Award winning singer, Hannah Rarity, is a leading figure in the Scottish folk scene and has made a lasting impression since being warmly embraced by the folk world, winning BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year (2018) and recording and touring with top acts Blazin’ Fiddles, Rura, Niteworks and Cherish the Ladies. Celebrated for her exceptional voice and dynamic musical presence, this will be her debut (and long overdue!) appearance at the Shetland Folk Festival.
Her albums, 'Neath the Gloaming Star' (2018) and 'To Have You Near' (2022), both garnered critical acclaim, being shortlisted for Album of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.
Performing a carefully chosen mix of traditional, contemporary and self-penned material, her ethereal voice is reminiscent of legends such as Eva Cassidy and Cara Dillon. Equally at home in a number of genres, she is a sought-after collaborator, session vocalist, tutor and MC.
Hannah honed her craft at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, graduating in 2016, and she has undertaken featured singer work as part of Brian O’Donovan & WGBH’s ‘A Celtic Christmas Sojourn’ in Boston (2018) and alongside the BBC SSO at Proms in the Park, as well as numerous UK television appearances (BBC Hogmanay 2015, 2017, 2020) and performances throughout Europe, Australia and the UK.
For her appearance in Shetland, she will be performing with folk musicians Hannah Fisher and Sorren Maclean.
“With vocals so pure and flawless yet soothingly emotional, it’s hard not to fall a little in love with the voice of Hannah Rarity.” Folk Radio UK
“Not only has she a wonderful voice, she has gravitas. When she sings, we are compelled to listen.” Irish Music Magazine
“Absolutely sensational” BBC Radio Scotland
“Hannah Rarity has a just downright gorgeous voice... no wonder she is in such high demand.” FRoots
