Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas bring the sounds of Scotland to SJU

10/12/2009

The CSB/SJU Fine Arts Series presents Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 in the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at Saint John’s University.

Master Scottish fiddler Fraser links bows with cello prodigy Haas for a rollicking performance that celebrates the rhythmic soul of Scottish music. With reeling rhythms, poignant melodies and exquisite musicianship, the duo displays dazzling teamwork.

Fraser’s richly expressive playing transports listeners across a broad musical spectrum, ranging from haunting laments from the Gaelic tradition to classically-styled airs, raucous dance tunes and improvisations based on traditional themes. His vast repertoire spans several centuries of Scottish music and includes his own compositions, which blend a profound understanding of the Scottish tradition with cutting-edge musical explorations. He weaves through his performances a warm and witty narrative, drawing from a deep well of stories and lore surrounding Scotland’s musical heritage. Fraser has been featured on over 100 television and radio shows in the United Kingdom, and on several nationally-broadcast programs in the U.S., including CBS Sunday Morning, NPR Morning Edition, A Prairie Home Companion, and The Thistle & Shamrock.

A graduate of the Juilliard School in New York City, Haas discovered the cello at age nine and learned quickly how to unleash textures and deep, powerful rhythms that drive fiddle tunes. In addition to having extensive classical music training, she is accomplished in a broad array of fiddle genres. Her musical journey found purpose when she fell in love with Celtic music at the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School at age 11. Inspired and encouraged by director Fraser, she began to investigate the cello’s potential for rhythmic accompaniment to fiddle tunes. Fraser and Haas’ release, Fire & Grace, was awarded the Best Album of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2004.

Tickets to Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas are $28, Senior $24 and Youth/Student $10. Contact the Box Office at 320-363-5777 or online at www.csbsju.edu/finearts.