The British Columbia Pipers’ Association is pleased to announce an upcoming evening of piobaireachd in honour of the late Andrew Wright. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 29^th, 2023. Doors open 7:00pm. The event begins at 7:30pm. Please join us in the Anderson Room at the Seaforth Armoury, 1650 Burrard Street, Vancouver. There will be beverages available at the bar hosted by the Seaforth Highlanders. There will be no charge for attendance.

The event will not be an evening of piobaireachd recital, but one of participating. All classes of pipers (from beginner to professional) are encouraged to email the Planning Committee at social.events.chair@bcpipers.org and send us your name, contact number, email, grade level, tune name and length you’ll play (ex. Ground only, ground and 1^st variation, full piobaireachd, collection ie. Kilberry, The Piobaireachd Society, etc). We are asking for those who want a chance to play a tune to contact us by April 22^nd, 2023.

This a community event where players are welcome to bring their pipes and play some piobaireachd in a friendly and non-competitive setting. Uniforms are not required. For the youngsters, music stands are available and there will always be someone there to help you with your pipes if needed. A chance for anyone to try out a new tune, or simply to play an old favourite.

Andrew Wright first appeared in the western piping scene in the early 1970’s, some 50 years ago, and left an indelibly imprint on several generations of West Coast pipers.  We can look forward to some stories and anecdotes about Andrew’s piobaireachd classes – any of the hundreds of pipers Andrew touched are encouraged to bring along their happy memories as well as a tune.

Born in Partick, Scotland, on December 4, 1936, Andrew Wright was taught by the legendary Peter R. MacLeod, and he quickly showed his piping prowess. His competition record was sterling, most famously winning “The Double” – both Highland Society of London Gold Medals in the same year, achieving the feat in 1970. His list of ceol more prizes was prodigious: the Senior Piobaireachd at Oban, the Bratach Gorm at London three times. the Open Piobaireachd at London four times, the Uist & Barra three times, and pretty much every other major piobaireachd prize there is in the UK.

When most people think of Andrew Wright, the word piobaireachd immediately comes to mind. He devoted almost his entire piping life to the study, playing and teaching of ceol mor, and was considered to be one of the foremost authorities on the subject. (Berthoff, Andrew “Andrew Wright, 1936-2022”, pipesdrums.com)

Again, we are ask for those who want a chance to play a tune to contact us by April 22^nd, 2023. Of necessity, the time will be limited, so BCPA needs to restrict the number of players.  It may be necessary to do a small draw in select grade levels, but we will keep all entrants informed. Performing pipers will be advised of their performance and time slot by Sunday, April 23^rd.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend for what will be a great evening of piobaireachd in honor of Andrew Wright.