Tradition thrives when it has the opportunity to transcend generations and to exist within a community. Colaisde na Gàidhlig [the Gaelic College] is one institution among many on Cape Breton Island that plays an important role in ensuring that the traditional Scottish Gaelic music, dance, and language is maintained, nurtured, and grows. The College offers many programs throughout the year for youth to learn with local master musicians and tradition bearers. Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen will be working with a select group of those students in this concert. The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music [Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd]—located in the Northwest Scottish Highlands village of Plockton—has been a cornerstone of Scotland’s cultural landscape for a quarter of a century, preserving and promoting the rich heritage of traditional music while fostering innovation and creativity in the students who come from all over Scotland. Head of the Centre, Mike Vass, and in-demand Scottish accordion player and piper Mairearad Green will join a handful of Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd students on stage in Judique. Performing in a structured ensemble, like an orchestra, is another effective way to ensure that traditions are preserved and carried on, as we’ve seen with our own Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association. Daniel Lapp, founder of the British Columbia Fiddle Orchestra more than 30 years ago, is at the festival with about a dozen young fiddlers from the Orchestra. Tonight’s concert brings together three groups of mentors and their students from across the country and over the sea. You’ll find that the future of traditional music is good hands with this crop of up-and-comers.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to eat before the concert, check out the Judique Thanksgiving Dinner with sittings at 4:30pm and 6:15pm.