The top class Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships has in its 20th anniversary year been won by Rebecca Lomnicky from Corvalis in Oregon, in her first year competing for the title.
Taking place annually at Blair Castle in Perthshire, Rebecca was one of eight competitors this year battling it out yesterday for the fiddling world’s ultimate accolade, and became the second American in a row to claim the title after Raemond Jappy won last year.
Those who compete do so by invite only after a successful year winning competitions around the world, meaning that the Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships are often seen as deciding the champion of champions.
Winner Rebecca admitted: “Glenfiddich is the championship you set your sights on when you do become an accomplished player - everyone who takes part is so incredibly talented.
“In fact, I’m still riding overjoyed of having been invited to compete; now that I have won, to be honest, I don’t even think it has sunk in yet. It really has been a spectacular year”
The Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships started in 1989 to reward, encourage and stimulate the art of fiddle playing throughout the world. The championships came in addition to the Glenfiddich Piping Championships, which were established in 1974.
Nicola Auchnie from Turriff, Aberdeenshire, achieved second place for the second year running. She explained of her latest accolade: “I’m delighted to have come second again.
“It is an honour to be invited and this year, I have enjoyed it even more as my experience of last year meant that I had gained more confidence in playing in such a prestigious competition”
Third placed Gillian Ramsay, of Kirriemuir, Angus, added: “I’m really pleased to have been placed third in my second attempt at the Glenfiddich. It is a really high accolade and I’m delighted to have been part of it”.
Peter Gordon, chairman of William Grant and Sons Limited, said: “Over the year’s this has become such a prestigious event and for that, we are extremely proud.
“We pass on our congratulations to this year’s winner and all those who took part in making this another exceptional event”.
(Photo L-R: Gillian Ramsay, Rebecca Lomnicky and Nicola Auchnie)
Last updated: 21 January 2010, 10:24
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