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The Wrigley Sisters
For over three decades this talented twosome have been household names in the global traditional music scene. The unique tuned tones of twin sisters’ Jennifer (fiddle) and Hazel (guitar and piano) is augmented with soft spoken stories and imbued with a see-saw mischievous Scottish dialect. Rooted in the ancient isles of Orkney off the far north of Britain their music has been described as a dancing dialect of “songs without words” and has been wooing and enchanting audiences from Bergen to Brisbane to critical acclaim. The Wrigley Sisters are unquestionably regarded as at the forefront of Orkneys’ incredible yet quietly confident rise to fame The Wrigley Sisters already maintain a well-established and internationally acclaimed reputation and can ably demonstrate an extensive understanding, knowledge and wide experience of local, national and international cultural communities. Indeed they are unquestionably two of a number of high profile cultural and creative arts ‘ambassadors’ to emanate from, or to be associated with, the islands over recent times and are clearly appreciated as such within their home community. They originally started performing together as a formal duo in 1987 and since then have risen in international prominence. During this time they have recorded six acclaimed albums, undertaken three world tours, visited forty seven countries (including sixteen trans-Atlantic trips) and appeared in countless television and radio productions. They have undertaken many musical and education related initiatives and collaborations, several with internationally renowned artists such as Evelyn Glennie. In addition they have also undertaken and delivered extensive teaching and music workshop initiatives throughout the world. Over and above their international teaching demands, they have also tutored extensively at home in Orkney – a commitment and dedication shortly to ‘celebrate’ its 20th year. The sisters were extensively involved in ‘Live Music Now’ – a tutorial initiative who’s patrons are Yehudi Menuhin and Prince Charles. Indeed Prince Charles himself was a member of the audience when the sisters appeared at London’s Barbican Centre in 1997 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ‘Live Music Now’ initiative. The initiative is primarily aimed at positively impacting upon the lives of disadvantaged members of communities, including the disabled and the elderly among many others. Their work in this respect also took them to prisons, care homes and many other such establishments.
the reel, kirkwall, orkney (NOW CLOSED DUE TO COVID)
Music School, Venue, Shop, Cafe, Bar & Exhibition Space in the heart of Kirkwall
Until its closure in March 2019 due to Covid 19 Wrigley and the Reel was situated right in the heart of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney; next door to the historic and iconic St Magnus Cathedral. Established by the internationally acclaimed Orkney fiddle and guitar duo Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley it is predominantly a multi-instrumental school, it also encompassed a café/bar, music shop, concert venue and exhibition space. Since its inception in 2004 The Reel has become a significant community asset as a venue, social space and creative enterprise. It contributed to the artistic, social, cultural, educational and economic well-being of the community. It added to the wider profile of Orkney as a place to visit with its vibrant cosmopolitan community and unique distinctive cultural traditions. The Reel was open 6 days a week all year round (7 days during the summer months) and offered lessons in Fiddle, Violin, Cello, Guitar, Electric Guitar, Double Bass, Electric Bass, Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, Recorder, Whistle, Classical Voice, Traditional Voice, Percussion, Drums, Trumpet, Classical Piano, Composition, Theory, Accordion, Traditional Piano Accompaniment and more. There were over 600 enrolled students and it is home to more than 20 Self Employed Music Tutors, 20 staff and has over 20 volunteers. The Reel was driven by the passion, creativity and commitment of the Wrigley Sisters who are strived to ensure that the unique and distinctive music traditions of Orkney thrive and connect that to all age groups (including visitors). Generating interest in Orkney culture and heritage whilst supporting generations of artists who are tradition bearers. In the process they built an enterprise that has an impact on the economy, learning opportunities, community well-being and visitor experience for the Orkney Islands.
