Artist Laura McGhee will fulfil a country music dream with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night.
An invitation to perform on the legendary stage graced by greats from Hank Williams to Dolly Parton is the latest career highlight for the virtuoso violinist, whose career has flourished after a move across the pond to Nashville, Tennessee.
The Monifieth-born musician and songwriter’s Scottish roots have played a pivotal part in her transatlantic success, with her celtic/country music drawing a large following.
That support has helped Laura to repeated success in the Americana chart.
In her first US show the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama graduate played with folk icon Pete Seeger and her career has taken her on to performances alongside the likes of Shane McGowan of the Pogues, Rod Stewart and Johnny Cash’s son John Carter Cash as part of an 80th birthday celebration for Willie Nelson.
Her Celtic Suite, tracing Scotland’s history from 1320, was another major triumph and resulted in Laura performing the music with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in a co-billed performance with violin star Nicola Benedetti.
Amid a hectic US schedule, Laura also found time to return to Scotland last year for an acoustic tour for home fans.
She is now on the Celtic Roots tour a musical journey from Ireland and Scotland to the US, showing the influences of celtic music on bluegrass and country.
On Saturday evening’s bill in Nashville she will join Grammy award winners she is a huge fan of.
Ahead of rehearsals, Laura told The Courier: “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be performing on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage this Saturday.
“I think it’s every country artist and musician’s dream to play on that iconic stage and to make it a reality is really amazing.
“I’m so excited to be sharing the stage with Patty Loveless, Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs, artists I have admired throughout my career.”
The Grand Ole Opry is enjoyed by country music fans worldwide, with a live stream on WSM radio.