Not just for ceilidhs!

That is where we usually hear it and indeed, the Scottish accordion can make the party. But in a forthcoming concert in Peebles, there is a chance to hear the instrument performing with orchestra in a lively programme, featuring the unusual pairing of classical guitar and accordion.

The accordion soloist is the internationally renowned Owen Murray.

Scottish-born Owen graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen in 1982 and returned to the UK to campaign, through his teaching and performing, for the acceptance of the accordion at Academy level.

He was appointed Professor of Accordion at the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1986, an historic appointment, the first of its kind in the UK.

Under his dedicated tutelage, a distinguished line of young players have contributed significantly to the accordion’s continuing development, many of his students winning prestigious competitions and embarking on successful careers themselves. Indeed, many of his students are travelling from far and wide to hear him perform in Peebles.

The conferment of an Hon RAM (Honorary Membership of the Royal Academy of Music) in 1993, the Academy’s highest honour, is testimony to Owen’s success on the concert platform and pays tribute to the success with which he has fully integrated the accordion into the life and work of one of the world’s leading music conservatories. Owen has performed worldwide with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including many first performances.

Owen, with Peebles Orchestra, conducted by Robert Dick, will perform the sparkling, concerto for accordion by Gordon Jacob at the concert next week. He will also be joined by Gary MacLeod, classical guitar, to play Piazzolla’s double concerto for accordion and guitar, before Gary performs the Concierto de Aranjuez concerto by Rodrigo, full of the warm, Latin rhythms which have made this work so popular.

The concert will be a wonderful opportunity to hear both accordion and guitar performing with orchestra, by soloists of the very highest calibre. And for the more conservative, the orchestra also plays two delightfully tuneful works by Schubert.

The Christian Aid concert is in the Leckie Memorial Church on Saturday, May 17 at 7.30pm and tickets are available at Rob’s Key Store, Eastgate.