The Best of 2013 – The Results

Best Kiwi Piper of 2013

Stuart Easton

Stuart continues to set the standard at home, after winning another New Zealand Open Solo Championship in 2013, as well as placing second and third at Oban in the B Grade Light Music. Stuart also had students win major kiwi prizes at home this year, with William Rowe picking up the Open Piobaireachd at Waipu. Stuart will surely be looking to capitalise in 2014 with a good CPA grading and some more good prizes in sight.

Some comments from our experts:

• Everyone in Scotland knows who is Stuart is and respects him for his hard work and determination. Unlucky to miss out on some other prizes this year.
• Stuart has a bagpipe every piper wants – huge, bright, and ringing. It is a pleasure to judge it.
• A second and third at Oban which could have easily been a first and second from what I heard.

Also in consideration:

• Greg Wilson
  Greg made a return to the stages of Oban and Inverness this year after a few years respite, rebuilding Christchurch. A third in the Braemar Gold Medal shows one of New Zealand’s greatest ever pipers still has it.
• Jamie Hawke
  Jamie continues to climb the solo piping ladder in New Zealand and Scotland, taking some good piobaireachd prizes at home and abroad. Jamie continues to inspire young pipers through his teaching at St Andrews College, as well as through his performances throughout New Zealand.
• Martin Frewen
  When Martin is in form, Martin wins – it is that simple. His performances at the Clasp MMSSRR in Christchurch and at Waipu this year are testament to his incredibly musical playing and faultless technique. Martin continues to set the standard in consistency and perfection for solo pipers in New Zealand.
• Liam Kernaghan
  Like Jamie, Liam continues to climb the solo piping ladder both in New Zealand and Scotland, and this year – his first proper year competing in the solos in Scotland – had him place in some fairly big contests, including a 5th at Cowal in the March and a 3rd at Inverness in the Hornpipe and Jig.