Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Wrigley

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In our monthly Alumni Spotlight series, we celebrate the journeys of artists who have been part of Sound and Music’s programmes. This month, we speak to New Voices 2021 alum Jennifer Wrigley, a renowned fiddler, composer, and ambassador for traditional Orkney music as she releases her first solo album, Catch the Rhythmic Orkney Tide and Ride.

Jennifer is internationally recognised as one of the leading fiddle players and traditional composers to come out of Scotland in recent years, influencing and inspiring players all around the world. Her style reflects ages of musicianship that have been passed down aurally from her heroes in Orkney.

For over three decades, Jennifer performed as one half of the celebrated duo ‘The Wrigley Sisters’ with her twin, Hazel, recording over a dozen albums, undertaking three world tours, visiting 47 countries (including 15 trans-Atlantic trips) and appearing in countless television and radio productions. Together, the sisters also ran Kirkwall’s iconic Reel – a music school, café/bar, music shop, concert venue and exhibition space – for 16 years until Covid forced its closure.

In 2021, Jennifer was selected for New Voices, an 18-month artist development programme provides coaching, mentoring, and funding for composers and creatives to develop new works. For Jennifer, this led to the creation of Catch the Rhythmic Orkney Tide and Ride, a stunning new album that blends traditional Orkney fiddle with contemporary influences.

Jennifer Wrigley and Laurence Wilson © Sean Purser Photography

Catch the Rhythmic Orkney Tide and Ride

Jennifer’s Catch the Rhythmic Orkney Tide and Ride album and accompanying music book encapsulate the essence of Orkney’s rich musical heritage and its welcoming, hopeful spirit.

Speaking about her new album, Jennifer says:

“The album is a hugely important project for me in so many ways. Not only is it my first solo venture, but it also comes at a time when the world is experiencing so much discord and conflict, with attitudes towards migration a particular concern to me. Orkney has, for thousands of years, been a place where folk have travelled to, and transitioned through, so I wanted to create a work that told the story of a hopeful journey, with a suite reflecting the welcoming and optimistic nature of our islands community, and a simpler, kinder way of life.”

“I’m very grateful to everyone who contributed their talents, time and energy to make this project possible. I want to especially thank Sound and Music for their support and to thank all the musicians who took part in the original performance in Glasgow and made it such an unforgettable event. I’m really excited to be sharing Catch the Rhythmic Orkney Tide and Ride with the world and I hope everyone enjoys travelling to Orkney with me!”

What’s next?

Jennifer continues to share her music and expand her creative horizons. Upcoming highlights include:

The launch of her Catch the Rhythmic Orkney Tide and Ride album and music book
A Hogmanay Concert at St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, 2024
A new solo fiddle album, set for release in 2025
Fiddle Academy Summer School, 2025

Join us in shaping the future of new music

Sound and Music is UK’s national charity for new music. We are incredibly proud to have supported Jennifer, whose work is a testament to the power of sound, tradition, and community. Her journey illustrates how artist development programmes like New Voices can open new doors for composers, enabling them to develop and share their unique voices with the world.

If you believe in the power of new music to inspire change, please consider supporting us. Your donation makes new music possible.

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