The Highland bagpipes are usually associated with Scotland, but one of the instrument’s trailblazers – Erwan Keravec – is French. As he prepares to bring a group of pipers to the Canberra International Music Festival to perform arrangements of music by Philip Glass, as well as new repertoire, he talks to Maddy Briggs about expanding the reach and potential of the instrument.

Erwan Keravec holding his bagpipes.
Erwan Keravec. Photo © Atelier Marge Design

The Highland bagpipes are Australia’s 14th favourite instrument, according to the 2023 ABC Classic 100 poll. The fact that it ranks over the bassoon, double bass, saxophone and soprano voice might come as a shock to some, but there’s undeniably something in that distinctive, reedy sound that stirs us. So, it’s fitting that we’ll soon...