Amy Laurenson, a distinguished pianist from the Shetland Isles, currently residing in Glasgow, embodies a profound connection to her cultural heritage. Her musical career is deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of Shetland, and she adeptly intertwines these with traditional folk music from Scotland, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
Raised amidst Western classical music, Laurenson has cultivated a unique style that seamlessly navigates between traditional, classical, and jazz influences. This eclectic mix has led her to redefine the role of the piano within the realm of traditional music.
In recognition of her exceptional talent, Laurenson was named BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023 at the prestigious Celtic Connections festival. Following this accolade, she embarked on a tour across the United Kingdom with her band, performing at influential venues and festivals including the Shetland Folk Festival, Edinburgh TradFest, Cambridge Folk Festival, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A notable highlight of her career includes performing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at Glasgow’s City Halls during the BBC Burns Night 2024 celebrations.
Laurenson’s debut album, Strands, released on February 2, 2024, is a reflective exploration of her Shetland roots, seamlessly woven with contemporary influences and innovative ideas.
An alumna of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Laurenson graduated with first-class honors in classical and traditional music in June 2022. In addition to her dynamic performance career, she is a highly regarded Lecturer in Piano and Traditional Music at RCS Juniors.
Her teaching credentials also include positions with Feis Rois and Shetland Arts’ Folk Frenzy. Laurenson’s collaborative endeavors encompass performances with LÉDA, Tern (winners of the Danny Kyle Open Stage 2023), and Miguel Girão with Live Music Now Scotland, underscoring her versatile artistry and commitment to musical excellence.
Author: Douglas Sanders
