National Programs


Fiona Ritchie, HostThistle & Shamrock

The Thistle & Shamrock
Sunday afternoons at 1pm on WPSU

Spirited reels and jigs, haunting ballads, harmonious strains, and exuberant rhythms of new music born of deep roots - such are the pleasures of The Thistle & Shamrock. Now in its 20th year of national distribution, the one-hour weekly Celtic music series embraces the spirit and character of America's thriving cultural influences.

Thistle is hosted by Fiona Ritchie from Scotland, who beckons listeners to her radio soundstage in the rich warm accent of her homeland.

Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Strathspey King
Fiddler and composer James Scott Skinner (1843-1927) wrote a huge number of tunes and many of these are now classics for today's players. Learn more about this larger than life Victorian character - the self-styled "Strathspey King" - and hear his music played by Battlefield Band, Natalie MacMaster and by Skinner himself, recorded on cylinder in the early 20th century.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Heart and Soul, Part 1
Across the Celtic traditions, contemporary innovations, New World variations and cross-cultural collaborations, the international appeal of Celtic music far exceeds its core audiences. Follow the music from pub to performing arts center as we distil the essence of what we have come to call "Celtic," and get to the heart and soul of its universal appeal.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Heart and Soul, Part 2
Join Fiona Ritchie as she seeks to uncover the appeal of so-called "Celtic" music, and to discover its essential spirit across varied landscapes and languages.

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