Gilmerton House Presents Celtic Encounters
Event: Gilmerton House Presents Celtic Encounters
When: Thursday 16 April 2026
Where: Gilmerton House, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 5LQ, Scotland
The Artists
Breton Musicians
Matthieu Jubin – Main Pianist
Prizewinner at international competitions in Paris and Dinard, Jubin’s repertoire spans Bach to Debussy. His 2023 album En Pays Breton celebrates 20th-century Breton classical composers.
Dominique Martin – Pianist
A classically trained Breton pianist influenced by jazz and Celtic music, Dominique performs her own arrangements of traditional melodies from Brittany, Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Her solo albums Enez Glaz (2022) and Enez Glaz – Saison 2 (2025) showcase her distinctive voice.
Rozenn Le Trionnaire – Clarinet
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London and the Conservatoire de Paris, Rozenn has performed at major European venues including the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Queen Elizabeth Hall. Praised by The Times as a “prodigiously gifted young clarinettist,” she brings an international dimension to the programme.
Jérémy Simon – Accordion (Bayan & Accordina)
Born in Brittany in 1986, Simon is known for his expressive, energetic and powerful playing. Blending classical, jazz and traditional aesthetics, he is a specialist in improvisation and cross-cultural collaboration.
Scottish Musicians
Dàna – Scottish Folk Ensemble
Featuring fiddle, clarsach (Scottish harp), whistle and piano, Dàna brings lyrical depth and vibrant energy to Scotland’s traditional repertoire.
Fionnlagh – Small Pipes
Adding the distinctive voice of the Scottish small pipes, Fionnlagh completes the musical dialogue between the two Celtic nations.
Jérémy Simon
What is Celtic Encounters?
East Lothian’s historic Gilmerton House will host Celtic Encounters, a one-day series of intimate concerts bringing together exceptional musicians from Scotland and Brittany on Thursday 16 April 2026.
Set within the elegantly wood panelled upstairs Music Room of Gilmerton House, each of the four individually ticketed performances (Afternoon and Evening) is limited to just 74 guests, offering a rare opportunity to experience world-class Celtic music in a historic and atmospheric private setting.
Celtic Encounters grew from a personal and cultural connection. The idea was first inspired by Gilmerton House’s Matt Kinloch & Jo Squiban, whose father is renowned Breton pianist Didier Squiban. Didier’s passion for Brittany, Scotland and Celtic traditions led to the suggestion of bringing a small group of musician friends to perform at Gilmerton House. What began as a simple artistic exchange has evolved into a rich collaboration between Breton and Scottish artists, a meeting of kindred musical traditions across the Channel.
The concerts will feature powerful, evocative music rooted in the shared Celtic heritage of Scotland and Brittany, blending classical refinement, improvisation, and traditional folk influences.
Matthieu Jubin
East Lothian’s Music Event of the Year
Each concert offers more than a performance, it is an immersive experience of the house itself.
Afternoon Concert & Afternoon Tea – £40
Guests are welcomed into the downstairs drawing rooms for afternoon tea accompanied by background music from the artists before moving upstairs to the Music Room for a 90-minute concert (45-minute halves with interval).
Gates open: 1:15pm
Tea served: 1:30pm–2:15pm
Concert begins: 2:15pm
Departure: Approximately 4:15–4:30pm
Dress code: Relaxed daytime attire
Evening Concert – £55
The evening begins with cheese and wine in the drawing room, with guests warmly invited to relax and mingle after the performance.
Gates open: 5:45pm
Drinks served: 6:00pm–6:45pm
Concert begins: 6:45pm
Concludes: Approximately 9:00–9:30pm
Dress code: Smart attire encouraged
During intervals, refreshments will be available, and guests at the evening concerts are encouraged to stay and enjoy the atmosphere after the performance.
Rozenn Le Trionnaire
Tickets
Full details and booking information are available via the official ticketing page:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/gilmertonhouse
Celtic Encounters promises an unforgettable meeting of musical traditions, an intimate, atmospheric celebration of Scotland and Brittany in one of East Lothian’s most beautiful historic houses.
Dominique Martin