FIDDLER - COMPOSER - EDUCATOR
Vàgr
Photo credits: Abigail Edwards
Named for the Old Norse word meaning "sea" or "wave," Vàgr is Claudia Edwards (fiddle) and Joanna Stark (cello). Performing a combination of historical Scottish music and original compositions, the duo are passionate about crafting programmes centred around the subjects of migration, voyage, and storytelling. In 2023, Vàgr was featured at Glasgow University's Curious Traveller's Conference, and in Kickstart Opera's Coffee Cadenzas Concert Series in West Kilbride. Most recently, they were also semi-finalists in the 2024 Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections.
Kickstart Opera Coffee Cadenzas, 2023
Photo credits: Zara Wardrop
Joanna Stark is an eclectic musician from North-East Fife. Her versatility and interests take her between performing classical/contemporary, folk and jazz music as well as composing original music and spoken word. She recently completed her MMus in Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, studying cello with Alison Wells and Martin Storey. Joanna’s passion for interdisciplinary arts has led to numerous collaborations with artists/composers across Scotland. She has premiered over 14 new works, including on BBC Radio Scotland in one of ten Nevis Ensemble 'Lochan Sketches' commissions (Nov 2020), and Thulani Rachia’s obuyile at the Edinburgh Art Festival 2021.
Danny Kyle Open Stage 2024
Photo credits: Justyna Krzyznowska
Claudia Edwards is a Florida-born fiddler living in Glasgow, Scotland. She uses her dual background as a classical and folk musician to support her enthusiastic approach to Scottish, Irish, and American music, as well as her own compositions. Claudia graduated with an MMus in Traditional Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in June 2022, after earning her undergraduate degree at the Florida State University College of Music in 2020. She performs with cellist Joanna Stark in their duo, Vàgr, as well as with the Glasgow-based Americana/Bluegrass band Scotch & Sawdust.