News

Registration Now Open for the North Atlantic Song Convention (NASC) 2025

The North Atlantic Song Convention (NASC) is delighted to announce that registration is now open for this year’s celebration of traditional song, taking place from 11-13 April 2025 at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh.

Bringing together singers, educators, industry professionals, and traditional song enthusiasts from across the North Atlantic region, NASC 2025 offers a rich programme of concerts, workshops, talks, panels, and song circles. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Professor Susanne Rosenberg, a pioneering folk singer, educator, and researcher from Sweden’s Royal College of Music in Stockholm.

Brian Ó hEadhra, NASC Co-convenor and Director of the Traditional Music Forum, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome participants from Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, the USA, and beyond to Edinburgh for this year’s North Atlantic Song Convention. NASC 2025 is a unique opportunity to celebrate our shared song traditions, exchange knowledge, and build connections that will strengthen our singing communities for years to come. We encourage everyone — from seasoned singers to those new to traditional song — to join us for this inspiring weekend.”

Emma Björling, NASC Co-convenor and member of the Swedish vocal group Kongero, added:

“The diversity and richness of traditional song across the North Atlantic region are truly remarkable. NASC 2025 is a space where we can come together to share songs, stories, and ideas, while also fostering a sense of community and collaboration. We hope to see singers from all walks of life — whether you’re a performer, educator, or simply someone who loves folk song — join us for what promises to be an unforgettable event.”

The programme includes a wide range of events:

  • Workshops on Scots song, Swedish mouth music, and Scottish Gaelic song.
  • Panels exploring topics like community singing, songwriting and tradition, and curating spaces for folk singing.
  • Open song circles, including themes such as Songs of the Sea.
  • Concert performances featuring internationally acclaimed singers Robyn Stapleton, Ruth Keggin, Nuala Kennedy, and Emma Björling.
  • Informal networking and discussions.

 

For more information on the programme and to register for tickets, visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre website. Full weekend passes, tickets for individual events, and concession prices are available.

NASC 2025 is made possible with the generous support of Creative Scotland Heritage Lottery Fund, and in partnership with Traditional Music Forum (TMF), Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland (TRACS), Access Folk, Bagaduce Music, and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

For further enquiries, please contact:
Brian Ó hEadhra, Co-convenor of NASC and Director of the Traditional Music Forum: northatlanticsong@gmail.com

www.northatlanticsong.com/events/convention-2025

📷 Photo above by Eamon Ward
Nuala Kennedy will be a panellist on the topic “Curating a Place to Sing – From Kitchen to Stadium” and will also sing at the Saturday night concert “The North Atlantic Song Connection” on 12 April 2025 at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.