The String Contingent

May 16th 2010
Members $10 Non-members $15

New music for string trio based in the Celtic, Baroque and Bluegrass traditions.

The String Contingent play new acoustic music for violin, double bass and guitar. Their compositions and performance combine the clarity and precision of baroque chamber music with the raw excitement and intensity of Scottish fiddle and bluegrass. The String Contingent redefine the possibilities of a string trio in their own articulate and fluent style. They aim to broaden the traditional role of each instrument within the ensemble, with arrangements involving both structured and improvised elements.

Chris and Holly met Graham when they moved to Edinburgh after touring Europe in 2007 with Australian band Eilean Mor and the Australian Youth Orchestra respectively. They collaborated with Edinburgh based band Allaidh Modhan, of whom Graham is a founding member, and toured Scotland and Ireland. Together they subsequently formed The String Contingent and began writing and arranging original acoustic string music. Drawing from celtic, baroque and bluegrass styles, their diverse and flexible expertise brings a fresh perspective to acoustic world music.

Individual Bios
Chris Stone grew up in the country outside Sydney, Australia. He began playing Scottish fiddle music at age ten under the mentorship of Bob McGuiness and Aria-Award winning artist Chris Duncan, before studying classical violin from 2004 under Tor Fromhyr at the Australian National University. During this time he co-founded the world music group Eilean Mor and toured twice through the UK, New Zealand and Australia. Chris graduated from ANU in 2006 and toured the UK, New Zealand and Australia with singer-songwriter Frank Burkitt in 2007- 09. In 2008 Chris produced and performed on Frank’s debut album ‘a little less care’. Chris’ articulate, inventive and unique fiddle playing has been highly praised in multiple genres.

Holly Downes is a naturally gifted multi-instrumentalist from near the Blue Mountains outside Sydney, Australia. She began playing piano at age six before moving on to the violin, double bass and viola. In 2003 Holly began classical double bass studies under Max MacBride at the Australian National University. She graduated with outstanding marks and high critical acclaim in 2006. She has toured extensively through Europe, Asia and Australasia with the band Worldview, as well as the Australian Youth Orchestra, the Sydney Youth Orchestra and singer-songwriter Frank Burkitt. Holly’s elegant and poetic sound has gained her a strong reputation as a performer with taste and style.

Graham McLeod was born outside Aberdeen, Scotland. Graham has been playing for and calling Ceilidhs throughout Scotland for many years. Graham graduated from the Edinburgh Napier University in 2007, where he studied contemporary guitar, improvisation and composition. Graham is a co-founder of Edinburgh based contemporary/traditional band Allaidh Modhan, with whom he tours regularly throughout the UK. Graham composed for, arranged and recorded their debut album ‘The Astonishing Flying Ring’ in 2006. He also works as a session guitarist, composer and music teacher. Graham’s exciting and authoritive playing is in high demand throughout Scotland.