The Livingstone Invitational Piping Competition, fondly known as 'The Livingstone,' stands as one of North America’s most prestigious bagpiping events. Its origins are rooted in the vision and passion of William Livingstone Sr., a man dedicated to elevating the art of piping on this side of the Atlantic.
William Livingstone Sr. was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1908. As a boy, he dreamed of playing the bagpipes, a passion he pursued with wages earned working in the coal pits of his youth. His love of piping became a lifelong pursuit, one that he carried with him when he immigrated to Canada in 1929. Settling in Copper Cliff, Ontario, "Old Bill" worked in the smelter as a general foreman while fostering the piping community in Northern Ontario. He formed pipe bands, taught aspiring players, and shared his extensive knowledge with anyone eager to learn. During World War II, he served as Pipe Major of the Canadian Forces Pipe Band stationed in Cape Breton.
In the early 1970s, William Livingstone Sr. and his son, William Livingstone Jr., attended the Eagle Pipers’ Society Contest in Leith, Scotland. This event, held in the historic Old Town Hall, featured a unique knock-out format where pipers competed in both traditional March, Strathspey, and Reel (MSR) and more lighthearted Hornpipe and Jig (H/J) sets.
Witnessing legendary players such as Iain Morrison, Hugh MacCallum, and Norman Gillies left a lasting impression on father and son alike. Inspired by the camaraderie, quality of music, and competitive spirit of the Eagle Pipers’ Society, the idea for a similar competition in North America was born. More on the Eagle Piper’s Society - https://bit.ly/EaglePipersSociety
In 1978, William Livingstone Sr. organized the first-ever Livingstone Invitational, supported by family and friends. His goal was clear: to foster a higher standard of piping and provide a platform that celebrated the music, heritage, and skill of the bagpipe. The inaugural event featured an MSRH/J format (March, Strathspey, Reel, Hornpipe, and Jig), with the top eight performers advancing to the evening contest.
By 1979, the Niagara-Hamilton Branch of the Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO) took over the organization of the event, ensuring its growth and continuity. In 1984, the format evolved to include Piobaireachd—a classical form of bagpipe music—in the afternoon, followed by the MSRH/J competition in the evening. Over the years, various venues and formats have been tried, but the heart of the event remains unchanged: a commitment to excellence and a celebration of piping traditions.
Today, the Livingstone Invitational is held in the distinguished John Weir Foote Armoury Officers' Mess Hall in Hamilton, Ontario. The competition attracts the finest pipers from across North America, with an invitation alone signifying entry into the upper echelons of the piping world. As it prepares to mark its 45th edition in 2025, the Livingstone continues to honour the dream of "Old Bill," providing a stage where tradition, artistry, and competition converge.
More Than a Competition
The Livingstone Invitational is not merely a contest—it is a legacy. What began as one man’s dream to elevate piping in North America has become a beacon of excellence, a testament to the vision and passion of William Livingstone Sr.
To attend the Livingstone Invitational is to witness the very best of the piping world. It is an event steeped in tradition and artistry, ensuring that "Old Bill’s" dream lives on. "A h-uile urram dha ainm" ("All honour to his name").
For more information on the event or tickets please visit- https://www.ppbso-niagara-hamilton.org/the-livingstone
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