The clarsach was the primary instrument of the Gaelic courts until the introduction of the bagpipe in the 15th century and remained central to Gaelic courtly music until the mid-18th century. It also played a key role in the music of the early Celtic church. Harpers were a highly-trained class of professionals who spent years perfecting their art and were held in esteem second only to that of the filidh (or clan poet). There is a difference between playing on a harp with pedals and a harp that does not have pedals. The instruments use different fundamental hand techniques. One is not better than the other, just like piano is not better than organ. The main difference: Repertoire.  Four outstanding harpists from as far way as Ireland, Canada, and the USA will perform.

Scottish fiddling may be distinguished from other folk fiddling styles by its particular precision of execution and energy in the delivery, for example, the rendering of the dotted-quaver/semi-quaver rhythmic patterns, commonly used in the Strathspey. Christine Martin, in her Traditional Scottish Fiddling Players Guide, discusses the techniques of "hack bowing", "the Scotch snap", and "snap bowing". These techniques contrast quite sharply with the most common bowing patterns of Irish fiddling. The style has a very large repertoire consisting of a great variation of rhythms and key signatures.  Four outstanding fiddlers from southern Scotland, the Shetland Islands of Scotland, Maine, and California will compete for the Dan R MacDonald Prize.

Piobaireachd or ceòl mòr is an artistic music genre associated primarily with the Scottish Highlands that is characterised by extended compositions with a melodic theme and elaborate formal variations. Strictly meaning 'piping' in Scottish Gaelic, piobaireachd has for some four centuries been the classical music of the great Highland bagpipe.  A more general term is Scottish Gaelic: ceòl mòr meaning the 'great music' (to distinguish this complex extended art-music from the more popular Scottish music such as dances, reels, marches, and strathspeys, which are called ceòl beag or 'little music').

Four of the finest pipers in the world have been invited to compete at the Classic.  Three of the competitors have already won the Clasp to the Gold Medal at the Northern Meeting in Scotland, thought to be the premium prize in the world for piping.

Nicholas Hudson is a professional, conservatory-trained bagpipe musician and instructor based in the Houston area. He is the third ever graduate of the Bagpipe Performance degree at Carnegie-Mellon University.

An experienced performer, Nick is well versed in both traditional and contemporary piping and, as a Professional grade bagpiper, has won many prizes in solo competitions including the prestigious Clasp at the Northern Meeting. He also holds the Graduate Certificate from the Institute of Piping, the highest certification possible for bagpipe performance. Performances have taken him to Scotland, France, Canada and across the US.

Nick Hudson

Finlay Johnston of Glasgow is one of Scotland’s finest exponents of contemporary and traditional Piping. He has worked with many leading artists in the traditional music scene including Fred Morrison, The Unusual Suspects, La Banda Europa, Old Blind Dogs and Chris Stout.

Always driven by collaboration and innovation, Finlay’s passion for the music he has grown up with led him to the post of “Head of Piping Studies” at the National Piping Centre and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In 2020, he was appointed to the role of Director of Piping at The National Piping Centre where he continues to inspire and develop the very best of Piping talent. He recently won the 2024 Bratach Gorm for piobaireachd at the annual Scottish Piping Society of London.

Finlay Johnson