The North Atlantic Song Convention (NASC) returns to the Scottish Storytelling Centre for three days of traditional song celebration from 11-13 April 2025. Through concerts, workshops, talks, and informal song circles, this welcoming gathering brings together singers and enthusiasts from across the North Atlantic region.
Whether you are a professional performer, an academic researcher, or simply love traditional song, NASC offers an inclusive space to share, learn, and celebrate our rich, diverse singing heritage. Guests attending hail from Scotland, Ireland, England, Sweden, Canada, the USA, and beyond.
NASC 2025 is supported and co-funded by TRACS, Trad Music Forum, Access Folk, Bagaduce Music, and Creative Scotland Heritage Lottery Funding.
Guest Singers and Speakers include:
Prof. Susanne Rosenberg (Sweden); Dr. Mollie Stone (USA); Dr. Alasdair Whyte (Scotland); Robyn Stapleton (Scotland); Dominie Hooper (England); Neil McDermot (Scotland); Ró Ó hEadhra (Scotland); Dr. Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw (England/Canada); Ruth Keggin (Isle of Man); Nuala Kennedy (Ireland)
Registration & Tickets
We encourage you to purchase a Delegate Pass to make the most of the Convention. Passes are priced £45/£35 concession.
NOTE: Once you have your delegate pass you then need to select the tickets for of the all of the events you plan to attend (for room capacity purposes).
If you are planning to attend five or more events across the weekend the Pass will pay for itself (six events if you are eligible for a concession pass).
You also have the option of buying tickets for individual events. £10/£8 concession per event.
Registration and tickets are available through the Scottish Storytelling Centre box office. 0131 556 9579. Email.
Programme
Access the programme as a basic PDF.
Friday 11 April 2025
Registration and Welcome
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Storytelling Court
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Please try to have booked your place/tickets beforehand. Remember, as weekend pass-holders, you still need to select the events you will be attending. Proceed to the box office if you need to make any amendments or to buy tickets.
Keynote Address:
Prof. Susanne Rosenberg
Prof. Susanne Rosenberg
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Susanne Rosenberg, folk singer, educator and academic, has been a pioneer both in rediscovering the older Swedish style of folk singing and in using it in new artistic environments, involving cooperation with contemporary composers and directors, and with her own groups, with which she has toured Europe, Asia and the United States. Susanne has developed the folk singing environment in Sweden by innovative research in kulning (herding calls), folk song style, improvisation, etcetera. She is professor of folk singing at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm (RCM). Learn more about her work on her website.
After the keynote address there will be a few songs led by guest performers. Chorus lyrics provided on screen.
Workshop:
Scots Song with Robyn Stapleton
Scots Song with Robyn Stapleton
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Library
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Join acclaimed Scottish singer Robyn Stapleton for an engaging workshop exploring the richness of Scots song. Drawing from her extensive repertoire and deep understanding of the tradition, Robyn will guide participants through the distinctive features of Scots song, including language, style, and ornamentation. Participants will discover the stories behind the songs while learning techniques for authentic delivery and interpretation. Whether you're new to Scots song or looking to enhance your existing knowledge, Robyn's warm and encouraging teaching style makes this workshop accessible to all.
Panel:
Community / Choir Singing
Community / Choir Singing
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Moderator: Dr. Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw
Panelists: Molly Gawler; Dominie Hooper; Ruth Keggin
Our panel will discuss how group singing strengthens communities, preserves cultural heritage, and creates lasting connections. From informal pub sessions to established choirs, we'll explore different approaches to collective singing, sharing practical insights and inspiring stories of how a communal voice can bring people together. This talk is for anyone interested in starting or joining a singing group, leading community songs, or simply learning more about the transformative power of singing together.
Discussion:
Songs that think locally and act globally
Songs that think locally and act globally
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Moderator: Molly Gawler
Panelists: Emma Bjorling, Neil McDermot, Esbjorn Wettermark
This talk explores how each of us can start small in our communities and let the songs ripple out to a global circle around the world. We will hear about songs as tools to put in your pocket to take out at the right time. They can be in the form of work songs, lullabies, sea shanties, rowing songs, songs for social change, and songs of the land and place. We are encouraged to do the same in our own homes, kitchens, fields, towns, pubs, forests and song circles of all kinds.
North Atlantic Song Club:
Singing Session
Singing Session
The Canons’ Gait Pub - Royal Mile
8:00 pm until close
Join us for an informal singing session in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. Join fellow singers and song enthusiasts for an evening of shared songs, stories, and camaraderie in a cosy pub setting. Whether you’d like to lead a song, join in a chorus, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this is the perfect chance to connect through music and celebrate our singing traditions.
Access: That this venue has stairs down to the basement and could be challenging for anyone with mobility issues or additional needs. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Note: Convention Full Weekend Pass-holders only.
Saturday 12 April 2025
Workshop:
Swedish Mouth Music with Lotta Andersson
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Library
10:00 am - 11:15 am
Learn Swedish mouth music with Lotta Andersson, a renowned singer from the acclaimed vocal group Kongero. In this interactive workshop, Lotta will guide you through the unique vocal techniques and rhythmic patterns used in traditional Swedish folk singing. Learn how these folk melodies were historically used for storytelling, herding, and dance accompaniment, and experience the joy of creating music with just your voice. Open to all levels—no prior experience required.
Workshop:
Scottish Gaelic Song with Alasdair Whyte
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Library
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Join Alasdair Whyte, the celebrated Gaelic singer and scholar from the Isle of Mull, for an inspiring workshop exploring the rich tradition of Scottish Gaelic song. Alasdair will share his deep knowledge of the language, history, and cultural significance behind the songs.
Participants will learn traditional songs, gain insights into Gaelic pronunciation, and learn about the stories behind the songs.
This workshop is open to all, whether you're new to Gaelic song or looking to deepen your connection to the tradition.
Panel: Curating a Place to Sing – From Kitchen to Stadium
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Moderator: Brian Ó hEadhra
Panelists: Nuala Kennedy, Tom Besford, Dominie Hooper
Join us for an engaging discussion on the art and evolution of curating spaces for folk song. From intimate family kitchen gatherings to grand concert performances, this panel explores how songs are presented and shared in different contexts and for diverse audiences. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of creating engaging experiences, whether for small, close-knit groups or large-scale events.
Open Song Circle:
Songs of the Sea
Songs of the Sea
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Storytelling Court
1:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Gather round and share sea-inspired songs in this open song circle, celebrating the connection between people and the ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply love to listen, all are welcome to contribute a song or story related to the sea. From haunting ballads and lively shanties to personal favourites, this is a space to honour the maritime traditions that have shaped cultures across the North Atlantic region.
Panel:
Singing Lives Lived – Songwriting and Tradition
Singing Lives Lived – Songwriting and Tradition
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm
Moderator: Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw
Panelists: Susanne Rosenberg, Alasdair Whyte, Anna Wikénius, Ró Ó hEadhra
Explore the interplay between songwriting and tradition in this thought-provoking panel discussion where the panellists delve into how personal experiences, cultural heritage, and traditional influences shape the creation of songs. Discover how contemporary songwriting can honour and evolve long-standing traditions while reflecting the lives and stories of today.
This is a must for anyone interested in the art of songwriting, the preservation of tradition, and the ways in which music connects past and present.
Concert:
The North Atlantic Song Connection
The North Atlantic Song Connection
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Theatre
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of song featuring a stunning line-up of international and local artists. This special event showcases the rich diversity of traditional songs from across the North Atlantic region, celebrating the unique voices and cultures that connect us.
From beautiful ballads to rousing choruses, this concert promises to be a highlight of the weekend — Don’t miss it!
Singers include:
Alasdair Whyte (Scotland) ; Robyn Stapleton (Scotland); Dominie Hooper (England); Ruth Keggin (Isle of Man); Emma Bjorling (Sweden); Molly Gawler (USA); Anna Wikénius (Sweden); Lotta Andersson (Sweden); Nuala Kennedy (Ireland)
Sunday 13 April 2025
North Atlantic Song Convention:
Annual Meeting and Future Planning
Annual Meeting and Future Planning
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Storytelling Court
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Join us for the NASC Annual Meeting, where attendees can share their experiences, reflect on the convention, and help shape the future of the North Atlantic Song Convention. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow participants, exchange ideas, and discuss next steps for fostering collaboration and celebrating the song traditions of the North Atlantic region.
Not ticketed.
Open Song Circle
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Storytelling Court
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Bring the North Atlantic Song Convention to a heartfelt close with our final song circle. This informal gathering is a chance for attendees to share one last song, reflect on the weekend, and celebrate the connections made through music. Whether you’d like to sing, listen, or simply soak up the atmosphere, this is the perfect way to wrap up the convention in true NASC spirit.
Singers and Speakers - NASC 2025
Prof. Susanne Rosenberg (Sweden)
Pioneering traditional singer and professor at Stockholm's Royal College of Music, specialising in Swedish herding calls (kulning), folk chorales, and medieval ballads. A member of the Royal Academy of Music, she masterfully bridges traditional and contemporary artistic expressions through performance, research, and education. Her latest album "Koraler" (2023) celebrates beloved folk chorales.
Dr. Alasdair C. Whyte (Scotland)
Award-winning Gaelic singer, writer, and academic from the Isle of Mull. His diverse portfolio includes solo albums, collaborations with WHYTE and Niteworks, and acclaimed literary works. Named Gaelic Ambassador of the Year (2019), he currently lectures in Celtic Onomastics at the University of Glasgow and recently published "Glasgow's Gaelic Place-Names."
Nuala Kennedy
(Ireland)
Award-winning Irish singer, flautist, and composer whose latest album 'Hydra' earned Guardian's Album of the Month (2024). Currently performing with legendary group SOLAS, she seamlessly bridges traditional and contemporary music. Based in County Clare, Kennedy's distinctive style reflects her Irish roots and Scottish influences, with collaborations spanning traditional to Grammy-nominated projects.
Dominie Hooper
(England)
Dartmoor-born multi-instrumentalist and innovative choir leader merging traditional folk with contemporary sonic exploration. Her London-based ensemble 'Oss' weaves folk traditions with original compositions and improvisation. Recent collaborations include her debut album with renowned producer Ben Hillier, marking her as an emerging voice in folk innovation.
Robyn Stapleton
(Scotland)
BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2014, Robyn Stapleton stands among Scotland's finest folk voices. Recently featured at London's Kings Place with Aurora Orchestra (2024), she masterfully bridges traditional Scottish song with contemporary arrangements, collaborating with prestigious orchestras and ensembles.
Molly Gawler
(USA)
Maine-based artist blending dance, music, and traditional folk arts from her Blue Hill home. A former Pilobolus Dance Theater performer and SUNY Purchase graduate, she performs with The Gawler Sisters trio and through her solo project, Droplet Dance. Currently, Molly nurtures both her artistic practice and family from their wooden yurt in Orland.
Neil McDermott
(Scotland)
Glasgow-based musician and researcher who directs Girvan Traditional Folk Festival. Notable for his work with National Theatre of Scotland and Alasdair Roberts, his album "Au Cube" with Tartine de Clous won fRoots' Playlist Album Choice. Currently serves as Resource Development Officer at University of Glasgow while championing Ayrshire's folk heritage.
Ró Ó hEadhra
(Scotland)
Inverness-based multidisciplinary artist serving as Scotland's Gaelic Young Makar (writer). Currently exhibiting Gaelic-inspired artwork locally, they combine visual art, poetry, and music while teaching youth drama. Their recent achievements include a FilmG Gaelic short film best performance nomination.
Dr. Mollie Stone
(USA)
Choral conductor and lecturer at University of Chicago, directing the Chicago World Music Chorus alongside ongoing global music education initiatives. Creator of acclaimed teaching resources including "Vela Vela" DVD and "Raising the Bar" series. Currently collaborates with Village Harmony on international workshops and continues her work connecting tradition bearers with contemporary singers.
Lotta Andersson
(Sweden)
Member of acclaimed Swedish folk vocal quartet Kongero, Andersson began singing before she could walk and developed her musical foundation in the Sundsvall Girls Choir. A skilled folk singer and fiddler since age 13, she now performs internationally and leads workshops in traditional Swedish vocal music alongside Emma Björling, and Anna Wikénius.
Ruth Keggin Gell
(Isle of Man)
Manx Language Development Officer at Culture Vannin, Ruth is a Cambridge-educated musician and educator championing Manx Gaelic language and song. Known for her acclaimed solo albums and Celtic festival performances, she creates innovative language resources while collaborating internationally, notably with Scottish harpist Rachel Hair and interGaelic projects.
Dr. Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw
(Canada)
An ethnomusicologist and oboist whose career bridges performance, research, and digital curation. Following orchestral work in Canada, she explored Irish immigrant musical communities before completing her doctorate at Memorial University, focusing on multicultural broadcasting. Now at University of Sheffield, she directs the MA in Traditional and World Music while contributing to the Access Folk project and working with major archives.
Other singers and speakers include board and associates:
Brian Ó hEadhra (Scotland | Ireland), Emma Björling (Sweden), Anna Wikénius (Sweden), Tom Besford (England), Dr. Esbjörn Wettermark (Sweden | England).
Travel & Accommodation
The Scottish Storytelling Centre is based at 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR and is just a five-minute walk from Waverley train station and central bus/tram stops. The bus station is a ten-minute walk away.
There are many hotels, hostels and self-catering options in the centre of Edinburgh. Use your normal travel app to find accommodation or use Google Travel.
Early booking is advised to avail of the best prices for accommodation and travel.
Access
Find out about venue access and policies here.
Some events will be recorded and made available for viewing online in the future.