Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra (BSFO)

The Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra was formed in 2016 and is the performing group of the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club.  Under the direction of Neil Pearlman the orchestra performs a repertoire of traditional and contemporary Scottish and Cape Breton tunes arranged to create a unique fresh sound while also keeping with the tradition.  The group includes about 25 musicians of all ages who play fiddle, cello, guitar, mandolin, flute, accordion, whistle, piano and other instruments.  In addition to their own Gala concert the fiddle orchestra performs at various festivals and events including the New Hampshire Highland Games, BCMFest and NEFFA (New England Folk Festival).  They are excited to have recorded their second album, which was released in 2023.

The back story:

It’s 2016, on a cool April evening in Lexington, MA 15-20 fiddlers, guitarists, mandolinists and one flute player are gathered into a large living room tuning up. The Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra is getting ready to rehearse. Led by pianist Neil Pearlman (“a tremendous pianist” –BBC Radio Scotland), the BSFO is a new performance group associated with the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club. Founded more than 30 years ago the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club has long been an important part of the Boston Celtic music scene, sponsoring workshops, sessions and concerts in order to spread the appreciation of Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle music. From 1981 to 1999, fiddler Ed Pearlman (Neil’s father) directed the club, coordinating and planning events and leading a performance group made up of BSFC members in an annual concert series called the Boston Scottish Fiddle Rally, which featured major international fiddling soloists such as Natalie MacMaster, Alasdair Fraser and Ali Bain. In the 2000’s the performance side of the club became less active, until the Orchestra was launched this year. Bringing in Ed’s son Neil to direct the group, the Club has renewed its commitment to bring great Scottish music to the Boston community.