Mr McFall’s Chamber and guests on Four Corners tour

11 Apr 2012 in Highland, Music

Four corners of Scotland. Four new commissions. Four of Scotland’s most celebrated traditional composers. On stage with Mr McFall’s Chamber.

Mr McFall’s Chamber with Aidan O’Rourke, Fraser Fifield, Corrina Hewat and James Ross

Described by The Scotsman as a ‘maverick ensemble’ who ‘have the knack of taking audiences on insightful musical journeys’, Mr McFall’s Chamber are renowned for their innovative approach to programming and stylistic plurality. For their latest musical mystery tour, the group journeys across Scotland’s varied terrain, joined by four of the finest Scottish folk musicians around, each of whom has written a new piece that captures their very own ‘corner’ of the country. From Oban to the Black Isle, Aberdeenshire to Wick, Four Corners celebrates the tradition and diversity at the heart of Scotland’s musical culture, in what promises to be another memorable adventure.

Winner of composer of the year in the 2011 Scots Trad Music Awards, fiddler Aidan O’Rourke hails from Oban and is best-known for his work with folk trio, Lau, and as a founder member of Blazin’ Fiddles. Born and raised in Aberdeenshire, piper and whistle player Fraser Fifield is no stranger to McFalls, having collaborated with the group for their 2010 release Birds and Beasts, and is recognised as a multi-instrumentalist and composer with a distinctly original sound. Originally from the Black Isle, harpist Corrina Hewat has been described by Roots Review as ‘a prodigiously talented harpist’, and has recorded over 30 albums in the last 12 years, earning her an international reputation as a composer, performer and arranger. Wick-born pianist James Ross is a previous BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalist and distils folk, classical and jazz influences to magnificent effect: ‘He will charm you, take you on day dreams, impress and take your breath away’ (Folk World).

‘This is one of the features of McFall’s gigs I especially enjoy – the uncommon combination of informal, conversational communication and expressive, virtuosic playing. Don’t miss an opportunity to see this unique ensemble if they appear near you.’ – Alan Coady, Bachtrack

Lyth Arts Centre Sunday 13 May, 8pm Tickets £6 – £12 01955 641434 / www.lytharts.org.uk

Glenurquhart Public Hall Drumnadrochit Tuesday 15 May, 8pm Tickets £5 – £10

01456 450528 / www.booklochness.com

Dornie Hall, Lochan Wednesday 16 May, 8pm Tickets £3 – £9 Kyle Pharmacy / www.thebooth.co.uk

Eastgate Theatre, Peebles Friday 18 May, 7.30pm Tickets £14 01721 725777 / www.thebooth.co.uk

Theatre Royal, Dumfries Saturday 19 May, 7.30pm Tickets £8 – £14 01387 253383 / www.ticketweb.co.uk

Further dates in September: Ullapool, Tobermory, Applecross, Cromarty, Musselburgh and Findhorn.

Source: Mr. McFall’s Chamber