This could quite possibly be the mother of all Big Whistle workshops.

Big Whistle favourites and 2017 Folk Award winners Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton have enjoyed extra-ordinary praise for the recent release of their debut duo album Symbiosis. It showcases exactly what they are good at – writing and playing tunes together with remarkable fluidity and accuracy. This workshop will provide the opportunity to play with the dynamic duo and also to get involved with their repertoire.

Ross and Ali will use material from their album, working from a basic tune and lead you through – dealing with technique, decoration and dynamics to the finished piece.

This workshop will encourage guitarists to work with Ali on accompaniment and whistlers to work with Ross on the tune. This will provide a joined up and advanced illustration of how whistlers can play with accompaniment – and give guidance to guitarists on providing rhythmic empathy within accompaniment.

It is envisaged that the workshop will start as a whole and will then split into two groups to practice and prepare material before joining together later.

Audio and notation for the workshop can be found here.The listed tune material is intended for workshop participants only. Any unlawful duplication is strictly prohibited.

Intermediate to advanced level players of High or Low D Whistle, Traditional Flute or Acoustic Guitar are welcome to attend. The workshop will last for approximately 2 hours with breaks.

If you purchase a weekend ticket or a full Saturday ticket for this event, you will only pay £1 to attend the Big Whistle Festival workshops.