The 23rd annual pipes|drums New Year’s Honours

2023 Piping/Drumming Event of the Year

“Generations,” the pre-World’s concert by the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band

Panellists’ comments:

• Amazing concert! Loved the energy and spirit!
• This was an incredible event, highlighting SFU’s journey in the piping world. Music was top shelf from start to finish. Somewhat of an emotional journey, with former players joining the ranks.
• I have to tip the hat to SFUPB for the wide range of material, the delivery, and the size of the crowd who came to see it.
• Consistent professionalism producing wonderful music is easy to say and hard to achieve, but SFU has done it again.
• The best Pre-World’s concert ever. Content, quality, professional and engaging. All the events were fantastic, SFU took a proven event to a whole new level.

Also nominated (in alphabetical order)

“20 Years Young,” National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland Usher Hall Concert – The role of the NYPBoS in helping pipers and drummers to become musicians and performers can’t be underestimated. The group’s Edinburgh concert at one of Scotland’s greatest venues showcased them well.

An Crios Gréine / Sunbelt Invitational Solo Piping Competition – The second running the solo piping world’s newest top-tier invitational was again run with expertise and professionalism but combined with a reasonable degree of pure fun.

The Crown season 6, Lorne MacDougall performs – Like some of the winners above, thanks to the guidance and playing of Lorne MacDougall, The Crown‘s final episodes put excellent piping in a world spotlight.

Drumming for Drinks – One of the most popular events during World’s Week in Glasgow returned bigger and better than ever at a new venue that virtually guaranteed the audience would have a great time. Sensationally creative performances, random draws and numerous product giveaways ensured a slap-up time.

Glenfiddich Invitational Solo Piping Championships 50th Anniversary – Yet another perfectly run edition of the world’s greatest invitational, this year celebrating a half-century by bringing past champions back to the stage. The playing itself was sensational, with almost a three-way tie for the championship, eventually won by Callum Beaumont.

“Names and Places,” Celtic Connections Ian Duncan Tribute concert, various artists – a great afternoon of solid entertainment and a deserved homage to the great Ian Duncan for his contributions to the art. The event brightened and warmed the dreich winter in Gleska.

Thanks to our panel of experts who gave their time and expertise to select the winners. Thank you also to our advertisers and subscribers for making pipes|drums possible.

Previous pipes|drums New Year’s Honours:

• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022

Best wishes to all of our readers, subscribers and advertisers for a safe, healthy and prosperous 2024!