Pittsburgh’s Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming stands as the premier institution for bagpiping and drumming education, performance, and collaboration in America. This year, the 18th Annual Balmoral Classic promises to fill the air with the vibrant sounds of pipes and dynamic drumbeats over the course of two thrilling days.
The festivities commence with an Opening Reception on Friday, November 1st, at 7:30 PM in the Carnegie Room of the Courtyard by Marriott (100 Lytton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1444). Attendees can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar for those aged 21 and older, and a recital featuring the piping competition judges: Dr. Angus MacDonald, Matt MacIsaac, and Paula Glendinning. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
On Saturday, November 2nd, the excitement continues with a full day of bagpiping and drumming competitions, featuring the US Junior Solo Bagpiping & Drumming Championships from 9 AM to 3 PM. Participants, judges, and spectators will gather in the CRC Understory at the Cathedral of Learning (4200 Fifth Avenue) to witness talented pipers and drummers showcase their abilities. This event is free to the public.
The Balmoral Classic is unique as the only solo bagpiping and Scottish snare drumming competition in the US specifically for those aged 21 and under. Pipers will compete in two styles: Pìobaireachd, the classical genre of Highland bagpiping, and MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel), a traditional bagpipe competition medley. The top overall piper will win a coveted MacRae bagpipe set, while drummers will compete in Hornpipe & Jig and MSR, with winners declared in each category as well as an overall champion.
The day culminates with a concert at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall (4400 Forbes Avenue) on Saturday night at 8 PM, featuring the Canadian band Beòlach. Known for their original compositions and innovative arrangements of Scottish, Irish, and Cape Breton music, Beòlach’s latest album has won two Canadian Folk Music Awards, received four East Coast Music Awards nominations, and earned a Juno Award. Competition judge and Beòlach member Matt MacIsaac will perform on pipes, whistles, and guitar. Tickets are required for this event.
George Balderose, director of Balmoral, shared, “The Balmoral Classic attracts some of the best pipers in North America, ages 21 and younger. The four musicians in this year’s concert band, Beòlach, are outstanding representatives of Nova Scotia and the music of Cape Breton.”
Get ready for an action-packed weekend filled with exceptional talent at this year’s Balmoral Classic!
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