EUROPEAN folk music will launch the new Artsreach Autumn Programme with three concerts in Dorset communities. 

Hailing from Scotland, Firelight Trio play European folk music that is evocative, inventive and endlessly exciting.

They will perform in Buckland Newton on Saturday, October 7. Call 01300 345455 for tickets.

You can also catch them in Cranborne (01725 517028) on Friday, October 6, and Drimpton (07771 554601) on Sunday, October 8. All performances are at 7.30pm. 

With over 25 years of experience as professional musicians in bands including Moishe’s Bagel, Gavin Marwick’s Journeyman and more, Firelight Trio’s repertoire is built upon a bedrock of European folk music, encompassing both traditional material and superb original compositions which are strongly influenced by the band members’ individual, diverse and broad musical experience.

Combining the many gifts of Phil Alexander’s accordion, Gavin Marwick’s fiddle and Ruth Morris’s Swedish nyckelharpa, Firelight Trio weave a rich tapestry of lively Swedish polskas and Scottish reels, lilting French waltzes, toe tapping klezmer, dazzling original tunes and more.

Ahead of the Saturday night concert in Buckland Newton, audiences can join Firelight Trio and their resident dance expert Ruth Morris for a lively and enjoyable Balfolk dance workshop from 4:30pm-6pm.

Ruth will guide participants through wonderful European dances such as the Chapeloise, Mazurka, and Schottishe, with live accompaniment from the band. Open to everyone, no previous experience is required but places are limited and so booking is essential (01300 345455).