiel Spring Festival

Past Performances

Seven years of successes.
Loch Shiel Spring Festival stands the test of time.
Starting in 1997 only three months after the decision was taken to put on a festival, it has increased in popularity and recognition each year.

With great performers, from the Edinburgh Quartet, who have been with us since the start, to the brilliant pianist, Gustav Fenyo. One, Ruth Ellis, clarinet, even came to stay, marrying a local man later in the year of her first visit: though she still plays with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Larger groupings have from time to time been possible with Schubert's Octet being played one year.

Patrick is always on the lookout for great and lesser known pieces by the composers of the past, though he has also slipped in one or two composed by himself or by Richard Stead, the Festival Chairman, which were very well received by an appreciative audience.

Our possibilities also increased with the purchase in 2001 of a Yamaha Electronic Grand Piano, the sound quality of which is indistinguishable from the full grand. Only for the perfectionist perhaps there is a slight limitation in the extremes of the dynamics, (i.e. it cannot be played quite as softly or as loudly as a piano can at the extremes of the range). This has enabled us to enjoy performances by the internationally renowned pianists Gustav Fenyo and Christina-Mairi Lawrie.

For several years the adventures of Hans Hasitoffen and Stefan Dozzenghetenni formed a hilarious end to the festival. Last seen being pursued by the Mafia to whom they, inevitably, owed large amounts. It was a fun evening in a club setting with wine refreshments, music and much laughter. In 2002 the famous "HOT Strings", a stylish ensemble featuring 15 of the best female string players in Britain travelled from London to play for the Festival in the Nevis Centre, Fort William. Their show was a runaway success - like the whole festival really!