WFU’s Secrest Artists Series presents “A Scottish Christmas” with Bonnie Rideout

Performing to sold-out crowds for five consecutive seasons, “A Scottish Christmas” highlights traditional Scottish carols, wassail tunes and dance music associated with the celebration of Christmas, Hogmany (Scottish New Year’s Eve) and the New Year. The program includes favorites such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Greensleeves,” “Adeste Fideles” and other Gaelic songs and hymns. The performance also includes fiddle and pipe solos, Scottish dances and an emotional finale with the audience joining in singing “Auld Lang Syne.”

The national touring show features Rideout, a three-time U.S.-Scottish fiddle champion, with some of North America and Scotland’s most legendary Celtic musicians.

Rideout, the only American to have represented Scottish fiddle music at the Edinburgh International Festival, is the first woman to hold the national Scottish fiddle title and the youngest to have won the U.S. championship. She has been named one of America’s most influential fiddlers of the 20th century by the Mel Bay Publishing Company. She is also consistently featured on National Public Radio’s program “The Thistle & Shamrock” and appears on “Morning Edition” and “Performance Today.”

Concert tickets are $22 for general admission; $16 for senior citizens and non-Wake Forest students; and $5 for children under 12. Tickets are available without charge to all Wake Forest students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased weekdays, noon – 5 p.m. by visiting the Theatre Box Office in Scales Fine Arts Center or calling 336-758-5295.

NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Bonnie Rideout is available for phone interviews. To arrange an interview or concert coverage, contact Pam Barrett at 336-758-5237.