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Internationally known composer, Harpist and multi-instrumentalist William Jackson, has been at the forefront of Scottish music for many years. In 1976 he was a founding member of the top Scottish band Ossian, described by The Boston Globe as " a gem in the same league as Ireland’s Chieftains", and has toured and recorded with Ossian extensively throughout Europe and North America. Apart from performing, William has gained a reputation as a composer, with such works as The Wellpark Suite, St Mungo and Inchcolm to his credit. |
 On
stage William joyfully shares personal anecdotes, stories and old Celtic tales with a dry
wit. As a solo performer his music is truly transporting. In the words of Alastair
Clark of the Scotsman " .. the great thing about Jackson - the skill and artistry
of the man -- lies in his lightness of touch. William Jackson will leave you asking for
more." He has toured all over the United States and is constantly looking
for fresh venues for his solo concerts. May 1996 saw the premier of his major new commission by The Scottish Chamber Orchestra entitled ‘A Scottish Island’, which further developed William’s work in bringing together traditional and classical music. In 1999 William's composition "Corryvreckan" from the album Inchcolm was included on Fiona Ritchie's favourites collection 'The Best of The Thistle & Shamrock Volume 1' William’s music is featured on many BBC and other Television productions and he is in demand as a composer of sensitive music , and as a producer. He recently directed and performed the music for " Battle of the Clans " for The History Channel. And has also produced the solo piping CD of Iain MacInnes from Ossian and the "Gaelic Women" CD on the Greentrax label. |
 William’s primary
instrument is the Scottish Harp, or Clarsach, which he also teaches. He also plays wire
strung Harp, flute, whistle, uillean pipes and piano. Another field of major interest to William is Music Therapy. He trained as a music therapist at the London Guildhall School of Music, and specialises in working with children with cerebral palsy and autism. He has been invited to head a new Music Therapy programme at major hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina 8. He also gives Music Therapy workshops and is involved in the International Harp Therapy Program in the USA.
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William Jackson announced as winner of the popular Song for
Scotland competition to produce a new anthem for Scotland. William Jackson here presented with his trophy as winner of the
Herald's New Song For Scotland Competition. William won this international
competition to write a new song for Scotland on the eve of the opening of the first
Parliament to sit in Scotland for three hundred years.The trophy was presented to William
by Sir Cameron MacIntosh on Burns Day 25th Jan '99.