Blue Skies Fiddle Orchestra “Little Christmas concert” in Maberly

Julie Druker | Jan 06, 2016

Those with a love for fiddle music and looking to extend their holiday cheer for a few more days following the New Year did just that at the Blue Skies Community Fiddle Orchestra's 16th annual “Little Christmas concert”, which took place at the Maberly hall on January 3.

The concert, which was emceed by Linda Grenier, a member of the Long Sault Trio, showcased the all-ages, multi-generational group of fiddlers under the direction of their fearless leader, Cindy McCall. The concert opened with the sounds of the orchestra's newest beginner group, the prep orchestra, who have been playing together for just 11 short weeks. They demonstrated how far they have come in that short time with their confident version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and two favorite holiday carols.

The intermediate group, who have begun to explore harmonies, played next and nailed their three selections, which included “Old Toy Trains”, “Gypsy Wagon” and “Emilyn's Schottish”.

The next group to play was the Unspoken Rests, who last year opened for a concert at the same hall for the East Pointers. Grenier introduced them as “the cream of the crop” and “the area's future in fiddling” because of their desire to challenge themselves with faster, more complicated playing, and they certainly energized the audience with their impressive, polished selections that included “Winter Wonderland” and a lovely, rousing version of “Val's Dream”.

Grenier entertained the crowd with one of her own original tunes titled “Falling” while McCall prepared to lead The Lanarky Fiddlers Guild as the group's chosen new leader.

Members of the Lanarky group introduced their unique and highly entertaining selections, which included a number of tunes with vocal parts that were expertly performed by group members Gary Glover and Randy Weekes.

Last but not least to perform was the main orchestra, who took to the stage and performed a wide and eclectic program that included some Christmas singalong favorites as well as a number of fiddling carols like the Coventry, Breton and Galician carols. A number of original tunes were also included in their program, like “Lois and Richard's Trip to Harmony Junction” written for the Websters, who made the trip with the orchestra to PEI last summer. Other selections inspired by the group's summer trip included a medley of Acadian tunes: “The Sweetness of Mary”, “Kennedy St.” and “J. Dickies”, which demonstrated how travel can introduce new music and inspiration to players of all ages.

The concert closed with the warmly welcomed finale “Silent Night”, when the lights were dimmed and all the players on stage performed while the audience joined in with their voices in one last joyous outpouring of holiday fun.

Anyone wanting to learn more about the BSCFO can contact Cindy McCall at 613-278-2448 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.