Encordass Fiddle Fest Edición especial Grecia

ENCORDASS FIDDLE FEST 2026

A COURSE, A FESTIVAL AND A GATHERING OF STRING INSTRUMENT PLAYERS

Encordass Fiddle Fest is a musical gathering that combines instrument classes with concerts and workshops, also open to the public in a festival format. It is a unique experience built around coexistence and cultural exchange, where each edition is dedicated to the traditional music of a specific country or region.

The classes are mainly aimed at string instrumentalists (violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bouzouki, hurdy-gurdy and diatonic accordion), with different participation options. It is also possible to attend with other instruments or without an instrument. Organized by levels, the classes are taught by artists from the guest country. The repertoire worked on during the course will be performed in a final concert open to the public, together with the participating musicians. Musicians, teachers and participants who wish to do so will perform as part of the Encordass Fiddle Orchestra in a large final concert on the last day.

The festival is open to the general public of all ages. Set in a unique environment, it offers concerts across different stages located in the island’s most emblematic spots, many of them in acoustic format with the aim of bringing listeners closer to the instruments in their purest form. The festival takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and tickets include same-day boat transport (no overnight stay on the island). On Friday and Saturday there are evening concerts and a musical guided visit. On Sunday there are more than 40 concerts, workshops, luthier stalls and much more. More information is available on the festival’s website.

Both the Encordass classes and the festival take place simultaneously on San Simón Island. The classes include accommodation and full board, and the minimum age to participate is 18. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis once the reservation has been completed.

Visit the festival website

The recent history of Galician folk fiddle cannot be understood without Scotland. In the early years, in the 1980s, with the emergence of folk music in our region, the few violinists who approached traditional music looked to Scotland and Ireland as key references from which to learn.

Already in the 21st century, the renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser became interested in Galician fiddle and invited Alfonso Franco to teach in 2011 and 2012 at the Sierra Fiddle Camp in California. Following these trips, the idea emerged of creating a similar event on San Simón Island, which led to the birth of San Simón Fiddle and later to the current Encordass Fiddle Fest.

For all these reasons, being able to count on an artist such as Alasdair Fraser, of immense importance to the artistic and cultural development of fiddle music worldwide, fills us with great pride.

Alongside him, Galen Fraser, Neil Pearlman, Katie McNally, Juliette Lemoine, Sam Mabbett, Roo Geddes, Scottish Fish and Elías Alexander, form a top-level lineup for a memorable Scotland edition of Encordass, one we have been looking forward to for many years.

2026 Teachers

Alasdair Fraser

Instrumental Ensemble

Alasdair Fraser is a legend of the fiddle. He has performed all over the world with Skydance and with Natalie Haas, with whom he has recorded numerous albums. He is widely regarded as one of the leading figures responsible for the revitalisation and international spread of traditional Scottish fiddle music.

Katie Mcnally

Fiddle

A prominent violinist in today’s fiddle scene, she stands out for her powerful interpretative style and sensitivity. She has an energetic yet refined approach, rooted in the Scottish and Irish traditions.

Galen Fraser

Fiddle

Trained in the Highland fiddle tradition, he is currently based in Valladolid, where he develops his artistic career with the duo San Miguel Fraser, a project that connects Scottish music with Iberian and Atlantic traditions.

Roo Geddes

Fiddle

An emerging figure in Glasgow, he stands out for his virtuosity and his integrative pedagogical approach, blending classical music, jazz, and Scottish folk. He graduated with honours from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Juliette Lemoine

Cello

A pioneering solo cellist, she fuses classical technique, traditional phrasing, and the freedom of jazz. As a teacher, she is known for guiding students to develop their own voice through improvisation.

Sam Mabbett

Diatonic Accordion

Trained in the English tradition of Oxfordshire, he studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A charismatic accordionist who encourages pushing the boundaries of the instrument.

Neil Pearlman

Rhythm Section

A Scottish pianist specialising in fiddle accompaniment, known for his rhythmic and harmonic sensitivity. He maintains a strong connection with Galician music.

Elias Alexander

Whistle & Flutes

A producer and singer who blends Celtic music with electronic music (EDM). A highly skilled multi-instrumentalist who mixes Scottish and Irish sounds with house and disco.

Hurdy Gurdy

NAZANFONA

The new association NAZANFONA is currently seeking to bring a renowned hurdy-gurdy player who will lead the classes for this wonderful instrument at Encordass.