The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland, in cooperation with St. Mary’s Ryken High School Student Organization For the Interests in the Arts (SOFIA), presents the Winter Celtic Concert Series -- Please help us publicize these exciting events to Maryland residents and visitors!

We are happy to announce that we will be offering two events with workshops and concerts to brighten up the dreary humdrum days of the winter season. Both events were inspired by the popular demand brewing consistently from visits over the past few years from these brilliant and talented performing artists.

First, Master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser, an in-demand performer and tutor throughout the U.S and Scotland, and Natalie Haas, a vibrant young cellist, recording artist, and teacher, will return to Southern Maryland Sunday, October 4, 2009. “Alasdair Fraser is among the most accomplished Scottish fiddlers alive today. He has recorded and produced numerous excellent CDs, including the debut album of the duet formed with the brilliant, classically trained cellist Natalie Haas Fire & Grace, which won the 2004 Scots Trad Album of the Year award. Fraser and Haas’ performances offer jazzy and classical nuances within the traditional Scottish-American flavors, and the music often has a majestic film score quality, despite being played by only two instruments!” - Folk Roots Magazine. Fraser will offer an afternoon workshop to fiddlers/violinists of all levels on Celtic music/Scottish fiddle, while Haas will offer a workshop to cellists and violists focusing on accompaniment styles and techniques to help you bring forth powerful energy to your music.

Second, Montreal based Québécois group, Genticorum, after a standing ovation performance last year, returns to Leonardtown on Sunday, January 10, 2010. Energetic, excellent harmonized song combined with the most frenzied rhythms, make it hard to believe there are just three band-members! Genticorum’s latest album, “La Bibournoise”, rapidly gained critical acclaim since its release in 2008, and earned the group the honor of receiving the "Best traditional album" at the Canadian Folk Music Award ceremony in the fall of 2008. Workshops will include: Yann Falquet, guitar accompaniment and alternate tuning – yes, that means DADGAD – just try it – you’ll like it; Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand, flute/pennywhistle; and Pascal Gemme, fiddle and feet.

All of these musicians are excellent teachers for students of all levels. Students should be comfortable with learning tunes by ear and are encouraged to bring recording devices to the workshops (NO RECORDINGS ARE PERMITTED DURING THE CONCERTS).

Online tickets available at www.cssm.org - $25 (presale discounts available)

Purchase your tickets now for both events - - $20 each!

For more information, please call CSSM (443) 975-0972.Workshops and concerts will be held at the St. Mary’s Ryken High School Romauld Hall Auditorium (lower campus), 22600 Camp Calvert Road, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. The workshops will be held from 2 pm – 4 pm and the concerts will begin at 7:30pm.

Create your own vacation package for both weekends
These events are both sponsored by the generous Leonardtown merchants, the Café des Artistes and the Executive Inn and Suites. Reserve a room at the Executive Inn and Suites, attend the workshop of your choice, dine at the Café des Artistes and finish the perfect evening with a quality concert at St. Mary’s Ryken.

Type Of Music: Celtic/Scottish fiddle and cello

Date, Time, Location Of Performance: 4 Oct 2009, 7:30PM, St. Mary's Ryken High School, Leonardtown, MD

For More Information, Please Contact: Sarah Brenzo, fiddling@cssm.org