Celtic Connections opens with Attention-grabbing concert

Chris Thile will headline the opening concert with a European premiere

World-acclaimed mandolin player Chris Thile is the headline act at the opening concert of this year's Celtic Connections festival, with the European premiere of his latest symphonic piece - ATTENTION!.

The annual winter festival will run from 18 January to 4 February, with 1,200 artists performing at more than 300 events across 25 venues in Glasgow.

The festival's Creative Producer Donald Shaw said: "We really concentrate on the word 'connections' more than the word 'Celtic' these days.

"This festival has always been about connecting people and nations, uniting them through a shared love and appreciation of music and culture."

Celtic Connections began in 1994 and each year attracts thousands in a celebration of traditional and contemporary music across all genres and internationally.

This year's programme covers a host of genres like folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul, rock and indie.

Thursday evening's sold out Opening Concert at the Royal Concert Hall will also feature performances from The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and festival favourite Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni.

Playing alongside Mr Thile will also be genre-defying Nordic band Dreamers' Circus and four-time Grammy Award-winner Sarah Jarosz.

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will also perform to open the festival this evening

Speaking the BBC's Good Morning Scotland about potential challenges for the festival during a January cold snap, Mr Shaw said: "Part of the highlight and beauty of the festival is that it's right in the winter calendar.

"And yes, people will use snowploughs or whatever they need to get here, I think."

Some artists will be travelling from across the world to perform in Glasgow, including from Norway, which is this year's international partner country, as well as Ukraine, Syria, Quebec and more.

The line-up includes shows by Eddi Reader, Blazin' Fiddles and singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean who will perform a special show celebrating 50 years of music.

International acts include Carlene Carter - daughter of June Carter Cash - and also 15-time Grammy award winner Béla Fleck and pianist Bruce Hornsby.

The story of John MacLean and the red Clydeside era will be told 100 years since his death by Karine Polwart, Billy Bragg and Siobhan Miller.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra will celebrate their 50th anniversary with guest performances from Paul Buchanan, Aoife O'Donovan, folk band Lau and harpist and composer Maeve Gilchrist.

Over 100,000 attendees are expected to visit venues including the Royal Concert Hall, Pavilion Theatre and Barrowland Ballroom.

Organisers hope there will be something for everyone with schools concerts, ceilidhs, workshops to try new instruments and a Burns Supper at Kelvingrove Museum.