ORGANISERS of the Cumnock Tryst have introduced yet another category of music to this year's festival.

Glaswegian Chris Duncan will perform his unique brand of classical pop at Dumfries Arms Hotel on Thursday, October 4.

It is his first appearance at the Tryst and he is excited at the prospect of bringing something new to the event.

He said: "I have worked with Sir James MacMillan before on arrangements for an album called The Lost Songs of St Kilda.

"I am also good friends with his daughter Catherine - we went to summer school together - so I know Sir James well."

Apart from those connections, when Chris performs on the evening of October 4, he will do so as a Mercury Prize nominee.

His parents are classical musicians while Chris has blended both classical and pop to create an amazing sound.

As well as his recordings, which have featured on TV, he supported Elbow on their last UK and US tours.

But he has toured extensively himself and released several CDs on the Fat Cat Records label.

Looking forward to the Tryst, he said: "I am excited about appearing and being the first to perform pop music at the festival.

"Sir James had listened to my stuff, and was also aware of my classical background, so I think he wanted to include something different this year.

"Hopefully the new genre will attract a different audience. I have never been before and it will be good to meet a lot of people I know.

"Among my many friends at the Tryst is Jay Capperauld from New Cumnock who is helping Sir James organise things."

Performing as C Duncan, Chris is onstage at Dumfries Arms Hotel on Thursday, October 4, at 9.30pm ‑ visit www.thecumnocktryst.com for more details of this and other performances taking place.

Sir James added: "I knew Chris’s mum and dad who are notable classical musicians in Scotland, and have observed him since he was a young violist playing in Scottish youth orchestras.

" It was a delight to see him make a breakthrough into the world of independent experimental pop music in recent years.

"It’s another feather in the Tryst’s cap to expand our musical style and aesthetic with something different and non-classical again.

"C Duncan is one of the most innovative Scottish pop musicians to emerge in years.”