Ian Russell

Ian is a researcher, singer, musician, workshop leader and festival director, who champions the local traditions of the English Pennines and NE Scotland. Since 1969 he has conducted extensive fieldwork into the singing traditions of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, especially Christmas carolling. Recent research has focused on the traditional culture of Aberdeenshire, including singing and instrumental traditions. He values highly the importance of community education in traditional music and dance, and the importance of lifelong learning. Ian is an emeritus professor at the University of Aberdeen’s Elphinstone Institute and has written and edited several books on folk and traditional music. When in Derbyshire he plays melodeon for Winster Morris.