Sutton Traditional
Fiddle Festival

A must-attend festive celebration for lovers of music from here and abroad

By Andrew Burlone

August 9, 2024

The Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival is set to celebrate its 11th edition from August 15 to 18, 2024, marking a decade of championing the violin in traditional tunes and dances. This unique event in the Eastern Townships has established itself as an unmissable rendezvous for folk and world music enthusiasts, attracting thousands of visitors each year to this charming village nestled in the heart of the Appalachians.

Since its inception, the festival has evolved and adapted while remaining true to its primary mission: highlighting the richness and diversity of Quebec and international musical traditions. Over the years, the event explored different sites throughout Sutton, transforming the municipality into a veritable open-air stage. This year marks an important turning point in the festival’s history, with a strategic relocation to the public market site.

A decade of commitment to promoting and showcasing the violin in traditional music and dance.

This change of venue is not insignificant. It reflects the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival’s growing ambition and its desire to become more deeply rooted in the region’s cultural landscape. The public market site in Sutton offers a larger space better suited to the needs of a growing festival. However, the STVF is not turning its back on its roots. In addition to the main site, several emblematic Sutton locations will continue to host events. The Arts and Dreams Cultural Park, the Canadian Legion, Grace Church, Sutton Encore at the public piano, and the town hall will remain anchors of the festival, thus maintaining the strong link between the event and the local community.

At the helm of this new era is Gilles Garand, recently appointed as the festival’s general and artistic director. With over 50 years of experience in organizing cultural events, Garand brings valuable expertise to the STVF. Himself a traditional musician, specializing in accordion and harmonica, he perfectly embodies the spirit of the festival: a blend of respect for traditions and openness to the world. For this 11th edition, the STVF has chosen an evocative theme: “The violin at the heart of our lives”. This theme underlines not only the central importance of the violin in traditional music but also its ability to touch emotions and bring communities together. The program reflects this vision, offering a musical journey through different regions of Quebec and beyond.

‘For this 11th edition, the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival has chosen an evocative theme: “The violin at the heart of our lives”‘

Among the Quebec artists on the bill, we find names well-known to traditional music lovers. Liette Remon, a violin virtuoso, will bring her energetic style and technical mastery. Jean-Marie Verret, an iconic figure in the Quebec folk scene, will share his rich and varied repertoire. The group Zigue, known for its innovative approach to traditional music, promises uplifting performances. É.T.É., a dynamic trio, will fuse traditional sounds with contemporary influences. Cécilia, a young violin prodigy, will represent the new generation of artists. The Oberegger – Kehler duo will bring their unique touch, blending Quebec and European traditions. Finally, Michael Jerome Browne, a renowned multi-instrumentalist, will offer a glimpse into the connections between traditional Quebec music and that of North America.

Not limiting itself to Quebec’s borders, this year the festival welcomes Scottish virtuoso Alasdair Fraser, considered one of the world’s greatest Celtic music violinists. His presence promises not only memorable concerts but also master classes that will undoubtedly be highly sought after by amateur and professional musicians alike. The festival’s international aspect is further strengthened with the participation of the Danish duo Gangspil. This partnership underlines the festival’s desire to build bridges between different world musical traditions, thus offering the public a rich and diverse cultural experience.

Beyond the concerts, the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival will offer a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels. Traditional dance workshops will allow participants to learn or perfect their steps, while informal jam sessions will encourage exchanges between musicians. Conferences on the history of the violin and its role in different world cultures will complete the educational program.

‘The 11th edition of the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival promises to be a pivotal moment in the event’s history.’

The 11th edition of the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival thus promises to be a pivotal moment in the event’s history. With its new site, eclectic programming, and renewed ambition, the festival is ready to assert itself as a major cultural event, not only for the Eastern Townships but for all of Quebec and beyond. The success and longevity of the event rely largely on the support of loyal partners: The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), Heritage Canada, and the Town of Sutton continue to provide crucial financial support. Many local partners, merchants, and businesses in the region also contribute to making this event a collective success.