By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Weekend Editor

Both Fayette and Coweta County will host some international guests this week when the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra from Scotland comes to perform. The 82-piece orchestra, made up of musicians 9-22, will perform at the F.A. Sams Auditorium Thursday and at the Wadsworth Auditorium Friday.

The orchestra was founded in 1982 in Ayr, Scotland by Alexis and Wallace Galbraith, both string teachers, with an aim to encourage and develop the playing of Scots fiddle music among local musicians. Their repertoire is not limited to just fiddle music. It includes light classical music and themes from popular films and television programs.

While in the area, the students will be staying with host families in the two counties and will be treated to several opportunities to see and learn about Georgia. The orchestra has been sponsored locally by the Fayette County Commission, Fayette County Board of Education through the community school program, The city of Peachtree City, Coweta County Commission, city of Newnan, and the Coweta County Historical Society.

This tour is also special because the national Trust of Scotland has allowed the orchestra to bring the “Burns Fiddle” on tour. The “Burns Fiddle” was owned by the dancing master at the Batchelors Club in Tarbolton, Ayrshire, where Robert Burns learned to dance in 1748. Burns was a famous poet and a competent fiddler. He undoubtedly played this instrument on a number of occasions.

Wallace Galbraith will play the fiddle during the performances.

The shows will begin at 8 p.m at both venues. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Phone 770-460-3990 extensions 134, 135, 136 for information on purchasing tickets. Proceeds will be used to help the Achievers International Program.

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