03-03-2025
Glasgow Gaelic choir conductor to retire with special concert after 42 years
The Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association will celebrate one of the UK's longest standing choir conductors with a special concert in the city later this month.
Kenneth (Kenny) Thomson BEM is retiring from the role after 42 years holding the baton for one of Scotland's oldest and largest Gaelic choirs.
The concert, titled Urram do Choinneach / Honouring Kenneth, will take plac eon Friday, March 14 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Mr Thomson has been associated with the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association for 57 years having initially joined in 1968 as a singer in the Bass section.
Since then he has earned a strong reputation for upholding and advancing tradition in the Gaelic and music world.
He won the prestigious Gold Medal for Gaelic solo singing at the Royal National Mòd in 1979 and has steered the group to multiple record-breaking competition victories.
During Mr Thomson's time as conductor, the choir has won the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield on six occasions as well as various other trophies.
He was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and was awarded the British Empire Medal in June 2022 for services to Gaelic choral music.
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Some of the country's biggest country singers including Jenna Cumming, Joanie Morrison, Joy Dunlop, Ryan Johnston and D-I Brown will take to the stage for solo performances to honour the stalwart.
His grandson Archie Thomson will pay his own tribute, playing a tune written especially for his grandfather on the bagpipes entitled Kenneth Thomson BEM.
Mr Thomson said: "I am deeply humbled by the support and dedication of the GG and the wider choral and Gaelic community. This concert will be a heartfelt celebration not just of my work, but of the incredible talent of the choristers and musicians who have shared this journey with me.
'The GG have been performing together in the heart of Glasgow since 1893 and the end of my tenure marks the start of another exciting new chapter in the choir's storied history. I hope you can join us for a very special evening of joy and celebration, championing the very best of Gaelic and choral music and tradition.'
Concert Showrunner D-I Brown said: 'Kenny has had a remarkable musical journey spanning over four decades and it is only right that we celebrate this. Although his retirement marks the end of an era for the choir, we know his legacy will continue long after he puts down the baton at the end of this concert.
'Kenneth's enduring dedication and passion has significantly enriched the landscape of Gaelic and choral music, and we can't wait to pay tribute to the mark he has made on all of us.'
All proceeds will go to support the continued work of the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association and further efforts to promote Gaelic music.
