pipes|drums completes title sponsorship of remodeled Livingstone invitational

pipes|drums Magazine has been awarded naming rights to one of North America’s most established solo piping events, which will undergo a makeover with a new-look event in Hamilton, Ontario, on October 6, 2012.

Now known simply and officially as “The Livingstone – presented by pipes|drums.” “The Livingstone” is a name already used by those familiar with the 34-year-old competition previously known as the William Livingstone Sr. Memorial Invitational Solo Piping Competition. The competition will continue to be organized by the Hamilton-Niagara Branch of the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario.

pipes|drums has made a monetary contribution that will allow the event to be transformed into a more prestigious “mini-recital” showcase of approximately six top solo pipers playing for 20-30 minutes each at the Hamilton Club in downtown Hamilton. The competition had been held for most of its 34 years at the Officers’ Mess of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada’s armoury on James Street.

“pipes|drums’ assisting The Livingstone reflects our core objective of giving back to the piping and drumming community worldwide,” said Andrew Berthoff, pipes|drums publisher and editor. “As a nonprofit, independent publication, we plow back proceeds from advertising and subscriptions to help other worthwhile nonprofit causes. With The Livingstone taking an exciting new direction, the opportunity for pipes|drums to get involved was perfect.”

In addition to The Livingstone – presented by pipes|drums, the online magazine has supported many causes, including the Edinburgh Local Mod, the Nicol-Brown Chalice in New York, the George Sherriff Amateur Invitational in Ontario, and the EUSPBA’s Metro Cup. The magazine has also made donations to various pipe bands in times of need, including Canterbury Caledonian of New Zealand.

The Livingstone – presented by pipes|drums will move from its traditional date in early-May to early-October, this year October 6th. The event will commence at 6 pm with a semi-formal, “Highland dress preferred” reception, and performances beginning at 8 pm.

“We’ve changed up this year’s event with a view to do all we can to package the beautiful music of the Highland bagpipe into something mainstream audiences will enjoy,” said Julie Stewart, President of the PPBSO’s Niagara-Hamilton Branch. “Last year’s free-style approach to the music played by invited pipers was the first step in our evolution to make the event – and bagpipe music – more accessible to music lovers outside the bagpipe community.”

In a creative twist, the 2012 event will require each piper to include no fewer than two selections of music composed by a Canadian-based composer. The event also unveiled a new logo.

Bill Livingstone Jr., son of the original contest’s namesake, has played a significant role in remodeling The Livingstone, and commented, “The format change marks something of a first, for the focus is on performance rather than a heavily prescribed and formatted competition. My father was nothing if not pragmatic. I know he would unequivocally support this year’s format changes. We’re looking to showcase bagpipe music in its best possible light.”

“As title sponsor, pipes|drums adds real impetus to promoting the new recital format and date for the event,” Stewart continued. “We are thrilled that pipes|drums has joined with us to present this year’s Livingstone. pipes|drums has a strong presence and legacy in promoting and furthering our art form and we expect adding pipes|drums as title sponsor will really raise the event’s profile and help make it a premier event in the piping world.”

Advance tickets for the limited-seating event are priced at $31.50 and will be available from the PPBSO Niagara-Hamilton Branch website.

Stay tuned for more news on The Livingstone – presented by pipes|drums as it becomes available.