Together, Simon Thoumire and Dave Milligan create a unique blend of musicianship, playing a mixture of reels & jigs.
Simon Thoumire and Dave Milligan are a virtuoso duo of musicians who have been performing together since 2001. Their first album, The Big Day In, was recorded on a spare day in a studio with a piano, and since then they have performed throughout the world. They have made three albums, including Third Flight Home and their latest album, Portraits.
Simon Thoumire is a virtuoso English Concertina player, a past winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Trad Award, and has performed with many artists, including guitarist Ian Carr, Seannachie, and John McCusker. He has composed music for a variety of projects, including the Scottish Requiem, the Celtic Connections Suite and Music for a New Scottish Parliament.
Dave Milligan is a highly versatile musician and is in great demand all over the world as a performer, composer, arranger, musical director, and educator. He has played a key role in countless projects and performances at Celtic Connections, including as musical director of the festival’s star-studded 25th anniversary opening concert. In 2022 he released the award winning Still As You’re Sleeping with Karine Polwart.
Together, Simon Thoumire and Dave Milligan create a unique blend of virtuoso musicianship, playing a mixture of reels, jigs, strathspeys, and airs mainly from the Scottish tradition, but also including some different tunes. Their performances are a testament to their technical skill and musical creativity, and their albums are a must-listen for anyone interested in Scottish music.