About

Graham Mackenzie is recognised as one of Scotland’s most stylish and innovative traditional fiddlers and composers. Beginning his musical journey at the age of six, he studied in Manchester, Cape Breton and Glasgow, where he currently resides.

His albums “Crossing Borders” (2016) and “The Dawning,” (2023) showcase his exceptional talent for composition. His debut album, “Crossing Borders,” a ‘New Voices’ commission for Celtic Connections, was successfully launched at the Blas Festival in the same year. Acknowledged for his creativity, Graham has published two collections of original compositions.

Throughout his career, Graham has performed at numerous prominent folk festivals, including Celtic Connections, Celtic Colours in Cape Breton, Rollo Bay Festival in Prince Edward Island, Scots Fiddle Festival, Blas, Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival, as well as the International Eisteddfod at Llangollen.

He has collaborated with some of the most respected folk musicians of today, including Michael McGoldrick, Ross Ainslie, Tim Edey and Julie Fowlis.

Beyond performing, Graham is a passionate educator, teaching at various Fèisean and Comhaltas branches. He is also a tutor at the Glasgow Folk Music Workshop and works closely with his own students.

Graham is also a founding member of Assynt, an award-winning folk trio, winners of the category, Up and Coming Artist of the Year 2018 at the MG Alba Scots Trad Awards who have toured worldwide performing at festivals including Cambridge Folk Festival and Woodford Folk Festival.

His work has been generously supported by numerous esteemed organisations, including the Donald Dewar Arts Fund, Creative Scotland, the Scottish International Education Trust, the Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarship, the EMI Sound Foundation, the Duncraig Educational Trust Scheme, Friends of Highland Music, and the Highland Trust.

Accolades:

2025 MG Alba Scots Trad Awards Musician of the Year – finalist

2023 MG Alba Scots Trad Awards Composer of the Year – finalist

2016 MG Alba Scots Trad Awards Composer of the Year – finalist

2015 Celtic Connections Commission – New Voices – Crossing Borders

2013 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician – finalist

2012 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards – finalist

2007 The Dewar Arts Award to purchase a Ewen Thomson Violin

2004 Youngest winner at the Danny Kyle Open Stage, Celtic Connections