Thursday November 12th 2026
Folk trio FLIT (Will Pound, Guro Kvifte Nesheim, Amy Laurenson)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Contemporary folk trio FLIT will headline Saturday night at this year’s Soundhouse Winter Festival in Edinburgh after being added to the programme following a performer’s withdrawal due to ill health.
The trio, featuring Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson, Norwegian Hardanger fiddle player Guro Kvifte Nesheim and harmonica and diatonic accordion player Will Pound, will perform at the festival, which runs from November 26 to 30.
They replace musician Jake Cogan, who has had to withdraw from the event.
FLIT brings together three musicians united by an interest in combining traditional folk music with contemporary influences.
Their sound draws on different musical backgrounds, blending intricate melodies, delicate rhythms and atmospheric arrangements. Their performances move between lively traditional tunes and more reflective compositions.
Nesheim’s playing draws on the Norwegian tradition of the Hardanger fiddle, combining traditional bowing techniques and ornamentation with a modern approach to arrangement.
Laurenson brings her classical piano training and strong connection to Shetland’s musical heritage, while Pound is known for his innovative approach to harmonica and diatonic accordion.
Laurenson said: “We’re so excited to be joining this year’s Soundhouse Winter Festival line-up.
“Our repertoire is a dream combo for me of Shetland, Norwegian and English trad alongside our own compositions and we’re so looking forward to bringing this music to Scotland for the very first time. Hopefully catch you there!”
The festival opens at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre on Thursday, November 26, with a programme featuring jazz, traditional and independent musicians from across Scotland.
Among the performers are Sacred Paws with Nani Porenta, Malin Lewis, Heidi Talbot and Boo Hewerdine, and Matt Carmichael, who will launch his new album alongside a seven-piece band.
The programme will also feature the premiere of Space for Dreaming, a new commission performed by a five-piece ensemble.
Other events include workshops with Oi Musica and Sophie Bancroft, a free performance by the Soundhouse Choir to celebrate its 10th anniversary, and early evening performances from Cera Impala, Deep Blue, and Haftor Medbøe and Konrad Wiszniewski.
The festival will also showcase emerging jazz artists Nor, Laura Osa and Zoe Downs Band.
Laura Osa will additionally perform a free 30-minute pop-up show with keyboard player Ewan Johnston at the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh at 12.30pm on Saturday, November 28.
Now in its third year, the Soundhouse Winter Festival runs over the St Andrew’s Day and Fair Saturday weekend and is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Festival co-producers Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy said: “It’s obviously hard when a member of your carefully curated line-up is not able to play, but we are super excited that FLIT have agreed to step into the breach.
“This is a band we have followed closely since its inception as we are massive fans of each of the performers, all world-class players. Lovers of Nordic-flavoured folk tunes should not miss this gig!”
Tickets and further information are available at soundhousewinterfest.com.
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