The Aboyne Cello Festival is a non profit making summer school known for combining top level tuition from Rebecca Gilliver, principal cello of the London Symphony Orchestra, Philip Higham, principal cello of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and James Halsey, professor at Royal College of Music Juniors and Director of the festival, with a supportive atmosphere and positive outlook. The Festival normally takes place in Deeside, Aberdeenshire and attracts participants from all over the UK and abroad.
The course participants are of all ages and stages but with a core of conservatoire students and teenagers aiming at music college, as well as young professionals.
Like many people, especially in the arts, musicians and music students are facing uncertainty and months, if not years, of cancelled work and changing prospects. Despite it being impossible for us all to travel to Scotland for the festival this year, we felt it was important that we still run a summer school and to that end we have designed and facilitated an online festival to support cellists, and provide continuity, inspiration, and performance opportunities. There are lessons and masterclasses, chamber music, cello orchestra and traditional Scottish cello sessions to take part in and concerts, quizzes and socials to enjoy. There are even online resources and sessions on the YouTube channel and website to be enjoyed by anyone!
We would be very grateful for your support as we have kept participants fees to a minimum, have awarded more bursaries than usual to those in need and do not have an income from the series of concerts we usually put on.
We are confident the festival will have boosted the wellbeing of many cellists - students, professionals and amateurs – and hope the online concerts and sessions will continue to be enjoyed in the future.
Website: www.aboynecellos.co.uk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCFOwWpdc9Y69HFrHfWtQg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AboyneCelloWeek