Individually, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas are consummate musicians. Together, they’re pure magic. Scots Magazine has called Alasdair “one of the finest fiddle players Scotland has ever produced; his name is synonymous with the vibrant cultural renaissance transforming the Scottish musical scene.” His richly expressive playing transports listeners across a broad musical landscape including haunting laments drawn from the Gaelic tradition, classically styled airs, and raucous dance tunes, all delivered with sincerity, flawless virtuosity, and the sweetest of sounds. Natalie, a Juilliard graduate, is one of the most sought-after cellists playing traditional music today. She’s toured with Mark O'Connor as a member of his Appalachia Waltz Trio and played as a guest artist on over 50 albums, including those of Irish super-group Solas.
Alasdair and Natalie have recorded four scintillating albums together, including this year's Abundance. When they collaborate, whether on studio recordings or live on stage, listeners tend to go a little crazy. They just can’t help but gush. In the words of the Boston Globe, “you would think they’d been playing together for centuries. While his fiddle dances, her cello throbs darkly or plucks puckishly. Then she opens her cello’s throat, joining Fraser in soaring sustains, windswept refrains, and sudden, jazzy explosions. Their sound is as urbane as a Manhattan midnight, and as wild as a Clackmannan winter.” Don’t miss this dazzling duo as they reinvent the classic coupling of fiddle and cello, showcasing an intuitive connection and a collective musical genius that brings together the best of tradition and innovation.
This concert is a benefit for RotaCare Richmond Free Medical Clinic.
This alliance of medical professionals and community members provides
free primary health care services to uninsured children and adults at
2727 MacDonald Ave. in Richmond. Fifteen hundred clinic visits occurred
in the first 1½ years of operation, with 90 percent of patients living
at or below the poverty level. Compassionate, efficient care at the
highest standard is provided at a fraction of the cost of a visit to an
emergency room. Partnered with Brighter Beginnings and Rotary clubs, the
clinic is funded entirely by private individual donations and grants.
For many of these patients RotaCare is their only resource. RotaCare
Richmond is very thankful to Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas and to the
Freight and Salvage for arranging for this benefit concert.
Individually, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas are consummate musicians. Together, they’re pure magic. Scots Magazine has called Alasdair “one of the finest fiddle players Scotland has ever produced; his name is synonymous with the vibrant cultural renaissance transforming the Scottish musical scene.” His richly expressive playing transports listeners across a broad musical landscape including haunting laments drawn from the Gaelic tradition, classically styled airs, and raucous dance tunes, all delivered with sincerity, flawless virtuosity, and the sweetest of sounds. Natalie, a Juilliard graduate, is one of the most sought-after cellists playing traditional music today. She’s toured with Mark O'Connor as a member of his Appalachia Waltz Trio and played as a guest artist on over 50 albums, including those of Irish super-group Solas.
