Fiddler on the Heights

Andrew Caden ’24 has once again qualified for the prestigious All-Ireland Fleadh fiddling competition, to be held in August, when he’ll challenge the best players in the world. Caden won the 15-to-18-year-old category back in 2017, and this year he’ll compete in the over-18 category.

“He’s as good as anyone his age in the world right now,” said Brian Conway, his longtime teacher. “It’s really important to preserve the tradition—you don’t want it to die,” Caden said. “There’s also a challenge in being your own musician within the parameters of what’s viewed as traditional.”