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Sarah-Jane Summers is a Scottish fiddler, violist, composer, and educator who has made a significant impact on the world of traditional and classical music. Born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1984, Summers grew up in a musical family and began playing the fiddle at the age of six. She was inspired by her father, who was a fiddler and accordion player, and her mother, who was a singer and pianist. Summers studied classical violin at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree with first-class honors. She also studied traditional Scottish music with renowned fiddler Alasdair Fraser and completed a Master of Music degree in Scottish Music at the University of Glasgow. Summers has performed extensively throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, both as a solo artist and as a member of various ensembles. She has collaborated with many notable musicians, including Irish fiddler Martin Hayes, Norwegian hardanger fiddler Nils Økland, and Scottish harpist Catriona McKay. One of Summers' most significant achievements was winning the prestigious BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year award in 2007. This award recognizes outstanding young musicians who are keeping traditional Scottish music alive and vibrant. Summers' win was a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the art form. In addition to her performing career, Summers is also an accomplished composer and arranger. She has written music for film, television, and theater, as well as for her own albums. Her compositions are often inspired by the landscapes and traditions of Scotland, and she has a particular interest in exploring the connections between traditional and classical music. Summers has released several critically acclaimed albums, including her debut solo album, "Solo," which was released in 2010. This album features a mix of traditional Scottish tunes and original compositions, showcasing Summers' virtuosic fiddling and innovative approach to the instrument. Her second album, "Lalala," was released in 2013 and features collaborations with musicians from Norway, Sweden, and Scotland. Summers' most recent album, "Owerset," was released in 2019 and features her own compositions, as well as traditional Scottish tunes and songs. The album was recorded in collaboration with Norwegian hardanger fiddler Juhani Silvola and Scottish guitarist Ewan MacPherson, and showcases the unique blend of Scottish and Nordic musical traditions. In addition to her performing and composing work, Summers is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at several universities and music schools, including the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the University of Limerick in Ireland. She is passionate about passing on the traditions of Scottish music to the next generation of musicians and is committed to creating opportunities for young people to learn and perform. Overall, Sarah-Jane Summers is a remarkable musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of traditional and classical music. Her virtuosic fiddling, innovative compositions, and commitment to education have earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of Scotland's most talented and respected musicians.

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