2023 TARTAN WEEK EVENTS


In words and music with Readings from Senate Resolution & Presidential Decrees Excerpts from the Declaration of Arbroath

Event Information

  • DATE: Friday April 14, 2023
  • TIME: 12:30 - 1:30 PM
  • LOCATION: Bryant Park
  • TICKETS: No tickets required. The event is for all the community.
  • MASTER OF CEREMONIES Kenneth Donnelly
  • DECLARATION OF ARBROATH Robbi Munro

Musical Performances Include:

  • Craig Weir - Piper
  • Highland Divas
  • Scots College Pipe Band Sydney
  • St Columba's School Pipe Band
  • Scottish Police Community Choir

Presenters

Kenneth Donnelly

Native born Scot from Lanarkshire, Scotland. American citizen, Kenneth came to the USA to work for Pan American Airways in 1982. He now lives in Ridgefield, CT.

An avid cyclist, golfer, skier and curler!

Senior Program Manager at Mitsubishi Bank of Tokyo, New York specializing in Global Investment Banking, Commercial Banking and Global Markets

  • Chairman, American-Scottish Foundation
  • Member, International Advisory Board of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, ranked #3 college of drama in the world
  • Member, International Advisory Board of University of the Highlands, Inverness, Scotland
  • Member of President’s Club, Glasgow City Chamber of Commerce
  • Member of the University Club, NYC
  • Past President of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, New York Branch
  • Past President of the Saint Andrews Society of CT
  • Listed in the Social Register

Education
Glasgow University, Scotland, B.Sc. Computer Science & Mathematics.
Wharton School of Business (UPenn.) Corporate Financial Analysis.


The Performers

Craig Weir

Craig is one of the country’s most highly esteemed pipers and has been involved in a range of major high profile performances. He has appeared on stage with various acts including Queen + Adam Lambert, The Libertines, Kaiser Chiefs, The Courteeners, Bay City Rollers and Rudimental. Craig has also performed for various important dignitaries including various members of the Royal Family including Her Majesty The Queen and His Holiness The Dalai Lama.

He has also performed for Michelle Obama, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Calvin Harris, Sir Billy Connolly and Sir Alex Ferguson among others. He has performed at events including Commonwealth Games and the MOBO Awards. Craig also fronts ‘Craig Weir & the Cabalistic Cavalry’ on vocals, guitar and ukulele.


The Highland Divas

Georgia, Margaret & Marla are The Highland Divas. Two from Scotland, and one from New Zealand. Three women with diverse musical backgrounds and a common heritage.

These uniquely talented artists will take you on a musical journey that spans the folk music of Ireland, Scotland & New Zealand & culminates in the soaring heights of Rock Opera. A journey from the most achingly spare Celtic ballads to the most thrilling, harmonized interpretations of Popular & Classical Music.



Scots College Pipe Band Sydney

The Scots College Pipes and Drums, Sydney are synonymous with the College's heritage and have proudly worn the tartan of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) since they were given permission to do so back in 1931.

The Band was formed in 1900, when five boys joined the Cadets as Pipers. At present, there are over 450 boys learning to play or playing the bagpipes or drums. Since 1900, the Pipes and Drums boast a proud record of representing the College at National and International venues.

The award-winning Pipes and Drums offers co-curricular tuition in challenging band skills and wonderful experiences. The Pipes and Drums have performed at a number of Regal and Vice Regal functions and have performed in front of capacity crowds at a number of international sporting fixtures here in Sydney.

The band has attended many International Tattoos and Competitions including The Royal Edinburgh Tattoo, Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo, The Basel Tattoo, The World Pipe Band Championships and many more. The band has been placed in the top six at the World Pipe Band Championships on 2 occasions.

The Pipes and Drums take part in major College activities and parades including Remembrance Day, Speech Day, Commonwealth Day and other ceremonial parades.

The Band also takes part in the Australian Pipe Band Championships, and the various Highland Gatherings in New South Wales. Our massed Pipes and Drums often lead the Anzac Day parade in the City of Sydney, and a number of charity functions throughout the year.

Our competition band has successfully competed to become NSW Champions on many occasions.


St Columba's School Pipe Band

The award-winning Pipe Band at St Columba’s School is renowned for its first-class performances.

Around 130 pupils from Junior 3 to Senior VI are involved in the School’s Piping and Drumming Programme from a grass-roots level to the full Pipe Band.

Pipe Band I is made up of over 90 pupils. The Band plays at all major School occasions as well as for many local community events including annual gala days and is regularly invited to play at Clydeport, Greenock, to entertain passengers on visiting cruise ships. The Band regularly participates in the Tartan Week celebrations in New York and enters a range of competitions for solo and ensemble performances.


Scottish Police Community Choir

Formerly Tayside Police Choir (founded 2010) and Strathclyde Police Choir (founded 2012), we have gone from strength to strength and with changes to the national police force, we became the Scottish Police & Community Choir in 2013.

We perform at fundraisers, charity functions, memorial events, weddings and celebrations of all kinds, both local and national. In the past we have supported CHAS at Rachel House, Kinross, Scotlands Charity Air Ambulance, Playlist For Life , RNLI, SAMH, Guide Dogs for The Blind, Yorkhill Hospital, British Heart Foundation, Maggies Dundee, Mindspace and Perth Autism Support to name a few.