Shetland Arts presents Vamm with support from Elena Piras live at Fetlar Hall this Saturday, 25 May, and live at Mareel this Sunday, 26 May.

Conjoining the sound of their own musical traditions, Vamm is an exciting string trio who weave together melody and harmony creating a rich sound, bursting with texture and groove. Newly formed in 2012, Shetland born Catriona MacDonald (ex Blazin’ Fiddles), Perthshire’s Patsy Reid (founding member of Breabach) and Norwegian Marit Falt, seamlessly create a dynamic yet intimate sound that will take your breath away. Vamm released their debut album earlier this year in late April to rave reviews.

Sardinian-born Elena Piras inherited her father’s love of music and singing – especially folk music. As a young child she sang in church choirs and later appeared regularly on local Italian TV. By the time she was a teenager Elena – who has been visually-impaired since birth – was an experienced artist performing for large audiences, singing and playing guitar professionally.

Since moving to the UK at the age of 18, Elena (who speaks six languages and is now learning Gaelic) has lived in London, where she co-founded and toured with the successful London Bulgarian choir. In 2006 she moved to Edinburgh, where her work at the Royal Scottish Academy of Art gave her the opportunity to become fully immersed in the music scene in Scotland.

Today, and now resident in Lerwick, she is a popular personality on the gigs and festivals circuit. She’s currently working on her own material, writing new arrangements for old traditional songs and also enjoying the success of her debut album Journey.

Source: Shetland Arts