A new website "www.pipesandstrings.co.uk" has been launched to publicise a new innovative musical project.

Pipes and Strings, set up in 2010, brings together some of Scotland's finest traditional and classical musicians for a tour throughout the Outer Hebrides in July 2011. This is a unique combination of solo and orchestral performances, fusing together the two very different musical styles.

Neil Johnstone, Isle of Lewis musician and teacher, has written the centrepiece of the concert, "A Suite for Alan" which was commissioned by the National Piping Centre as a tribute to the life and music of Duncan Johnstone, eminent piper, composer and teacher.
The suite is written for small pipes, flute, whistles and string orchestra and includes some of Duncan Johnstone's best known works, along with a full performance of the piobaireachd, "Lament for Alan, my Son,"
What is particularly beautiful in this fitting tribute is that Neil is in fact Duncan's son.

Project manager, Rhona Johnstone said, "We are pleased to announce the launch of the website which provides background and more in depth information into the project, along with all tour dates and booking details. We were extremely honoured to have been asked to perform at this years’ Hebridean Celtic Festival and very grateful to have been given the opportunity to bring the Suite for Alan to the Western Isles in particular, where so much of the inspiration came from for Duncan Johnstone’s piping compositions. We are particularly pleased to involve some fantastic musicians from the traditional music world, some of whom were infact tutored by Duncan. The inclusion of an 11-piece string orchestra along with the soloists makes this a very exciting and interesting combination. "

With performances from Roddy MacLeod MBE (Bagpipes), Glenuig brothers Iain and Allan MacDonald,(Flute, pipes, whistles), James Ross (Piano) and Neil Johnstone himself on Cello, the tour promises to be a date for your diaries.

The concerts, which have been part funded by Scotland's Islands, will feature a World Premiere performance of the specially commissioned piece " A Welcome Shore", by Stephen Adam. This brings together traditional tunes from the islands in a cleverly arranged work for solo cello and string orchestra.

Don't miss your chance to hear these outstanding performances on tour in the Western Isles and Skye from 12th-16th July 2011.

More details can be found on the website, www.pipesandstrings.co.uk