The Balmoral School’s Summer Instructors’ concert will be held Thursday, July 12, 8:00pm, at the Hillman Center for the Performing Arts, Shady Side Academy, 423 Fox Chapel Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. This concert is the culmination of Balmoral’s week-long summer session for pipers and drummers. Performers include: Pipe Major Terry Tully of Dublin, Ireland, Pipe Major Robert Mathieson of Hamilton, Scotland, and Balmoral drumming instructor, Gordon Bell.
An award-winning solo piper Terry Tully joined St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band of Dublin in 1973, becoming Pipe Sergeant in 1980 and Pipe Major in 1984. In 2010, he led the band to win the European Championship, the All-Ireland Championship, and the Grade One World Championship in Glasgow, the first time in history for a band from the Republic of Ireland. Tully has authored several widely acclaimed books of traditional Irish Music, arranged for the Highland bagpipe. His name is synonymous with traditional Irish Music in the world of bagpipes.
Pipe Major Robert Mathieson has been at the forefront of piping for over 30 years. Having been a young piper in the ranks of world famous Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band, he took over as Pipe Major from 1987-2010. During his reign he led the band to win over 30 major grade one championship titles, including 5 world titles, as well as 9 champion of champions titles, making him the most successful prize-winning pipe major that Shotts have appointed. He is the only Pipe Major to have won the worlds 5 times, playing his own compositions and arrangements, opening each winning medley with one of his own tunes.
Gordon Bell began drumming at age eight, under the guidance of Norman MacLeod in the Kenmore Pipeband, later named the Parlin & District. In 1975, he took over the corp. The band and corp dominated the pipeband scene in the 1980s in the EUSPBA, winning the North American Championship in Grade 2, placing them in Grade 1. Also successful in the solo field, Gordon won the EUSPBA Overall Champion each year from 1979 to 1987. He has recorded with The Empire Brass Quintet, 78th Frasers Live in Scotland, and with his own Celtic Rock group 51 Ash.
Celtic ensemble, Road to the Isles, a group that features musicians on smallpipes, flute and fiddle, will accompany Irish and Scottish dancers. Balmoral Pipes and Drums will also play, as well as students from Balmoral’s 2018 PGH summer school.
Admission is FREE to the public.
Free Concert: Pipes, Drums & Dancers!
