Australian-based fiddle and piano duo Catherine Fraser and Duncan Smith, in Scotland to perform and teach at the Fiddle 2006 festival in Edinburgh, will be appearing in concert at Resolis Hall on Saturday, November 11 in what promises to be a memorable evening of traditional, contemporary and original music from Scotland and beyond.

Since forming the duo in 2001 Catherine and Duncan have gained an international reputation as outstanding concert performers, offering a unique blend of music both from and inspired by the Scottish tradition. Festival audiences on three continents have used words like “incredible”, “wonderful” and “deeply moving” to describe Catherine and Duncan’s performances. Very much a duo, rather than soloist and accompanist, their musical connection is highly evident - in performance and on their three recordings, in their creative arrangements, and through their blending of traditional, folk, classical, and world music.

Catherine Fraser is one of the Southern Hemisphere's finest Scottish fiddlers and has gained a reputation as a world-class performer and teacher. Acknowledged for her ability to combine a high level of technical skill with a rare depth of emotional expression, Catherine presents the music of her heritage with finesse, passion and sensitivity. She has performed with, among others, Alasdair Fraser, Catriona MacDonald, Liz Doherty, Muriel Johnstone, Hanneke Cassel, Laura Risk, Susie Petrov and Paddy League, as well as playing support for acts such as The Furies, Capercaillie, Daniel O'Donnell and the Irish Rovers.

In 2004 Catherine founded, directed and taught at the first Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddle. Now an annual event, the school continues to grow and attracts international teachers, from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the USA.

Duncan Smith is a Boston (USA) born, Melbourne-based pianist known as a performer and teacher of Scottish music and dance throughout Australia and New Zealand, and across North America. A multi-instrumentalist and singer, he has performed in a wide range of musical genres from renaissance to rock and roll. Since starting to work with Catherine in 2001, Duncan has developed a unique improvisational approach, fusing multiple musical styles to create a sensitive and imaginative backdrop for the rich and varied range of the Scottish fiddle repertoire.

Together, Catherine and Duncan stretch the boundaries of the idiom. Hear them in concert at Resolis Hall Saturday November 11 at 8pm along with the added bonus of the Inverness Fiddlers. A veritable feat of fiddle!

Tickets priced £7 and £5 can be reserved from David Gilbert 01381 610204

Catherine and Duncan will also be presenting special workshops for fiddlers and accompanists on Sunday November 12 at the Cromarty Training Centre. For more information, contact David Gilbert, or visit www.catherinefraser.com .

“Thoughtful, toe-tapping and intelligent, what more could you want?” -- Roger Giles, realmusic concerts

“Catherine Fraser & Duncan Smith played up a storm…..fast reels, elegant strathspeys, slow airs, Scottish, Cape Breton — all had our audience riveted.” -- John Logan, NZ Folk