Wilfred Gillis

Wilfred Gillis (Arisaig, NS) 1923 – 2002 Cape Breton fiddler Wilfred Gillis was born in Arisaig, Antigonish county, NS and came from a long line of musicians, eight generations of Gillis’ to be exact. Wilfred’s style was influenced from the Gaelic lilt of his father’s playing. As he grew older, he also became influenced by the Down East styling of Don Messer. Wilfred then furthered his studies of music by attending the Halifax Conservatory, learning to read the written note and develop his bowing technique. He used such skills in competition, notably Canadian Fiddling Championships. He personally felt, Scottish Fiddling Competitions, especially in relation to the local style, were too difficult to judge with the many varied interpretations by local fiddlers.