Available to book from POA. For an accurate quote please make an enquiry.
Experienced piper available for your event. I have over 45+ years of experience. I have competed in both solo competitions and band competitions at the highest grade. I am a qualified piping Judge with the PPBSO. I have many years of experience playing for weddings, funerals and special events.
I have been a piper to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Pipe Major of the 48th Highlanders of Canada. I am now living and piping in Nova Scotia since 2022.
I am available for teaching bagpipes (solo or workshops), weddings, Funerals, special events, and instrument setup.
= areas covered (up to 215 miles)
= free travel (up to 50 miles)
Area to warm up and tune instrument for 30 minutes prior to performance in area that will not disrupt others. (If possible) bagpipes can be 120 decibels indoors. Preferably same location type as performance area (ie indoors if performance in indoors)
Address and directions to venue and any Nearby parking available. Walking long distance in inclement weather to be avoided in traditional dress.
No sound or lighting required.
No.
Have piped for many members of the Royal family, on television shows, live concerts at Roy Thomson Hall Toronto, Lincoln Centre, NY, Vimy Ridge, Edinburgh Tattoo, Gettysburg Rostrum.
No favourite, just enjoy piping.
Started piping for events while i was a teenager to help save for University. I have been piping for over 45 years. Was a piper and a Pipe Major in the Canadian Army for 40 years .
Alistar Gillies
Normally arrive an hour before performance time to warm up, tune and recce the venue.
Yes but I try to avoid rain and extreme cold as it can harm instrument and traditional dress.
Music requests are welcome but not guaranteed. Music performed must be memorized and must fight the musical range of the bagpipe.
Mentionable Band Performances:
Royal Canadian Military Institute Annual Concert Pipe Major 2007 -2017
Scotland the Brave show in Toronto, Hamilton, and Lincoln Centre, New York City with world renowned opera singers (2007, 2009)
A Gala Toronto Symphony performance of Not the Messiah, for Toronto�s Luminato Festival, with Eric Idle of Monty Python fame (2007)
Concert with the Scottish tenors Caledon (2007)
Member of the CF pipe band on the Vimy 90 Pilgrimage 2007
The Victory Over Europe Celebrations, Holland (1985, 1995, 2000)
Queen Elizabeth II Royal Tour, Toronto (1986)
The Royal Gala for Their Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of York, Ontario Place Forum, Toronto (1997)
The Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo, Halifax (1987, 1997)
The Toronto Economic Summit, Toronto (1989)
The Stone Mountain Scottish Festival, Atlanta (1992 1998)
Erepa Grotta Tartan Ball, Erie, PA (1988, 1995)
Performed on the television shows ENG (CTV), Ralph Benmergui (CBC), Breakfast Television (CITY TV), Road to Avonlea (CBC)
Performed on six audio recordings as a member of the 48th Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums
Mentionable Solo Piping Performances:
Lead numerous processions for all of the Lt Governors of Ontario since (1980)
Young Peoples Theatre production of MacBeth, (1993)
Performed for numerous weddings, head tables, funerals etc. (1980-Present)
Performed for the hourly Changing of the Guard at the Governor-Generals Residence, Rideau Hall (1993, 1994, 1995)
Wedding
Birthday Party
Private Event
Corporate Event
Funeral / Memorial
Wedding Proposal
Recording Session
Cruise
Virtual Event
Charity Event
Theatre Show
Burns Night
Christmas Party
Ceilidh
Traditional Scottish Folk
Military
Scottish Music
Instrumental
100% acoustic (no power)
Gig Heaven has members, our newest member is (updated )
