Chris Stout & Catriona McKay – ‘Best Duo’ BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2018
‘Clear and strong…always a startling freshness and spontaneity at work…virtuosic and physically engaging.’ ***** The Glasgow Herald
It’s hard to believe there’s only two people on stage as Catriona McKay and Chris Stout weave their way between glorious soundscapes and music of breathtaking simplicity.
Chris and Catriona have taken these most traditional of instruments and catapulted them into the contemporary world of music making. They have excited audiences all over the world with their own unique brand of music inspired by the traditions of their native Shetland and Dundee.
However, this music knows no boundaries. They have performed, recorded and collaborated with musicians from Japan to Brazil, Alaska to Australia. The duo have performed on the biggest stages with Symphony Orchestras such as The Trondheim Symphony and the Russian Philharmonic.
Recent collaborations closer to home include a critically acclaimed album with Irish singing legend Seamus Begley and Scottish singer songwriter King Creosote.
In 2011 Chris and Catriona were delighted when composer Sally Beamish offered to compose a concerto for the duo. ‘Seavaigers’ was described in the Scotsman as “thrilling…lyricism and fire…delicate restraint and furious gusto…music that wore its ambition and complexity brilliantly lightly creating a seamless mesh between folk and contemporary classical stylings.”.
Chris and Catriona are creating music that lives with the listener long after the concert is over.
‘It’s a class act not to be missed!
Sonically exquisite’ – The Gaurdian
‘Uninpeachable’ – The Irish Times
‘This music is Breathtaking.’ – fROOTS