The Centre have issued this statement today…
‘The Board of the National Piping Centre is delighted to announce that Finlay MacDonald (above) has been appointed to the position of Director of Piping of the National Piping Centre.
‘He will assume this position on 1/6/20. He has worked at the NPC since 2002 and for the last 12 years has been an outstanding and creative Head of Piping Studies. We look forward very much to working with him.’
Finlay MacDonald has been at the cutting edge of piping, teaching and composing for over 20 years, gaining an international reputation as a highly skilled performer and an inspirational leader in this field.
His piping began with instruction from his Father, Iain MacDonald, Pipe Major of the Neilston and District pipe band and he was then taught by legendary pipers Duncan Johnstone and Pipe Major Angus MacDonald.
He was one of the first cohort of students to graduate from the newly created degree programme, BA Scottish Music (1996 – 1999), Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and since then has gone on to develop a successful career as a performing artist of international standing.
With four recorded albums, a book of music published along with Dr Simon McKerrell, touring experience across four continents with a variety of traditional music groups and competing with Scottish Power Pipe Band, he has extensive knowledge of the world of piping.
He oversaw the development of the BMus degree programme run in conjunction with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in his 12 years as Head of the BA/BMus degree course and has been part of the production team for the Piping Live! Festival since its inception. He has worked with orchestras and tattoos around the world to develop new music and to bring piping to the wider musical community.
Said Finlay: ‘I’m delighted and honoured to take on the role of Director of Piping at The National Piping Centre. TNPC has made an exceptional contribution to the musical and cultural landscape in Scotland and throughout the world, I relish the opportunity to give all I can to the future development of this great institution.’
