Aidan O'Rourke

Both as a fiddler and a composer, Aidan O’Rourke ranks with the foremost Scottish musicians of his generation, deeply rooted in tradition while audaciously expanding its parameters. A founder member of top UK folk acts Blazin’ Fiddles and Lau, he has released two solo albums, Sirius (2006) and An Tobar (2008), as well as featuring on more than 80 recordings by other artists. His original compositions, including a string of high-profile commissions, have won widespread acclaim for their innovative synthesis of diverse musical styles.

With his band Lau he has headlined festivals worldwide and toured extensively across three continents. However far his musical horizons extend, though, traditional music remains firmly at the heart of O’Rourke’s artistry. “First and foremost, I’m a Scottish fiddler,” he says. “There’ll always be a part of me that just wants to sit down with my fiddle and an old book of tunes. At the same time, I don’t want to give myself any boundaries, and I want to keep learning new things: every day, there’s something else about music that amazes me, whether it’s a particular player or singer, a bit of history, or a new tune. Music isn’t something I ever see myself mastering: I just keep trying to get better.”