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William Jackson

William Jackson

Harp

Internationally known composer, harpist and multi-instrumentalist, William Jackson has been at the forefront of Scottish music for many years.

Genre
Folk
    Biography

    Internationally known composer, harpist and multi-instrumentalist, William Jackson has been at the forefront of Scottish music for many years. In 1976 he was a founding member of the top Scottish band Ossian, described by The Boston Globe as "a gem in the same league as Ireland's The Chieftans". He has toured and recorded with Ossian extensively throughout Europe and North America. Apart from performing, William has gained a reputation as a composer with such works as The Wellpark Suite, Saint Mungo and Inchcolm to his credit.

    On stage William shares personal anecdotes, stories and old Celtic tales with a dry wit. As a solo performerhis music is truly transporting. In the words of Alastair Clark of The Scotsman "... the great thing about Jackson - the skill and artistry of the man - lies in his lightness of touch. William Jackson will leave you asking for more."

    May 1996 saw the premiere of his major new commission by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra entitled A Scottish Island, which further developed William's work in bringing together traditional and classical music. William's music is featured on many BBC and other television productions. He is in demand as a composer of sensitive music, and increasingly as a producer. He recently directed and performed the music for Battle of the Clans for The History Channel, and produced and recorded the music for a six part series about Scottish National Trust properties for Scottish Television.

    On Burns Day 1999, William was announced as the winner of the popular Song for Scotland competition, which was organised to find an anthem for a new era in Scotland. His composition Land of Light was performed at Edinburgh Castle on 27 July 2000 at a special performance to mark the 100th birthday of the Queen Mother.

    William's primary intrument is the Scottish harp, or clarsach, which he also teaches. He also plays wire strung harp, flute, whistle, uillean pipes and piano.

    William Jackson features on the popular Celtic Experience series on Linn Records as well as Notes From A Hebridean Island with Mackenzie.