“A Suite for Alan” is a suite for smallpipes, flute, whistle, and string orchestra written by Neil Johnstone, in honour of his father, the late Duncan Johnstone.  This will be performed for the first time on conclusion of the Duncan Johnstone Memorial Competition at the National Piping Centre on Saturday 20th March. It is free to attend. Duncan Johnstone was one of the most influential pipers and composers of bagpipe music in the world, and his compositions today are still recognised as cornerstone pieces in traditional piping repertoire.  This year is the eleventh Duncan Johnstone Memorial Piping Competition and Duncan’s son Neil Johnstone has composed an orchestral suite to highlight his significant contribution to traditional music.The composition will create a seldom produced blending of traditional and orchestral music which will centre around a piobaireachd written by Duncan called “Lament for Alan, my Son”.  The Piobaireachd will be performed in full by Roddy MacLeod and then the main theme of the piobaireachd will appear in different guises throughout the suite as the work develops, also drawing influence from and incorporating some of Duncan’s marches, slow airs, jigs and reels. Other soloists include Allan and Iain MacDonald. The first performance of this wonderful piece will take place after the Duncan Johnstone Memorial Competition in the National Piping Centre Auditorium on Saturday 20th March. It will start on conclusion of the competitive events and it is free to attend. So make sure you can see this wonderful piece performed for the very first time.