Northings » Highland

Calling all performers on the Black Isle

Northings — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 13:51:23 +0000

Here’s a chance for you to show off your creative talents – all in the comfort of a Cromarty living room.

If you’re part of a rock band, classical music or singing ensemble, folk group, or you write poetry and want to read it aloud – or in fact have any sort of performance you would like to present to an intimate and appreciative audience – this is your chance.

On the first Sunday of October Cromarty homes are opening their doors to host free performances. Members of the public select what they like from a varied programme of events and spend a pleasant afternoon strolling the streets of Cromarty ‘peeking in on the neighbours’.

Gluren bij de Buren is a concept that has been very successful in the Netherlands and this year we’re trying it out in Cromarty. If you want to be involved, or simply want to find out more, visit: www.glurenbijdeburen.co.uk

Jon and Emmy

THE CHEESE HOUSE

Cromarty

Tel: 01381 600724

Source: Cromarty Arts Trust

Yet more news from Strathpeffer Pavilion

Northings — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:39:46 +0000

As of 24 June 2013, upcoming events include

28 June 8 pm Scottish Chamber Orchestra – the SCO makes its popular annual visit to the Pavilion. Under the baton of dynamic young conductor Gergely Madaras, the SCO performs Beethoven’s ever-popular “Eroica” Symphony, alongside Weiner’s Divertimento Op. 20 and Ibert’s Flute Concerto with virtuosic SCO Principal Flute Alison Mitchell as soloist. Tickets online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk – also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

No performance events in July – we’re full of weddings!

4 Aug Sorry the promoter has decided to cancel Coast’s event here on 4 August – shame, because we were looking forward to it!

9 Aug 8 pm Rab Noakes – one of Scotland’s best-known singer-songwriters, who performed with Lindisfarne, Stealers Wheel and Gerry Rafferty. He went on to become senior music producer with BBC Radio Scotland and then to create his own production company, Neon. Rab is a force to be reckoned with in music in Scotland and beyond. Tickets £10 (conc. £8) now online with WeGotTickets.com and TicketMaster.co.uk – also via TicketMaster 24-hour hotline 084444 771000 – on sale elsewhere very soon

www.rabnoakes.com

10 Aug Friends of the Pavilion stall at the renowned Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, Castle Leod. Usually, local competitions start at 10 am, open competitions from 1 pm – tickets at the gate on the day

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathpeffer-Highland-Gathering/248278731927901

29 Aug 8 pm Spooky Men’s Chorale – a fabulously talented and entertaining Australian group, promising lots of fun as well as wonderful close harmonies. Support by Lucy Wise. Tickets £16 / £15 / £6 on sale soon

www.spookymen.com.au

www.lucywise.com.au

1 Sep 3 pm the Highland Chamber Orchestra in one of their popular Sunday afternoon concerts. This time, they play Aaron Copland’s “Quiet City”, Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony, Malcolm Arnold’s “Serenade for Small Orchestra” and Robert Wallace’s “Highland Sketches”. Tickets £8 / £6 (£1 for school pupils) on sale soon from Pavilion and HCO

www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk

1 Sep 8.30 pm Eddi Reader headlines the AmaSing Festival with a performance at the Pavilion. The full festival line-up is yet to be announced but it will include events at various other venues throughout the village on 31 August and 1 September. Weekend tickets at £42 (£5 for under 13s) are now on sale online from Ticketmaster, via their 24-hour hotline 08444 999 990 and from various local retailers. There are no separate tickets for the Eddi Reader concert.

www.eddireader.co.uk

www.amasing.co.uk

3 Sep 8 pm Dogstar Theatre presents The Baroness, starring Roberta Taylor. A searing psycho-sexual drama, The Baroness is set in the early 1950s and tells the story of the intense friendship between 62-year-old Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, and Thorkild Bjornvig, 29-year-old rising star of Danish poetry. Blixen’s Svengali-like relationship with Bjornvig challenged his notions of love, loyalty and what it is to be an artist. This remarkable play by Thor Bjorn Krebs premiered in Denmark in 2011 to ecstatic reviews. Dogstar presents the UK premiere at An Lanntair on 31 August – the second UK performance is at the Pavilion. Tickets £10 (conc. £8) now online with WeGotTickets.com and TicketMaster.co.uk – also via TicketMaster 24-hour hotline 084444 771000 – on sale elsewhere very soon

www.dogstartheatre.co.uk

www.tv.com/people/roberta-taylor

13 Sep 7.30 pm the National Theatre of Scotland and Blas Festival, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland present A Little Bird Blown off Course (Eun Bheag Chanaidh). Celebrating the life and Gaelic song collection of Margaret Fay Shaw, this is a new piece of music-theatre by Fiona J. Mackenzie. Tickets £14 / £12 / £5 now on sale from Pavilion 01997 420124 and Blas ticket outlets – soon also from WeGotTickets.com

www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=home_ALittleBirdBlownOffCourse

www.blas-festival.com

http://fionamackenzie.org

14 Sep 8 pm Roger Dean makes a welcome return to the Pavilion with The Johnny Cash Story – “First class show. More please. This is what the Pavilion is perfect for. Thank you.” (audience member comment on the Pavilion website Guestbook after the last show). Tickets £17 / £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

17 Sep Antiques Valuation Day with Bonhams Auctioneers – organised by Friends of the Pavilion – as well as general valuers, Bonhams plan to bring specialists in coins, medals, arms and armour, whisky, fishing/shooting collectables, jewellery and silver

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands – others are welcome to join in and tickets can usually be bought at the door

2 Oct 8 pm The Magic of the Beatles – regarded as one of the UK’s leading Beatles cover bands, playing to ecstatic sell-out audiences throughout the world and regularly appearing on television and radio. Golden Anniversary tour, celebrating 50 years of No. 1 hits. Tickets £18.50 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

12 Oct 8 pm Isla Grant – Isla started singing in folk clubs when she was only 14. She went on to become a popular country singer and is now an internationally-known singer/songwriter, several of whose albums have gone platinum. We are delighted to welcome her back to the Pavilion. Tickets £17 / £15 / £6 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000 – on sale elsewhere very soon

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

1 Nov 8 pm T.Rextasy – the brilliant (and only official) tribute band to Marc Bolan and T.Rex, endorsed by the controllers of Marc Bolan and T.Rex’s catalogue, Marc Bolan’s family, former members of T.Rex and the official Marc Bolan fan club. Tickets £15 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

8 Nov The Ross-shire Ball – charity event at which you can dance your way through to breakfast!

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

info@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

Award-winning show Flâneurs set for Inverness performance

Northings — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 11:38:16 +0000

Inverness born and raised Jenna Watt is returning to the Highland capital on Saturday 6 July to perform her award-winning production Flâneurs as part of the Play Pieces lunchtime season.

Winner of a Scotsman Fringe First Award, the show explores the by-stander effect and is based on real-life experiences.

In 2010, a close friend of Jenna’s was attacked and mugged in London. Shocked to discover that bystanders witnessed the attack on her friend, Jenna struggles to understand what prevents witnesses of violent acts from protesting and asks whether ‘one punch is enough’ to provoke an intervention.

Lindsay Brown of Play Pieces explains “when we were programming the season this production really stood out as it’s a different way of presenting theatre, using an almost lecture-like style, as well as video accounts of people. However now, the idea the by-stander effect, what with news and media reports coming from the hands of the public who witness events, seems even more relevant and worth exploring.”

Jenna, who participated in the young Florians as well as studying Acting & Performance at Inverness College, will be taking part in a free talk about her work, experiences and inspirations at Velocity Cafe at 7pm on Friday 5 July. Anyone interested in developing writing or performance should head along to find out about opportunities and ways to get involved in the arts.

Talk with Jenna Watt at Velocity Cafe, 7pm on Friday 5 July is free.

Flâneurs is on Saturday 6 July, doors 12:30pm at the Spectrum Centre, Inverness. Tickets cost £10 which includes lunch and are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/60764 or 0844 8700 887 and on the door

Source: Play Pieces

Strathpeffer Pavilion news

Northings — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 15:39:29 +0000

As of 19 June 2013, upcoming events include

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

No performance events in July – we’re full of weddings!

4 Aug Sorry the promoter has decided to cancel Coast’s event here on 4 August – shame, because we were looking forward to it!

9 Aug 8 pm Rab Noakes – one of Scotland’s best-known singer-songwriters, formerly of Lindisfarne and Stealers Wheel. Just confirmed, more info soon

www.rabnoakes.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathpeffer-Highland-Gathering/248278731927901

www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk

3 Sep 8 pm Dogstar Theatre presents The Baroness, starring Roberta Taylor. A searing psycho-sexual drama, The Baroness is set in the early 1950s and tells the story of the intense friendship between the 62-year-old Karen Blixen, the writer of Out of Africa, and Thorkild Bjornvig, 29-year-old rising star of Danish poetry. Blixen’s Svengali-like relationship with Bjornvig challenged his notions of love, loyalty and what it is to be an artist. This remarkable play by Thor Bjorn Krebs premiered in Denmark in 2011 to ecstatic reviews. Dogstar presents the UK premiere at An Lanntair on 31 August – the second performance is at the Pavilion. Tickets £10 (conc. £8) on sale very soon.

www.dogstartheatre.co.uk

www.tv.com/people/roberta-taylor

www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=home_ALittleBirdBlownOffCourse

www.blas-festival.com

http://fionamackenzie.org

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands – others are welcome to join in and tickets can usually be bought at the door

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

8 Nov The Ross-shire Ball – charity event at which you can dance your way through to breakfast!

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

info@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

Lecture will interest all who love Caithness and its cultural history

Northings — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:41:30 +0000

North Highland Connections will present a lecture which will interest all who have a love for Caithness and its cultural history.

Dr Donna Heddle, Director of the Centre for Nordic Studies at the Orkney and Shetland College of the University of the Highlands and Islands. With the intriguing title Caithness: The Well at the World’s End?, the lecture will look at the lived experience and diverse heritage of the communities of Caithness. Dr Heddle say “I’ll be talking about Caithness and its historical and social global context with some thoughts on how these can be capitalised upon to add to the sustainability of its communities so looking to the future too which might be of interest to the local folk.”

Much is happening in the North Highlands which will have a great influence on the lives of present and future generations; Dr Heddle, who hails from Caithness, will offer her insights placed in the context of the ancient story of Caithness.

The lecture is on Thursday, 27th June, at Mackays Hotel, Wick, Caithness. Admission: £8; £6 concessions. School students, free.

Dr Donna Heddle is Director of the interdisciplinary Centre for Nordic Studies at UHI based in Kirkwall, Orkney and Scalloway, Shetland. In terms of academic achievement, her undergraduate programme in Scottish Cultural Studies won a Times Higher Education Supplement award in 2005. She has also developed postgraduate programmes in Highlands and Islands Literature and Culture, Orkney and Shetland Studies, and Viking Studies.

With a particular passion for locative research – looking at communities from within and how they interact – her research interests also include: Scottish and Northern Isles cultural history; small island studies; language and literature and Old Norse. She is also the author of a number of publications in these areas and is currently leading several national and international research and cultural tourism projects involving the North Atlantic rim.

Dr Heddle is also chairwoman of the Modern Languages Association (MLA) International Scottish Studies Committee and has been involved in a number of Northern Periphery Programme (NPP) cultural projects involving technology and education. She has chaired six conferences, including the HIE/ Creative Scotland Old Maps and New – Where Culture and Social Enterprise Meet conference in November 2010, and is a popular keynote and invited speaker, and has 30 conference papers to her credit.

Website: www.northhighlandconnections.org

Source: NHC

Patchwork Meadow Exhibition at Caithness Horizons

Northings — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 10:06:23 +0000

Patchwork Meadow Exhibition

Wild Flower Workshop With Fibre Artist Joanne B. Kaar Talk by Dr Seona Anderson from Plantlife International

Exhibition—Friday 28th June until Sunday 28th July 2013 Workshop—Saturday 29th June 2013, 2.00-4.00pm Talk— Sunday 30th June 2013, 2.00-4.00pm

From Friday 28th June until Sunday 28th July 2013 Caithness Horizons will be exhibiting patches from Wildflower Europe’s Patchwork Meadow Exhibition.

Fibre Artist Joanne B. Kaar’s kids workshop on 29th June will include making paper from plants and string from daffodil leaves.

Dr Seona Anderson from Plantlife International will be giving a talk on Sunday 30th June entitled “Wild Plants, Science and Mythology and how they are related – Theophrastus, Linnaeus and Robert Dick”.

Workshop suitable for children aged 7-12 years old. FREE but pre-booking is essential. Priority booking will be given to members of “Peter’s Pals” – Young Curators Club.

Please contact Caithness Horizons on 01847 896508 or e-mail info@caithnesshorizons.co.uk to book your place.

Source: Caithness Horizons

Macbeth opens new Perth Theatre season

Northings — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 10:03:41 +0000

Shakespeare’s shortest and most brutal tragedy, Macbeth, opens the 2013/2014 Perth Theatre season directed by Horsecross Arts creative director for theatre Rachel O’Riordan in a co-production with the Tron Theatre. Johnny McKnight directs Noël Coward’s sparkling supernatural comedy Blithe Spirit in October. In December the team behind last year’s Christmas cracker Mother Goose presents the nation’s favourite panto Cinderella.

Fresh from Perth Theatre’s winning performance at the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) where she picked up Best Director for The Seafarer, which also won Best Ensemble, Rachel O’Riordan said:

“We are delighted to present a season of classic, thrilling titles: Macbeth, Shakespeare’s excoriating tragedy of regicide and supernatural terror; Blithe Spirit, Noël Coward’s hilarious revenge comedy, and Cinderella- the pantomime we all love the most. All three of these wonderfully theatrical tales have, at their heart; the idea that there is an afterlife; that, perhaps, what we see is not all there is…

“It seems particularly appropriate to direct Macbeth in Perth where local geographical references abound. Coming at a time when violent political instability is never far from the world news and Scotland’s own identity is under close examination, I am sure that the production will resonate with audiences on many levels.”

Macbeth runs in Perth Theatre from Wednesday 18 September until Saturday 5 October and in the Tron Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday 8 October until Saturday 19 October. Horsecross Arts has built a comprehensive programme of workshops and presentations for schools, teachers and the general public around Macbeth to explore the geographical, historic, dramatic and cultural references in the show in recognition of its local context.

Victorious generals Macbeth and Banquo witness a prophecy of three witches: Macbeth will sit on Scotland’s throne. A dark seed of ambition has been planted, a king is murdered, a crown seized and a vicious spiral of betrayal and bloody violence begins. Shakespeare’s tragedy of superstition and vaulting ambition is a wild ride from power and glory to greed and treachery. In a ruthless struggle to secure control of a nation, Scotland becomes a battleground where trust, loyalty and truth are only the first victims.

Scottish theatre star Johnny McKnight joins as guest director to present Noël Coward’s supernatural comedy Blithe Spirit. A vintage night of laughter and thrills, full of ghostly goings-on and mysterious misunderstandings Blithe Spirit opens, most appropriately, on Halloween and runs until Saturday 16 November.

Johnny McKnight said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be directing Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit. It’s a play (and movie) that I’ve loved for as long as I can remember yet haven’t seen on a Scottish stage for over 10 years. If you haven’t seen or read the play let me give you an idea. Its part Sixth Sense, part Victoria Wood, part Fatal Attraction – yes it really is!”

In need of inspiration for his next book, novelist Charles Condomine and his wife Ruth hire the services of eccentric psychic Madame Arcati. They are hoping for an evening of high spirits but when the madcap mystic accidentally brings Charles’s first wife Elvira back from beyond the grave, life – and the afterlife – become very complicated indeed.

When first produced, Blithe Spirit became the most successful show that the West End and Broadway had ever seen and it has since proved enduringly popular.

Packed with great songs, crazy costumes, amazing dance routines, plenty of laughter and audience participation, Rachel O’Riordan directs the nation’s favourite panto Cinderella in Perth Theatre from Friday 6 December to Saturday 4 January 2014.

Productions visiting Perth Theatre include CATS Best Technical Presentation Award winning comedy The Incredible Adventures of See Thru Sam, written by Johnny McKnight and presented by Julie Brown and Random Accomplice and Mike Cullen’s The Collection presented by Rapture Theatre. Roger Llewellyn is Sherlock Holmes in David Stuart Davies’ internationally-acclaimed solo drama Sherlock Holmes…the Death and Life, directed by Gareth Armstrong and best-selling 50 Shades of Grey spoof Fifty-One Shades of Maggie guarantees a night of girly fun.

The worlds of theatre and music meet on the Perth Concert Hall stage as Patricia Routledge joins pianist, Piers Lane for Admission: One Shilling based on the life of pianist Myra Hess.

And, with Soul Sister, the West End sensation inspired by the life, times and music of Ike and Tina Turner, set to explode onto the Perth Concert Hall stage from 9 to 14 September, musical theatre lovers are in for a treat too!

Along with information about all the shows for subscribers and theatre goers, Perth Theatre’s new Subscription Season brochure, out in June, contains an update on the transformation of Perth Theatre, set to get underway in 2014, and how audiences can play their part in fundraising for their restored and reinvigorated venue.

Source: Horsecross

National Theatre of Scotland, Blas Festival and National Trust for Scotland celebrate Gaelic song

Northings — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:31:35 +0000

The National Theatre of Scotland and Blas Festival in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland present

A Little Bird Blown off Course

Created and performed by Fiona J MacKenzie

Musical Director, Donald Shaw; Dramaturg, Bart Capelle; Video Designer, Colin Bell and Colin O’Hara, Design Associate.

Celebrating the life and Gaelic song collection of Margaret Fay Shaw, A Little Bird Blown off Course is a new piece of music–theatre by Fiona J Mackenzie, presented by the National Theatre of Scotland and Blas Festival in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland.

The production will open at the Culloden Battlefield Centre on 06 September and then tour the Highlands of Scotland. There will be a special final performance at Camus Arts Centre on the island of Canna on 14 September.

Margaret Fay Shaw was one of the most notable and important collectors of authentic Scottish Gaelic song in the 20th century, even though her name may not be well-known outside of traditional music circles.

Born in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania USA, Margaret came to Scotland as a teenager and spent a year at school in Helensburgh. She went on to study music in Paris and New York, but returned to Scotland and eventually settled on South Uist. Whilst living there, she met the Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell and they married in 1935. For the rest of their lives, the couple were to dedicate themselves to the collecting and preserving of Gaelic songs and folklore for future generations.

Lifting extracts from Margaret’s autobiography, letters, personal photography and previously unseen film footage of island life, A Little Bird Blown off Course will cast fresh light on the importance of this collection to Gaelic culture past and present, and examine the role new Gaelic speakers play in reinvigorating the language. The production will feature live music and song, including extracts from the Gaelic song collection that Margaret and John created and preserved and that form the rich legacy they have bequeathed to Scotland.

The production promises to be an intimate but ambitious new piece of contemporary theatre that melds music, text and video with installation, to highlight the importance of new Gaelic speakers to the survival of Gaelic language and culture, for generations to come.

The creation of A Little Bird Blown Off Course has been led by Fiona J Mackenzie, the BBC Scotland Traditional Music Personality of the Year (2004) and winner of the Burnsong International Songwriting Competition (2009).

This production marks the end of Fiona’s year long attachment to the Company as an Associate Artist (Gaelic), and is the Company’s second Gaelic drama production, following the commission and presentation of bi-lingual play Somersaults by Iain Finlay Macleod in 2011.

Fiona J McKenzie says

“Margaret’s book “Folksongs and Folklore of South Uist” was my first contact with Gaelic song many years ago and has remained my ‘bible’ ever since and having the privilege to work on the original material with Magda Sagarzazzu, the Canna archivist, has been one of the most enlightening and exciting experiences of my life. It is very heartening to see major national bodies such as the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland working together with the Blas Festival, to produce a piece of work which will hopefully increase awareness and develop new audiences for Gaelic cultural events. I’m very much looking forward to touring the show throughout my own home, in the Highlands.”

Caroline Newall, Director of Artistic Development says

“The National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to be working together with the Blas Festival, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, to present Fiona J MacKenzie’s new music theatre production. As a national performing arts company, the National Theatre of Scotland is committed to developing and presenting Gaelic work of the highest quality, to provide for, and build, audiences for Gaelic performance. We are thrilled by the possibilities for incorporating traditional Gaelic arts into contemporary theatre performance, and A Little Bird Blown Off Course, is our first foray into this type of cross artform collaboration”

TOUR DATES

Wednesday 4 September – St Peters Hall, Daliburgh – South Uist at 7.30pm

Friday 6 September – Culloden Battlefield Centre at 7.30pm

Saturday 7 September – Arainn Shuaineirt/Sunart (strontian) at 7.30pm

Monday 9 September – Ardgay Village Hall at 7.30pm

Wednesday 11 September – Torridan Village Hall at 7.30pm

Thursday 12 September – McPhail Centre, Ullapool at 7.30pm

Friday 13 September – Strathpeffer Pavilion at 7pm

Saturday 14 September – Camus Arts Centre, Canna (NTS) at 4.15pm

Booking: all performances (aside from the South Uist performance on 4 September) can be booked via Eden Court Theatre.

Ticket Prices: £12 – £15 (performances from 6 Sept)

Box Office: 01463 234234 Online: eden-court.co.uk

Full info on Blas Festival programme: blas-festival.com

Please check the National Theatre of Scotland website for further information and booking info for the South Uist performance

Source: NTS

Mysterious Postcard sparks Theatre production

Northings — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:34:10 +0000

When Francesca Millican-Slater discovered a postcard in an old junk shop, she had no idea about the journey it would take her on, a journey which brings her to the Highlands later this month.

Back in 2003, while researching a topic for her University course, Francesca bought a second hand postcard for 50p in a knick knack shop in Devon. The postcard, sent from Lincoln to London was addressed to a Miss L Gibbs of 62 Douglas Buildings, Marshalsea Road, Borough. Sent on July 15th 1910, the message on the back reads: ‘Be Careful Tomorrow. A.C.’

On Tuesday 25 June at the Highland Archive Centre, Inverness, Francesca will tell the audience how she began re-tracing the steps of the postcard, travelling from Lincoln to London searching for A.C., Douglas Buildings and why Miss Gibbs should be careful tomorrow. She documented her journey; the people she met, the things she found, and the stories she heard.

Part lecture, part personal biography, part detective noir this performance charts the changes that have been made in research, researching and Francesca herself since she began trying to find Miss Gibbs 10 years ago.

With the release of the 1911 census she found out more than she ever thought possible about Miss Gibbs; why she had to be careful, what happened to her and where she went.

In Me, Myself and Miss Gibbs Francesca takes the audience with her on this intricate, fascinating journey, gently questioning how we remember those that went before us and how we might like to be remembered ourselves.

The performance, promoted by Play Pieces with support from The Touring Network of the Highlands & Islands, also includes a post-show discussion about archive materials and a display by the Highland Archive Centre. Lindsay Brown of Play Pieces hopes the show will encourage more people to access and use the Archive centre as well as see more Theatre.

Francesca’s compelling writing style and humorous presence makes this an engaging and highly enjoyable one-woman show that offers something for everyone.

Me, Myself and Miss Gibbs is on Tuesday 25 June, from 7pm – 9pm at the Highland Archive Centre, Inverness. Tickets cost £10/8 and are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/64878 or on the door.

Source: Play Pieces

Scottish Chamber Orchestra brings Beethoven’s Symphony No 3 to Strathpeffer Pavilion

Northings — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:53:16 +0000

Following sell-out performances in recent years, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra makes its much anticipated return to Strathpeffer Pavilion this summer to perform Beethoven’s thrilling Symphony No 3 ‘Eroica’, as part of the Orchestra’s 35th year of summer touring across Scotland.

Amid the wonderful acoustic of the Pavilion, the SCO is joined by Hungarian conductor Gergely Madaras to present a concert of both classics and rarities.

Madaras opens the performance with a work by his fellow countryman Leo Weiner. His energetic Divertimento No 1 brings together a selection of five Hungarian folk melodies, each given its own short movement presenting a different type of dance and is one of the finest examples of Weiner’s authentic Hungarian style.

To follow, SCO Principal Flute Alison Mitchell presents Jacques Ibert’s rarely-performed Flute Concerto which was written in 1934 for the virtuoso flautist Marcel Moyse. The piece requires great skill of the soloist, particularly the solo cadenza of the last movement which was considered so technically challenging that it became one the test pieces at the Paris Conservatoire.

To bring the concert to a close, the SCO presents a well-loved classic: Beethoven’s magnificent Symphony No 3. The aptly-named ‘Eroica’ Symphony captures the Revolutionary spirit of Napoleonic Europe and demonstrates the respect the composer originally held for Bonaparte. This esteem was dashed when the Corsican proclaimed himself emperor, a move which led Beethoven to remove his original dedication of the piece.

The SCO has a long heritage of performing throughout Scotland and this summer celebrates its 35th consecutive year of touring to the Highlands and Islands, its 11th South of Scotland tour and its 7th Autumn Classics Tour visiting towns across the centre of the country.

SCO Chief Executive Roy McEwan comments:

“Leading up to the SCO’s 40th Anniversary Season, the 2013 summer touring marks some significant milestones in the Orchestra’s history and is a great time to reflect on this important aspect of our work and to reinforce the SCO’s commitment to serving the whole of the nation. The SCO is truly Scotland’s own orchestra and we are delighted to take our music-making to so many towns and villages throughout the country, as well as across the border and overseas.”

Source: SCO

Stone Letter Carving Course at the Stables

Northings — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:48:45 +0000

Cromarty Arts Trust is delighted that Richard Kindersley will be making a welcome return to Cromarty in September to run a 6 day stone letter carving project for apprentices. Dates for the workshops are Monday Sept 9-Saturday Sept 14.

The aim of the project is to increase the skill set of Scottish craftsmen, be they existing stone masons or those who are considering embarking on this career, with a view to increasing the pool of talent that is available in the Highlands.

Last year, Richard worked with 9 apprentices who come from all over Scotland to learn the traditional craft of stone letter carving. One of the apprentices said ‘This is such a terrific opportunity. Richard is a wonderful teacher and I’ve learned so much over the last 2 weeks which I’ll be able to use in my career.’

If you’re interested in this terrific opportunity, please get in touch as places will be very limited. Costs of the course is £495 which includes lunches and refreshments.

Accommodation can be organised if necessary.

Caroline Hewat

Arts Development Manager

Gail Stuart Martin

Administrator

Cromarty Arts Trust

Ardyne

19 Bank Street

Cromarty IV11 8YE

P: 01381 600354

W: www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk

See us on Facebook

Source: Cromarty Arts Trust

VOYAGE: a journey in tiny steps & Andrew Mackenzie

Northings — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:50:35 +0000

VOYAGE: a journey in tiny steps & Andrew Mackenzie: Approaching The Verge

22nd June – 21st July 2012

(including silent auction for VOYAGE 22nd – 24th June)

Open 10am – 4pm daily

Free entry

An Talla Solais, Ullapool Visual Arts is launching VOYAGE: a journey in tiny steps alongside its major solo show this year, Approaching The Verge by Andrew Mackenzie.

VOYAGE is an exhibition of over 100 miniature works of art with the theme of journeying and travel. Artists and An Talla Solais members across Scotland were sent a 10 x 10cm square of wood to transform in any way they chose to fit this theme.

The squares have been transformed into paintings, sculptures and even books, representing myriad journeys from a barrel over the Niagara Falls, the voyage of the spinning moon and the final journey of them all, over the River Styx of Greek mythology into the great unknown. Exhibiting artists include Marian Leven, Will Maclean, Jan Miller, Peter White and Susie Reade, as well as dozens of others including people working with artist Frances Fogg in a community workshop in Ullapool in early June.

The VOYAGE exhibition is a fundraising project for An Talla Solais, the community-run art centre in Ullapool. As a charitable organisation without core funding, ATS is much in need of funds to continue its work enabling local communities to get involved in art through classes, events and exhibitions. The miniature artworks will be for sale throughout the exhibition, starting with a 3-day silent auction from Saturday 22nd – Monday 24th June (10am – 4pm daily) at which people can bid for their favourite pieces.

Andrew Mackenzie: Approaching the Verge

Andrew Mackenzie was born in Banff, north east Scotland, and graduated with an MFA from Edinburgh College of Art in 1993. He lives and works in the Scottish Borders.

His work has been exhibited extensively. His most recent solo exhibition was “Silver Between the Falls” with Sarah Myerscough Fine Art in London in October 2012, accompanied by an essay by Robert Macfarlane.

Other solo exhibitions include “Still Surfacing” with Sarah Myerscough in 2010, “Delicate Ground” with Amber Roome Contemporary Art, part of the 2006 Edinburgh International Festival; “Sunlight on Grey-painted Steel, Watching Water Rise” at The Talbot Rice Gallery Round Room, Edinburgh, 2003, and “New work”, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Leeds, 2002.

Group shows include “Wider Than a Postcard”, Breeze Block Gallery, Portland, Oregon, 2013; “Drawn Away Together” at the Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh, 2013; “A Parliament of Lines”, Pier Art Centre, Stromness, 2012 (including David Shrigley, Callum Innes, Graeme Todd, Moyna Flannigan, Charles Avery and Paul Chiappe, and touring to RMIT, Melbourne); “Evaluation of Space”, Rochester Art Gallery, 2012; “The Secret Confession”, Edinburgh College of Art, 2010; RSA Annual, Edinburgh, 2011 (invited artist); Fleming Collection Summer Show, London, 2011; ”New Commissions from Edinburgh Printmakers” at Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop, 2009; “The Birthday Party”, The Collective Gallery, Edinburgh, 2004; “Viewpoint”, National Galleries of Scotland, Banff, 2005; “ArtFutures”, The Contemporary Art Society, London, 2003, and “Past Standing” at The Changing Room, Stirling, 2003.

He has also shown his work in many international art fairs, including fairs in New York, Toronto, London, Chicago and Paris.

Awards include several Scottish Arts Council awards, a Hope Scott Trust Award and an Arts Trust Scotland Award. In 2011 he completed a major commission for Crown House, a new office building on Kingsway in London.

He is curating his first exhibition this year, opening in August 2013, called “paper planes”, in Stow in the Scottish Borders, showing work on paper by Callum Innes, James Lumsden, Alan Shipway, Graeme Todd, Philip Reeves, Mary Morrison and Bronwen Sleigh, among others.

Collections include Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow; The Fleming Collection, London; Royal Academy, London; Edinburgh City Art Centre; Bank of Scotland; Bank of America and Mayer Brown Global Law Firm.

Opening event Friday 21st June 6-8pm

An Talla Solais is next to the Village Hall on Market Street, Ullapool IV26 2XE

01854 612310

www.antallasolais.org

Source: An Talla Solais

The Scottish Ensemble’s 2013/14 Season

Northings — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:39:01 +0000

The Scottish Ensemble’s 2013/14 Season

Musical journeys around Scotland and Europe

The Scottish Ensemble will launch its 2013/14 season at the Music Hall in Aberdeen on Friday 7 June 2013. The choice of location is not accidental: it underlines the Ensemble’s commitment to its innovative regional touring model, the City Residencies programme. In October 2012 SE launched residencies in Inverness and Dundee, and in June 2013 Aberdeen and Perth also receive their first–ever Scottish Ensemble residencies.

Throughout the 4-day residencies SE undertakes a wide range of on- and off-platform events designed specifically around individual communities. Events have included: coaching sessions with young and amateur musicians, pop-up performances, late-night and cross-art-form events, tea dances, ceilidhs, and more. This new model is ambitious and has already delivered significant results. It has brought about a considerable increase in audience numbers, strengthened key relationships with community stakeholders and is bringing high-quality music-making to previously unreached groups.

2013/14

The Scottish Ensemble’s season takes audiences on a number of exciting musical journeys around Scotland and Europe; each programme is inspired by place and musical identity. 2013/14 includes four major tours in Scotland, four city residencies, concerts at London’s Wigmore Hall, lunchtime concerts, and chamber music performances. It also includes late-night gigs and a whole range of activities in surprising and unusual locations as part of the city residencies.

Season highlights include:

· A season of work rooted in the idea of musical place and identify.

· Performances of Martin Suckling’s full set of Musical Postcards written for the Ensemble.

· A new commission from Danish composer Christian Winther Christensen in a programme to include classic Scandinavian string repertoire alongside contemporary voices.

A major tour of Scotland with rising star mezzo soprano Sophie Harmsen, which will culminate in a performance at London’s Wigmore Hall.

· Concerts with Chris Stout and Catriona McKay, to include Sally Beamish’s Seavaigers, plus new material from Stout and McKay.

· A new commission to some of Scotland’s most exciting composers, each writing a variation on a traditional Scottish melody.

· The continuation of SE’s relationship with key broadcast partner BBC Radio 3.

From Russian with Love

29 September Inverness; residency 26-29 September / Dundee 3 October; residency 30 September-3 October

The season begins in September/October 2013 with SE’s second residencies in Dundee and Inverness. In addition to numerous activities outside the concert hall there is a distinctly Russian flavour to the main concerts. Music with heart, soul and tremendous emotion from Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky opens the season and lets the new audiences SE encounters throughout the residencies experience a real musical high for their first Scottish Ensemble experience.

Tchaikovsky Andante Cantabile

Shostakovich String Quartet No. 2 in A major (arr. Morton)

Shostakovich Two Pieces

Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings in C major

Britain vs. Germany

21 October Aberdeen / 22 October Edinburgh / 23 October Glasgow / 24 October Perth / 26 October London

In October, SE is staging the classic musical football match of Britain vs. Germany. British string music has always formed an important part of the Ensemble’s work and here it is contrasted against German compositional forces in a concert of two halves. A string classic and a new work by both British and German composers, SE invites its audience to root for its team and come along to decide who wins this particular match.

Walton Sonata for Strings

Leopold Hurt Dead Reckoning

Martin Suckling Musical Postcards 1-4

Brahms String Quintet No. 2 in G Major (arr. Morton)

Nordic Nights

Concerts by Candlelight

6 December Aberdeen / 7 December Inverness / 8 December Dundee / 9 December Perth / 10 December Glasgow / 11 December Edinburgh

The Scottish Ensemble’s popular December ‘Concerts by Candlelight’ series has a Nordic twist in 2013. The programme includes a new arrangement for the Ensemble of Grieg’s string quartet and an usual journey through ‘Holberg’s Time’ with fascinating detours via exciting contemporary Scandinavian voices.

Grieg From Holberg’s Time (Holberg Suite)

with interludes from contemporary

Scandinavian composers including

Christian Winther

Christensen New Work (SE Commission)

Sibelius Andante Festivo

Grieg String Quartet No. 1

Love and War in Bohemia

21 February Inverness / 22 February Dundee / 23 February Glasgow / 24 February Edinburgh / 26 February London

Following her successful UK debut with the Scottish Ensemble in 2012, the thrilling mezzo soprano Sophie Harmsen returns to perform with the Scottish Ensemble in February 2014. She performs Dvořák’s magical love songs alongside virtuosic baroque arias in a concert centring on musical treasures from Bohemia. The concert concludes with a Suk’s beautifully romantic Serenade for Strings.

Pavel Haas Study for String Orchestra

Dvořák Love Songs (arr. Matthews)

Handel Selected Arias

Biber Battalia

Suk Serenade for Strings in E Flat Major

Mezzo soprano Sophie Harmsen

Seavaigers

Aberdeen 24 April; residency 21-24 April / 29 April Perth; residency 26-29 April /30 April Glasgow / 1 May Edinburgh

In April, the Scottish Ensemble team up with folk super duo Chris Stout and Catriona McKay for the final musical journey of the season, one SE will take to Aberdeen and Perth as part of the city residencies. Sally Beamish’s Seavaigers was composed especially for the Ensemble and these two soloists; it describes a sea journey from Dundee to Shetland. The programme also includes Bach’s Double Violin concerto in a performance that explores the work’s folk roots. There is also a composite new commission from some of Scotland’s most exciting musical voices, all writing a variation on a traditional Scottish melody.

Stout/McKay Sunstone (new material)

Sally Beamish Seavaigers

Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor

Various Composers Scottish Variations (SE new commission)

Violin Jonathan Morton

Scottish harp Catriona McKay

Fiddle Chris Stout

Scottish Ensemble Artistic Director Jonathan Morton said:

Presenting exciting concerts of the highest quality throughout Scotland and in London remains our main objective, but in 2012 our activities broadened significantly in two areas. Firstly, we launched our first annual city residencies, and secondly we raised our profile internationally through two major touring projects in the USA and in China and Taiwan. In quite different ways these experiences have enriched our purpose, and encouraged us to keep striving for deeper and more meaningful engagement with our audiences.

The 2013/14 season is rooted in the idea of musical place and identify. Highlights include a genre-crossing programme with folk musicians Chris Stout and Catriona Mackay, featuring an evocative score by Sally Beamish; our Christmas programme, including new and familiar Scandinavian music transporting you to a Nordic winter landscape; and in February, a musical collaboration with a star of opera stages and concert halls, mezzo soprano Sophie Harmsen.

We’re also presenting lunchtime concerts and chamber music programmes, in addition to the broad programme of off-platform events which take place as part of our residencies.

Source: Scottish Ensemble

Strathpeffer Pavilion events

Northings — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:52:42 +0000

As of 4 June 2013, upcoming events include

6 June 8 pm The Inverness Mahler Players and soprano Emily Mitchell perform Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, Debussy’s Prélude à l’après Midi d’un Faune and Martinu’s Nonet. The Inverness Mahler Players is a new ensemble founded for this project and features some of the area’s finest musicians, conducted by Tomas Leakey. Tickets £9 (£7 for seniors, £5 for under 26s) from Pavilion 01997 420124, Leakey’s Bookshop Inverness and online from WeGotTickets.com

There will be performances of the same concert at Dornoch Cathedral on 5 June and Nairn Community Centre on 7 June, for which tickets are also available from Strathpeffer Pavilion and other outlets as above.

www.emilymitchellsoprano.com

8 June from 11 am Strathpeffer’s famous annual Victorian Market Day, with a variety of stalls and events and this year incorporating an Art & Music Trail in various venues around the village. Teas with delicious home baking by Friends of the Pavilion and the Church of Scotland will be on sale in the Pavilion, along with an exhibition of old photographs. ABC Radio, Alness, plan to do an outside broadcast from Strathpeffer on Victorian Day.

www.facebook.com/events/422605581105010

www.gumtree.com/p/community/strathpeffer-victorian-day/1017131171

14 June 10 am Sticky Kids present a Funky Monkey Singalong. The Sticky Kids team presents hugely popular interactive shows for children up to 7 years old, which invariably sell out at the Pavilion. Last few tickets (only ten left!) at £6 now available only from the Pavilion 01997 420124.

http://stickykids.net

15 June 8 pm Fiona Kennedy – Fiona’s previous Pavilion concert – a tribute to her father the great Calum Kennedy – sold out in advance. We are delighted to welcome her back with her own show, “Fiona and Ruairidh on the Road – The Wee Osprey Tour”, featuring Ruairidh McDonald. Fiona says this is a vibrant celebration of music both ancient and modern, featuring a newly-released song written especially for Ruairidh, “Fly Lady Fly”. The song celebrates the record-breaking osprey ‘Lady’, who has made an annual 6,000-mile round trip to return to Dunkeld for over 20 years. Tickets £14 / £12 online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

www.facebook.com/fiona.kennedy.948

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

No performance events in July – we’re full of weddings!

4 Aug Sorry the promoter has decided to cancel Coast’s event here on 4 August – shame, because we were looking forward to it!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathpeffer-Highland-Gathering/248278731927901

www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk

3 Sep 8 pm Dogstar Theatre in The Baroness, starring Roberta Taylor – just confirmed, more info soon

www.dogstartheatre.co.uk

13 Sep Blas Festival event – the Blas 2013 programme is due to be announced on 13 June

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands – others are welcome to join in and tickets can usually be bought at the door

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

info@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

North Highland Connections present Sutherland Duo

Northings — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:06:41 +0000

Following the brilliant performance by world-class clarinettist, Michael Collins, in Thurso on 1st June, North Highland Connections is following it with another concert in its Young Artistes series, featuring up and coming young professionals.

The concert, on 15th June, will be in the Drawing Room at Dunrobin Castle. Appropriately, the performers are The Sutherland Duo, with Harriet Mackenzie (violin), and Christina Lawrie (piano).

With their strong ancestral links to Sutherland, the Duo, winners of theWinners of Scotland Award 2010 – 2012, are an eclectic and energetic duo. Their repertoire spans more than 300 years of western classical music, ranging from the elegance of the French Baroque, the searing emotional intensity of Brahms, and the wild gypsy rhythms of Sarasate, to the exciting music of our times.

Christina and Harriet are both Park Lane Group Young Artists and have both performed at prestigious venues such as the Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, St Martin in the Fields and Cadogan Hall, and have given live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. They were also invited to perform in the historic Bath Pump Room for its 300th Anniversary celebration concert.

Thanks to the EMS Chamber Music Residency, the Sutherland Duo have toured all over Scotland. At Dunrobin they will play music by Grieg and Prokofiev.

The concert begins at 7:30pm, with tickets priced at £15 (£12 concessions). Wine and soft drinks will be offered. Further details and ticket reservations: MF@northhighlandconnections.org Phone: 0752 107 7053

Source: NHC

Shinty’s Heroes – Curaidhean na Camanachd – to be honoured at Blas 2013

Northings — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:00:42 +0000

On the eve of the shinty world’s day of days, the Camanachd Cup Final, and the centenary of the Great War, Blas 2013 will pay tribute to its sporting heroes, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice. This musical extravaganza, along with a visual romp through the 117 years of shinty’s competitive championship history is the first event of the Blas 2013 programme to be formally launched.

Shinty’s Heroes Musical Director, Gary Innes (himself a hero) and wordsmith, Hugh Dan MacLennan (who always wanted to be a hero), will inform, entertain and surprise at the Nevis Centre, Fort William on Friday , September 13. Amongst the stellar list of guests are Skye’s Donnie Munro, Duncan Chisholm from Cannich, Duncan MacGillivray from Easter Ross, Allan Henderson, Iain MacFarlane and the one and only Fergie MacDonald – all from various parts of Lochaber.

The first half of the programme will revolve round the impact of the First World War on shinty- playing areas. Hugh Dan will provide an audio-visual display detailing some of the exploits of Highland Heroes at battles such as Festubert in 1915 through a combination of war-time and sporting images, many of which have been unseen before.

He said: “The starting point of our journey is really the unique success of the Lovat and Beauly teams who allegedly combined to win the Camanachd Cup in 1913. We’ll celebrate that remarkable event and then follow a couple of the Beauly players who went to War and left us a remarkable pipe tune which we will play on the evening. There are extraordinary tales to tell and on the eve of shinty’s greatest day out, it’s singularly appropriate that we mark the shinty player’s and the shinty community’s contribution to the Great War. And the impact that had on the game.”

Musical Maestro Gary Innes will mastermind the musical aspects of the event, and is confident the success of “Lochaber Gold” two years ago will be repeated. “I cannot think of a better way to launch Shinty’s Heroes than be here at the Commando Memorial in my home village of Spean Bridge. I am delighted that so many top musicans from the shinty-playing areas, each with a connection to shinty teams, will be joining us. It promises to be a remarkable evening and we are sure it will sell out as it will be the start of a perfect weekend for shinty fans throughout Scotland.”

Hugh Dan and Gary were joined for the launch of Shinty’s Heroes at the Commando Memorial by the one and only Fergie MacDonald, formerly a trainer of Fort William shinty club and most recently occupied producing his latest musical accomplishment, the song “The Shinty Referee” recently released as a single.

All three assisted Camanachd Association President Archie Robertson make the draw for the quarter finals of the Scottish Hydro Camananchd Cup. Archie added: “The Camanachd Association is delighted to again partner with the Blas Festival. It is a great event which celebrates many aspects of Highland culture and it seems very appropriate that the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final should be part of it. The content and array of performers included in Hugh Dan and Gary’s show, “Shinty’s Heroes”, leaves me in no doubt that it will be an excellent evening and a perfect start to the cup final weekend as those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War are remembered.”

Shinty’s Heroes will take place at the Nevis Centre, Fort William on Friday, September 13, 2013 at 7.30pm.

The formal launch of the Blas 2013 Festival Programme will take place at Eden Court Theatre Inverness on Thursday, June 13.

Gaelic version

Curaidhean na Camanachd le urram aig Blas 2013

Thèid an ceangal eadar saoghal na camanachd agus na thachair anns a’ Chogadh Mhòr a chomharrachadh aig cuirm shònraichte mar phàirt de dh’Fhèis Blas 2013. Air an oidhche mas tèid cuairt dheireannach Cupa na Camanachd a chluich anns a’ Ghearasadan am bliadhna (Dihaoine 13 Sultain) thèid na thachair a chomharrachadh tro chuirm le dealbhan, ceòl agus sgeulachdan. Chaill mòran a bha rio camanachd am beatha anns a’ Chiad Chogadh agus bha buaidh aig na thachair air grunn choimhearsnachdan Gàidhealach. Bidh Curaidhean na Camanachd a’ coimhead air sin agus làithean mòra eile anns na cuairtean deireannach tro eachdraidh faisg air 120 bliadhna na farpais.

Seo a’ chiad chuirm de Bhlas 2013 a th’air fhoillseachadh, le Stiùiriche a’ chiùil Gary Innes agus fear-an-taighe Ùisdean MacIllInnein a’ lìbhrigeadh oidhche a bhios air leth. A-measg na bhios air an àrd-ùrlar còmhla riutha bidh sàr luchd-ciùil agus seinneadairean, uile le ceangal ri sgìrean no sgiobaidhean camanachd, leithid Donaidh Rothach bhon Eilean Sgitheanach, Dunnchadh Siosal bho Channich, Dunnchadh MacGilleBhrath, am Pìobaire bho thaobh sear Rois, Ailean MacEanruig, Iain MacFàrlain agus cò eile ach Fergie Dòmhnallach, uile a’ riochdachadh diofar cheàrnaidhean de Lochabar.

Thèid a’ chiad earrann dhen oidhche a chur seachad a’ sealltainn mar a thug an Cogadh Mòr buaidh air sgìrean agus ginealach gan sgrios, leithid ann am boglaich na Frainnge. Thèid dealbhan (gu leòr nach fhacas leis a’ mhòr-shluagh roimhe seo), a shealltainn a nì ceangal eadar na thachair ann an leithid Blàr Festubert ann an 1915 agus mar a chaidh uibhir de bhalaich òga an Eilein Sgitheanaich a mharbhadh an sin agus nach do thìll.

Thuirt Uisdean: “Tha sinn a’ dol a thòiseachadh le mar a thachair 100 bliadhna air ais nuair thàinig sgiobaidhean Lòbhat agus a’ Mhanachain còmhla agus bhuinnig iad an cupa ann an 1913. Bha feadhainn san sgioba sin nach do thill ach a dh’fhàg pìobaireachd àraid againn a’ cuimhneachadh air a’ ghèam. Tha iomadach sgeulachd ri h-innse, duilich is àmhghaireach gu leòr dhiù, ach ‘s math an cur air beulaibh dhaoine agus iad a’ cruinneachadh dhan Ghearasdan an ath latha son Là Mòr na Camanachd. Cha bu chùir do dhuine na thachair a dhiochuimhneachadh.”

Tha Gary Innes làn chinnteach gun tèid cho math leis an oidhche sa chaidh le cuirm eile a chaidh a chumail ann an Ionad Neibheis mar phàirt de Bhlas 2011 – “Òr Lochabair”. Thuirt e: “Cha b’urrainn dhuinn àite nas iomchaidh a thaghadh airson na cuirme fhoillseachadh an seo aig Carragh-chuimhne Dhrochaid an Aonachainn anns a’ bhaile far an do thogadh mi fhèin. Tha mi air leth toilichte gu bheil uibhir de shàr luchd-ciùil air aontachadh tighinn chun na cuirme, uile le ceangal fa-leth ri sgirean camanachd. ‘S e oidhche shònraichte a bhios ann le spòrs is fealla-dha a-measg a h-uile càil eile, agus tha mi cinnteach gum falbh na tiocaidean leis a’ ghaoith agus daoine gu bhith dol chun ghèaim mhòir an ath latha.”

Còmhla ri Gary agus Ùisdean a’ foillseachadh Curaidhean na Camanachd bha Fergie Dòmhnallach a bhios e fhèin a’ gabhail an àrd-ùrlair. Bha iad le chèile a’ cuideachadh ann a bhith a’ tarraing an ath chuairt de chupa na Camanachd aig a’ Charragh Chuimhne.

Thuirt Ceann-Suidhe Chomann na Camanachd Eàirdsidh Robasdan: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte a bhith ag obair còmhla ri Fèisean nan Gàidheal a’ cur air adhart Blas 2013. Tha e air leth freagarrach gun rachadh cuirm mar seo a chumail an co-cheangal ri là mòr na camanachd. Tha an luchd-ciùil agus an dreach a chuireas Ùisdean agus Gary air an oidhche air leth tarraingeach agus tha mi deimhinne gun tèid na gnothaichean uabhasach a thachair sa Chogadh a chomharrachadh dhan h-uile duine a bhios a’ cruinneachadh dhan Ghearasdan.”

Bidh Curaidh na Camanachd ann an Ionad Neibheis anns a’ Ghearsadan, oidhche h-Aoine, Sultain 13, aig 7.30 feasgar. Thèid am program slàn airson Fèis Blas 2013 fhoillseachadh ann an Inbirnis air Diardaoin, 13 Ògmhios.

Source: Fèisean nan Gàidheal

What’s on at Caithness Horizons in June

Northings — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:30:38 +0000

Beatrice Works Exhibition

Sunday 9th June until Thursday 22nd August

Temporary Exhibition Gallery

An exhibition by Sutherland based artist Sue Jane Taylor. During the exhibition we are hosting a family day with artist Sue Jane Taylor on Saturday 13th July. In the evening of Thursday 22nd August, there will be a talk from Allan MacAskill.

A Midsummer Night’s Scream

Friday 21st June 6-9pm

Launch Event in Caithness Horizons. We’ll be joining in the fun of the Midsummer Night’s Scream event opening night with a graphic novel workshop with Sonya Paul followed by readings and a talk with Glasgow writer Kirsty Logan. There will also be a themed pasta buffet and a variety of thrills, spills and surprises. £6 per ticket, includes pasta buffet. Tickets available from www.screamthurso.co.uk

Patchwork Meadow Exhibition

Friday 28th June until Sunday 28th July 2013

Main Exhibition Hall

Wild plants and the rural communities who maintain our landscapes are a fundamental part of Europe’s culture. Wild plants are part of what links different individuals and communities to each other, their history and their landscape throughout Europe and beyond.

From Friday 28th June until Sunday 28th July 2013 Caithness Horizons will be exhibiting patches from Wildflower Europe’s (http://wildflowereurope.org/) Patchwork Meadow Exhibition in the Museum’s Main Hall as part of the Wild North Festival (Friday 28th June until Sunday 7th July 2013).

Wild Flower Workshop With Fibre Artist Joanne B. Kaar

Saturday 29th June 2013

2.00-4.00pm

Come along to Caithness Horizons and join Fibre Artist Joanne B. Kaar and make paper from the plants and leaves growing in her garden and string from daffodil leaves. You will also make 3D wild flowers based on patches in Wildflower Europe’s Patchwork Meadow Exhibition and specimens from the Robert Dick Herbarium. This event is part of the Wild North Festival (Friday 28th June until Sunday 7th July 2013).

Suitable for children aged 7-12 years old. FREE workshop but pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Priority booking will be given to members of “Peter’s Pals” – Young Curators Club. Please contact Caithness Horizons on 01847 896508 or e-mail info@caithnesshorizons.co.uk to book your place.

Wild Plants, Science and Mythology and how they are related – Theophrastus, Linnaeus and Robert Dick

Sunday 30th June

2.00-4.00pm

On Sunday 30th June Dr Seona Anderson from Plantlife International will be giving a talk entitled “Wild Plants, Science and Mythology and how they are related – Theophrastus, Linnaeus and Robert Dick”. This event is part of the Wild North Festival and is linked to Wildflower Europe’s Patchwork Meadow Exhibition.

FREE talk but pre-booking is essential as places are limited. Please contact Caithness Horizons on 01847 896508 or e-mail info@caithnesshorizons.co.uk to book your place.

Source: Caithness Horizons

Lady Evelyn visits Cromarty

Northings — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:26:08 +0000

Tales and Music from Highland Perthshire

Cromarty Stables, 23 June 2013, 4.00pm.

Bob Pegg, Christina Stewart and Bill Taylor present Tales and Music from Highland Perthshire at the Cromarty Stables, on Sunday afternoon 23rd June 2013.

The programme combines Perthshire stories with songs in Gaelic and Scots/English, and tunes played on the ancient wire-strung clarsach. The production centres around stories collected by Lady Evelyn Stewart Murray (1868-1940) of Blair Castle, which were taken from local informants and preserved in twelve manuscript volumes using their unique dialect and usage of native Perthshire Gaelic. Bob, Christina and Bill will present Lady Evelyn’s tales as they might have been heard at a traditional ceilidh, with a mix of stories (re-told in English), songs and music.

Tickets cost £10, £8 and £3 – suitable for adults and older children.

The show has been very well received at the Pitlochry Book Festival, and the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh. We are looking forward to performing for a more northerly audience.

Source: Bob Pegg

Jim Michie and friends at Glenuig

Northings — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:23:35 +0000

An evening with JIM MICHIE & friends

Saturday 15th June 2013

Heavily influenced by guitar virtuosos such as James Taylor, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, Jim Michie has long been much sought after as a session musician in concert and recording studio.

Showcasing his distinctive guitar style and vocals with a repertoire that looks back over forty years of songs and tunes, the concert will also feature many who have collaborated with Jim over the years.

Featuring:

Jim Michie (guitars, vocals)

Jim Hunter (guitars, vocals)

Chris Pritchard (guitars, vocals)

Kaela Rowan (vocals)

Graham Flett (bass, keyboard)

Brian Hepburn (vocals)

Jamie Ash (drums)

Jim Gaitens

Bill Gillespie

With more guests to be announced!

Start time 8:00pm, tickets £10 (under 18s £8)

Source: Glenuig Hall

Skraelings at the Spectrum

Northings — Thu, 30 May 2013 14:45:00 +0000

A young man (Morten) is packing in his room, preparing to move out of his childhood home where he was raised by his grandparents.

What made you who you are? What are you going to become? In the hope of bringing someone closer to you, do you have to let them go?

Find out more about this Nordic Noir performance

Find out more about Skraelings Theatre company on Facebook

Buy tickets for this performance

In Person: The Spectrum Centre, Inverness

Online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/playpieces/events

Telephone: 0844 8700 887 (a lo-call rate number, 5p per minute)

Doors open: 12:30pm

Performance starts: 1pm

Tickets: £10 which includes lunch

There will be a short, post-show discussion directly after the performance.

Please note that a booking fee (% per transaction) is applicable when booking online or by telephone. The telephone box office service is a booking facility only, and has access to the same information as customers booking online

Source: Play Pieces

Strathpeffer Pavilion latest programme update

Northings — Thu, 30 May 2013 14:37:59 +0000

As of 28 May 2013, upcoming events include

www.emilymitchellsoprano.com

www.facebook.com/events/422605581105010

14 June 10 am Sticky Kids present a Funky Monkey Singalong. The Sticky Kids team presents hugely popular interactive shows for children up to 7 years old, which invariably sell out at the Pavilion. Last few tickets (only twelve left!) at £6 now available only from the Pavilion 01997 420124.

http://stickykids.net

www.facebook.com/fiona.kennedy.948

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

No performance events in July – we’re full of weddings!

4 Aug Sorry the promoter has decided to cancel Coast’s event here on 4 August – shame, because we were looking forward to it!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strathpeffer-Highland-Gathering/248278731927901

www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk

13 Sep Blas Festival event – the Blas 2013 programme is due to be announced on 13 June

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands – others are welcome to join in and tickets can usually be bought at the door

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

enquiries@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

The Belladrum Festival square Wheels Potting Shed Stage

Northings — Mon, 27 May 2013 13:47:10 +0000

Medicine Show presents The Square Wheels Potting Shed Stage 2013 with an equal degree of pride and joy.

The Potting Shed Stage www.tartanheartfringe.co.uk

A festival within a festival, relaxed and informal, a place where the artist have fun, rootsy and impromptu, to celebrate the 10 Belladrum we welcome back some friends and introduce you to even more.

Well, I heard the news, there’s good rockin’ tonight.

Two American Stars return to Belladrum for Potting Shed Stage appearance, putting the carni in a carnival of Roots Music talent from around the globe (and Conon Bridge)

Mary Jean Lewes (The Killers Niece) played the very first Belladrum with her mother and sister (The Lewis Three) & our mutual friend Phil Lee returns on his “Fall and Further Decline of The Mighty King Of Love” European Tour”.

In true Potting Shed fashion watch out for one off impromptu Rock n Roll fireworks when they meet at Belladrum.

Let’s rock, rock, rock, rock, We’re gonna rock all our blues away!!! The Potting Shed Stage Belladrum 2013.

Thursday Aug 1 8pm 11pm

The Coffee Shop Sessions Blues Revue with The Blues Experience & Red Blues

The now traditional Blues Jam lead by Dingwall Greenhouse Coffee Shop Sessions regulars from Conon Bridge Emma Mitchell & Matt Sillars mew Blues Band The Blues Experience & special guests Red Blues from The Spey Valley Delta

https://www.facebook.com/groups/131214630251847/

Friday Aug 2

Scott and Farquhar MacDonald 12.00 12.30 http://www.scott-macdonald.co.uk/

Not relations except in music, Scott Macdonald is one of Scotland busiest songwriter entertainers, fiddler Farquhar is a legend on Skye their radio hit album Hope Street reflects Scott and Farquhar’s well travelled life gigging from The Islands to The City.

Impromptu organised on the day 12.30

The Federal 12.40 1.10 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Federals/184467628375789

Ye Ha Math Tha Highland Hillbillies Bluegrass, Blues & Country

Impromptu organised on the day 1.10

Gypsy Dave Smith 1.30 2.10 http://www.reverbnation.com/gypsydavesmith

Impeccable Slide Blues from Potting Shed Stage favourite and guitarist in residence

Impromptu organised on the day 2.10

John Duffy and The Highland Hot Club 2.20 3.00 https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Duffy/156587891046457

Gypsy Jazz Fusion. Ayrshire’s John Duffy with our own Highland Hot Club for a Cafe Orchestra Fusion

Impromptu organised on the day 3.00

Jimmy The Hat & the Portmaheekans

3.20 3.50

A cast of Portmaheekans gather to wish Highland Country Legend Jimmy a happy 50th birthday (on 10 years since the last Catalyst Festival in the Port, the inspiration behind the Potting Shed Stage)

Impromptu organised on the day 3.50

Davy & The Hosebeast

4.00 4.40

www.davycowan.com

Celtic Rocker Davy Cowan, explores his punk roots.

Impromptu organised on the day 4.40

Diddums

5.00 5.40

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DIDDUMS/328156197800

Diddums are Punk Rockers, Diddums are Punk Rockers, Diddums are Punk Rockers NOW!!

Impromptu organised on the day 15.40

Des Horsfall & Tim O’Connor

6.00 6.40

www.kuschtyrye.net http://www.timoconnor.co.uk

Ronnie Lane never did a show with John Lennon, this is as close as you’ll get.

Impromptu organised on the day 6.40

Mary Jean Lewis

7.00 7.40

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Jean-Lewis-and-The-Low-Men/281499475215145

Mary Jean (niece of Rock n Roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis) played the first Belladrum with her Mother and sister as The Lewis Three, we are delighted to welcome her back, there will be good rocking tonight.

The Galipaygos

8.00 8.40

http://thegalipaygos.com/

If a band sums up the Potting Shed Stage thing it would be The Galipaygoes rootsy and right good fun, welcome home guys.

The Whiskys

9.00 9.40

http://thewhiskys.org/

The Whisky River Band are now stripped back to the Whiskys, with a stripped back sound and a jug full of new songs.

The Ballahulish Hellhounds

10.00 10.45

Ballahulish shit kicking Bluegrass. Perennial favourites and our Friday Night Headline act.

Saturday

Fash Stewart & The Great & The Good

12.00 12.20

www.fashstewart.co.uk

Our Compere beyond compare, with well! – with who knows who but they will be The Great and The Good.

Impromptu organised on the day 12.20

Andrea Soler

12.30 12.50

http://andreasoler.com

Gentle tropical jazz infused, Andrea Soler is an award winning Australian singer songwriter with compelling vocals and insightful lyrics.

Impromptu organised on the day 12.50

Little Fire

1.00 1.20

http://littlefiremusic.com/

Inspired by the warm tone of the voice of Ted Hawkins, the passionate delivery of Ray LaMontagne and the eclectic approach to song writing so ably displayed by John Martyn.

Impromptu organised on the day 1.20

Dumb Instrument

1.50 2.30

http://dumbinstrument.com

If Ivor Cutler and Michael Marra sat down for a cup of tea together they might have dreamt up Dumb Instrument.

Impromptu organised on the day 2.30

The Jeff Jolly Band

2.50 3.30

http://www.jeffjolly.net/

San Francisco Rocking Blues band reminiscent of George Thorougood & Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Impromptu organised on the day 3.30

Jamie Marshal

3.45 – 4.10

https://www.facebook.com/jamie.marshall.908?fref=ts

Itinerant protest singer with a strong message.

Impromptu organised on the day 4.10

Mark Dean & The Dogies

4.30 – 5.00

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Dean-Ellen/291582080943456

They do all kinds of music – Country & Western!

Impromptu organised on the day 5.00

Phil Lee

5.15 to 6.00

www.phillee1.com

Bob Dylan meets Jimmy Durante – The Mighty King Of Love on tour to promote his hit album (3 months in The Euro Americana Chart) The Fall and Further Decline of The Mighty King Of Love, and this year stars in a movie as a down at heals country star living out of a suit case (No type casting there then)

Impromptu organised on the day 6.00

The Hamish Roberts Band

6.20 .7.00

Well travelled Inverness Guitar Wiz, brings the band of his choice to Belladrum.

https://www.facebook.com/hamish.roberts1

Impromptu organised on the day 7.00

Baby Isaac

7.20 – 8.00

http://www.babyisaacblues.com/

Swing Rhythm & Blues Jazz

Authenticity was a key factor in developing the Baby Isaac sound – it is all about the feel, and the natural, energetic performances.

The David Latto Band

8.15 8.40

http://www.thedavidlattoband.com

Country harmony from the home of Country Music Kirkcaldy, Imagine The Everly Brothers when they were young and handsome and talking to each other.

Roots and Cheroots The Vieille Alliance

9.00 – 9.20

www.theslimpanatellas.co.uk

When Cigar Box Don and Rob Ellen went to the French BSA Cigar Box Guitar Festival and said, “you must come and visit us some time”, they never dreamed they would. Some Gaelic home grown hand rolled blues fusion. Viva La France, Viva Écosse.

Earls Of Caithness

10.00 – 11.00

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Earls-Of-Caithness/322002967909785

Soul Funk Fusion from The Flow Country featuring Conon Bridge Chanteuse Emma Mitchell.

www.medicinemusic.co.uk

Source: Medicine Music

Insider Festival

Northings — Mon, 27 May 2013 11:51:18 +0000

This year The Insider Festival (21-23 June) is taking you Around The World as we condense all that is good about the Golden Ages of Travel into one finely honed weekend extravaganza featuring the best of Scottish food and drink and a dazzling array of musical talent.

Three stages of entertainment, enough Thistly Cross cider and Williams Brothers beer to fuel even the most epic of expeditions, delicious food including this year’s pop-up restaurant from the incredible Pamela Brunton, head chef at The Painting School and a whole host of other fantastical distractions – most notably, YOU!

Saturday tickets have already SOLD OUT!

So don’t dilly-dally or the ride will leave without you…

Full details at http://www.insiderfestival.com

The Insider >>> Edinburgh

Official Warm Up at The Voodoo Rooms

Tuesday 28 May 2013

8pm-1am

Tickets £12

With just under a month to go until The Insider, we thought it only proper to venture out of our cosy confines of Inshriach and bring a top-drawer delegation to do our bit for international relations.

As well as our wonderful hosts, Adam Holmes and the Embers, the enchanting Siobhan Wilson and our Very Special award-winning guests there’s all sorts of other nonsense to look forward to!

The party will be carrying on til 1am with -YET ANOTHER- Special Guest kicking off the dancefloor and some Insider DJ favourites taking you Around The World in… a bunch of tunes.

Source: Insider Festival

Music in June at Inverness Town House

Northings — Mon, 27 May 2013 11:48:00 +0000

At One With Music enters its Summer 2013 Season with two very special lunchtime concerts in Inverness Town House.

On Tuesday 4th June at 1.00pm, the outstanding young fiddler and violinist, Graham Mackenzie from Culloden returns home from completing his fourth year at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to perform a selection of twenty-nine tunes in a mix of Scots traditional and light classical styles accompanied by his mother and local music teacher Alison Mackenzie at the piano.

Graham’s programme will feature traditional tunes from Orkney and Shetland, from Ireland and Cape Breton, as well as numbers written by Phil Cunningham, Fritz Kreisler, Nigel Hess and some of Graham’s own compositions. He will end with a tribute to the great Scott Skinner.

In recent years Graham has been earning plaudits and awards in many areas. He has been a finalist in both the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year and the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards; he has won the Scottish Fiddle Championships at both junior and senior level, won the Oban Invitational Fiddle Masters Competition and was runner-up in the prestigious Glenfiddich Fiddle Championships.

The following week, on Wednesday 12th June at 1.00pm At One With Music is delighted to welcome back the excellent Sutherland Duo of violinist Harriet Mackenzie and pianist Christina Lawrie. Both have endeared themselves to the Inverness audience on their past visits, not only together but also in a solo recital by Christina and by Harriet in her world music trio Kosmos.

Harriet and Christina have chosen two beautiful works to play at this concert; the Violin Sonata No 3 in C minor by Edvard Grieg and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir d’un lieu cher (Memories of a much loved place), which is taken to mean Brailovo, the country estate of his benefactress Nadezhda von Meck. The third movement “Melodie” has developed an existence of its own.

For both concerts the Town House doors will be opened at 12.30pm. Admission costs £5 for Adults and £1 for Children. The concerts will last approximately 55 minutes.

Source: James Munro

New exhibition at Rhueart

Northings — Mon, 27 May 2013 11:45:48 +0000

LIFELINES

New work by Lisa O’Brien

8th June – 14th August 2013

“Putting a pencil to paper and making a line is unexpectedly, and thankfully, life affirming.

My dad died last year, followed by my friend Joanna and our family dog, all within weeks of each other.

This is an exhibition of how drawing helped me to keep my head above water. For a few months, drawing everyday became a very centring experience and has ultimately changed the direction of my work.”

For more information please visit www.rhueart.co.uk

Source: Rhueart

UHI music students perform at Buckingham Palace

Northings — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:09:34 +0000

Two music students from the Western Isles performed at Buckingham Palace yesterday. Amy MacAulay (22) from South Uist and Jamie MacDonald (17) from Tiree joined two students from the east Highlands, Greg Barry (20) from Loch Ussie near Dingwall and Euan Smillie (18) f rom Kilmuir on the Black Isle, to play for a number of VIPs, including HRH The Princess Royal.

The quartet, which was made up of University of the Highlands and Islands’ students, performed a selection of traditional Scottish and Gaelic music as well as their own compositions. Amy is a keen fiddler and Jamie specialises in whistles as well as fiddle.

The musical performance was part of a University of the Highlands and Islands and University of the Highlands and Islands Development Trust event to thank existing donors and supporters and connect with other key individuals and businesses with strong links to the Highlands. Over 60 guests attended the event which was hosted by HRH The Princess Royal. HRH was installed as the first chancellor of the university in June 2012.

Amy and Jamie travelled to Buckingham Palace from Lews Castle College UHI’s Benbecula campus on Uist where they study the university’s HNC in music. Delivered by tutors with backgrounds in the music industry, the applied music course encourages participants to gain as much live performance experience as possible. The students have already played for the BBC TV programme Landward, Swiss Radio and the Celtic Connections music festival in Glasgow this year.

Speaking about the event Amy MacAulay said: “It was such an honour to be chosen to represent the university at an event in Buckingham Palace. The music was a success and a lot of people came to talk to us after the event to give thanks. It was a once in a lifetime experience I definitely won’t forget.”

Anna-Wendy Stevenson, programme leader for the applied music degree, said: “Our students were very excited to be representing the university at this important event and they practiced hard. They showcased their talents as well as the Gaelic song and traditional music of the Highland and Islands region. The performance highlighted the success of the university’s innovative music courses like our applied music degree which is available all over Scotland.”

Nuala Boyle, head of development at the university, said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our talented students as well as illustrate the diversity of our university offering.”

To find out more about the University of the Highlands and Islands music courses visit www.uhi.ac.uk or call the course information line on 0845 272 3600.

You can read about the University of the Highlands and Islands Development Trust at www.development.uhi.ac.uk

Source: UHI

Matthew Barley in ‘Around Britten’ playing at the Stables, Cromarty

Northings — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:32:14 +0000

Matthew Barley (cello) is undertaking a 100-event tour of the UK to celebrate the centenary of Benjamin Britten – the itinerary will include venues as diverse as a Victorian swimming pool, a lighthouse, a barn and the Wigmore Hall in London, as well as a host of educational projects. Cromarty Arts Trust is delighted to be hosting one of these concerts at the Stables on Sunday June 2nd at 4pm. The tour is accompanied by a new release on Signum Classics, Around Britten, described by Sinfini as “a defining statement in modern cello playing”.

“My intention is to create a programme that pays homage to Britten’s creativity and innovation.” says Matthew Barley. Cello playing is at the centre of Matthew Barley’s career, while his musical world has virtually no geographical, social or stylistic boundaries. Music Director of BBC2 TV’s Classical Star programme, Matthew Barley is passionate about education, improvisation, multi-arts projects, new music, and pioneering community programmes. He is a world-renowned cellist, who has performed in over 50 countries in many of the world’s great concert halls with orchestras including BBC Philharmonic, Vienna Radio Sympony, Czech Philharmonic, Melbourne and New Zealand Symphonies and the Kremerata Baltica.

Matthew Barley’s collaborations include Matthias Goerne, the Labeque Sisters, Viviane Hagner, Martin Frost, Thomas Larcher, Kit Armstrong, Amjad Ali Khan, Julian Joseph, Talvin Singh, Kathryn Tickell, Nitin Sawhney, and Deep Purple’s Jon Lord, and his new music group, Between The Notes, has undertaken over 60 creative projects with young musicians and orchestral players around the world.

The following five pieces form the basis of the recital programme, though there will be variations in certain venues.

A CYCLE OF THE SOUL

PRE-EXISTENCE : DAI FUJIKURA The Spirit of Beings

The concept of this piece is Pre-existence — the idea that the spirit of a newborn child chooses its parents before conception. The four movements in the piece are: Aria, Floating, Awakening and Unending and the electronic parts play on shuffle mode, so there are 24 different permutations for the piece that are not determined until the minute the piece begins on stage.

LIFE: J. S. BACH Suite No. 5 in C minor

Bach’s music has been described as ‘Supremely LIFE-affirming’. Bach’s fifth suite for solo cello is in the dramatic, velvety key of C minor, and to heighten the colour of this key, Bach requests that the top string be tuned down to a G. This re-tuning loosens the tension of the strings on the bridge, darkening the sound of the cello, and enabling wonderful three- and four-note chords in C minor to be played with ease.

DEATH: BENJAMIN BRITTEN Third Suite for Cello

Britten’s Third Suite for Cello is based on the Kontakion, the Hymn for the Dead. Written only a few years before the composer’s death, mortality was much on his mind at the time of composition — the Kontakion develops at the close of the work with a peaceful radiance that gives way to a final silence.

AFTERLIFE: JAN BANG Noticing Things

Jan Bang created all these sounds by remixing the electronic files from Dai Fujikura’s piece, The Spirit of Beings. The cello part is completely improvised, and the movements are entitled Replica, Flooded Corridors and Implanted Memories.

REINCARNATION: JAMES MACMILLAN And He Rose

And He Rose by James MacMillan is a response to half-remembered chants associated with Easter. The mood is joyful and energetic, like a sustained, physically exuberant alleluia.

As part of the Around Britten tour, production company Yeast Culture was invited to create a series of visuals to accompany Britten’s Third Suite for Cello which will be projected on screen at selected recital venues.

For more information and to book tickets (£10/£8 and £3 for children under 16) please cantact

Cromarty Arts Trust on 01381 600354 or email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk

See here for full tour dates

Source: Cromarty Arts Trust

Come and Try Ukulele Workshop with Finlay Allison

Northings — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:02:22 +0000

The world famous Come and Try Ukulele Workshop is coming to the Stables in Cromarty on Saturday 8 June and Sunday 9 June for a weekend of ukulele loveliness!

Finlay Allison, leading tutor from the Glasgow Fiddle Workshop has been teaching uke workshops at Celtic Connections in Glasgow for the past 5 years and has been instrumental in spreading the popularity of this charming, wee and very portable instrument. He now runs a uke orchestra in Glasgow and we have high hopes of forming a Uke Group up here in the Highlands.

Were you lucky enough to get a ukulele for Christmas or for a special birthday? Do you have any idea what to do with it? Or do you just fancy giving it a go. This is the weekend for you. Even if you don’t have your own instrument, Finlay will be bringing some with him. He will lead you some well known songs – perhaps not ‘When I’m Cleaning Windows’ and you will be hooked.

Warning:- Life will never be the same!

For those of you who already play mandolin or guitar, Finlay will also be teaching workshops on the Sunday for more confident players

Timings for the workshops are:

Saturday

11.00-1pm Come and Try for complete beginners

2pm – 4pm Ukulele for Recent Beginners

Sunday

11.00- 1pm Ukulele for beginners and players of other string instruments

2pm – 4pm Round Up Session for all abilities

Costs for the workshops are £10 for each workshop. These classes are mainly for adults and older children. Lunch may be provided depending on numbers. Early booking is advisable as numbers are limited as he can only fit a certain number of instruments into his car!

For more information contact:

Cromarty Arts Trust on 01381 600354 or email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk

Source: Cromarty Arts Trust

A Musical Intro to Scots Language

Northings — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:53:26 +0000

High Life Highland would like to invite you and your friends to an exciting talk about the Scots language by Dr Fred Freeman, with musical examples drawn from Fred’s numerous and varied Scottish folk music CDs’.

Dr Fred Freeman is author of two books on Scottish poetry and over a 100 articles on Scottish literature, folk music and history; producer / musical director of some 45 CDs, including his massive 12 vol, COMPLETE SONGS OF ROBERT BURNS (Linn Records). He has taught at both the School of Scottish Studies and the English Department at University of Edinburgh; and also held postdoctoral posts at Edinburgh and Oxford universities.

The talk will be held at the St Fergus Gallery on Thursday 23rd May 2013 from 6-8pm.

Tickets cost £5, concessions £3 and booking is essential.

To book places, please call St Fergus Gallery on 01955 603 489 or email: janaemburey@highlifehighland.com

Source: High Life Highland

Tasty Rewards for Enterprising Businesses in a New Creative Partnership

Northings — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:14:14 +0000

Since it’s launch in 2011, Play Pieces has gone from strength to strength, raising the profile of Highland Theatre companies and their work, as well as develop new opportunities for the wealth of theatrical talent in the area. Now Play Pieces wants to see if they can help raise the profile of another kind of business – one which might want to go into partnership with them.

“Play Pieces is in the really fortunate position to be funded by Creative Scotland for this year and next” explained Lindsay Brown, Artistic Director. “We want to use this time that we have to find a great Highland business to sponsor Play Pieces so we can really help raise the profile of another kind of business. It could be a lot of fun for everyone involved”.

Play Pieces aims to make Theatre accessible to everyone in the Highlands. In 2011, they launched lunchtime theatre based on the successful Play, A Pie and A Pint model in Glasgow, but adapting it for Highland audiences so that each performance is by a Highland based Theatre company, on the first Saturday of the month. In 2012, Play Pieces launched Play Pieces Shorts, a festival of new drama writing which created an opportunity for the drama students and Inverness playwrights group to performance their own material for the first time, in short performances of 2 – 15 minutes long. The three night festival attracted loads of attention for it’s off-the-wall approach and Fringe-like atmosphere. Now, with core funding secure from Creative Scotland, Play Pieces can start to plan the lunchtime theatre season for 2013 and 2014 as well as future developments, some of which will happen this year.

“We are looking for a sponsor who can see the potential to work with an arts organisation in the Highlands” Brown explained. “We have had support for specific projects from very enterprising bodies such as the Highland Bottle Shop, HISEZ, Inverness College and CREATE. In 2011 local butchers MacDougall & Hastie kindly supported Play Pieces lunchtime with their delicious award-winning pies. However, now we are looking for someone to come on board for a big Highland-wide sponsorship package which could be really rewarding for the right business.”

Sambrooke Scott, Portfolio Manager, Creative Scotland said: “Play Pieces lunchtime season provides new and existing audiences the chance to experience brilliant theatre at a time and length convenient for them. Drawing on local talent and stories and through working with international artists, the programme is an excellent introduction to the scope and richness of contemporary drama, and offers great opportunities for existing and new theatre-goers to enjoy accessibly priced bite sized drama along with a bite to eat!”

Arts organisations in the Highlands could benefit from teaming up with businesses through the support available with Arts & Business Scotland who run the Arts & Business Scotland Awards, rewarding businesses who do support Arts organisations with sponsorships.

“I would love to nominate our potential partner for an Arts & Business Awards, so few organisation in the Highlands seem to benefit from this great support so it would be key to our working relationship.” Lindsay said. And what is the dream organisation Play Pieces would like to partner up with? “Well, ideally I would love to work with a food production organisation. I think the key to the success of Play Pieces is the informal atmosphere, good theatre and good food. Promoting Highland talent and Highland business. That would be great fun. However, any organisation that would like their profile raised Highland-wide could really benefit from working with us, as well as the potential to win an award for the enterprising idea!”

Any organisation wanting to discuss the opportunities to work with Play Pieces should contact Lindsay Brown on info@playpieces.co.uk or even pop along to the next performance at The Spectrum Centre on Saturday 1 June for The Sea Between Us by Caithness Theatre Company, Skraelings. Doors open 12:30pm and tickets are available in person at The Spectrum Centre or online through www.playpieces.co.uk

Source: Play Pieces

Peter Davis – Of Time and Water at Da Gadderie

Northings — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:12:26 +0000

A new exhibition from westside artist, Peter Davis, opens in Da Gadderie at Shetland Museum and Archives this weekend (18th May 2013) .

‘My studio looks out over the meandering burn flowing through the valley in Weisdale. It is water that flows constantly, sometimes slowly and trickling in high summer surrounded by greenness, sometimes in full flood in winter over-spilling onto the brown land. Still and flowing water have always been significant elements in my painting.’

Time of day and time of year have also been strong influences for Peter. Early morning and the hour before sunset are usually the best, when the sun, if it’s around, casts a strange light over the landscape. One of his favourite times of year is winter when the elements of landscape are at their most minimal, though the stillness and lasting light of summer is also very special.

Time and water are just two of the many important elements at work in watercolour painting. That’s why, for Peter, this medium reflects so well the characteristics of landscape. Watercolour is almost a metaphor, and a microcosm, of the natural world.

There are, of course, plenty of other variables at work in watercolour painting, which include the quality and quantity of pigment and water, the angle of paper, the size and quality of brush, the air temperature, and the drying time.

The paintings in this exhibition were painted over the last three or four years and chart not only seasons, places, weathers and occasions but also a personal journey from bleakness to new horizons.

The work is increasingly concerned with light effects and ‘representation’ though that’s not to say that the work is realistically topographical. However the images are abstracted from real places.

The title is a quote from Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges and refers to the creation of works of Art, particularly the flow of poetry, and how Art mirrors Nature.

John Hunter, Shetland Museum and Archives Exhibitions Officer, commented on the collection: ‘To have the confidence to work with watercolours, in what looks like such an understated and minimalist way is in fact incredibly difficult and takes experience and knowledge. These paintings are imbued with the freshness, light and air of Shetland and often hold a meditative calmness. They may not be instantly recognisable locations but by recreating the essences of Shetland they are more personal and familiar. ‘

The exhibition runs from 18th May – 30th June 2013. For further information please contact John Hunter at the Shetland Museum and Archives on 01595 741559 or exhibitions@shetland-museum.org.uk.

Source: Shetland Museum and Archives

Strathpeffer Pavilion news

Northings — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:06:45 +0000

As of 14 May 2013, upcoming events include

17 May Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland International Convention 2013

www.rias.org.uk

22 May 7 pm Strathpeffer Pavilion Association AGM – members of the Association have been notified officially but everyone interested in the Pavilion is welcome to attend. After the formal business, there will be a presentation by General Manager Andrea Muir, followed by the AGM of Friends of the Pavilion.

www.emilymitchellsoprano.com

www.facebook.com/events/422605581105010

14 June 10 am Sticky Kids present a Funky Monkey Singalong. The Sticky Kids team presents hugely popular interactive shows for children up to 7 years old, which invariably sell out at the Pavilion. Last few tickets at £6 now available only from the Pavilion 01997 420124.

http://stickykids.net

www.facebook.com/fiona.kennedy.948

£14 full price, £12 for senior citizens, £5 other concessions, including all under 26s

www.sco.org.uk

www.gergelymadaras.com

4 Aug 8 pm Coast, the brilliant Celtic rock band from Southampton (yes really!) who impressed both the audience and Pavilion staff on a previous visit. Two of the band members grew up in the Western Isles and were greatly influenced by local music. They are now managed by Runrig drummer Iain Bayne. Advance tickets £9 now online from WeGotTickets.com and TicketWeb.co.uk, also from TicketWeb 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, June’s Card Shop Dingwall and Pavilion 01997 420124

www.coastrock.co.uk

www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7DXTMsAyTw

13 Sep Blas Festival event – the Blas 2013 programme is due to be announced on 13 June

http://roger-dean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKl9K7JtYxM

17 Sep Antiques Valuation Day with Bonhams Auctioneers – organised by Friends of the Pavilion, more info soon

20 & The Blackburn Dance Group from Aberdeenshire regularly spend a

21 Sep weekend in Strathpeffer and hold two dances at the Pavilion with music by top Scottish dance bands. Others are welcome to join in and tickets can be bought at the door.

www.easytheatres.com/concert-shows/magic-of-the-beatles

http://islagrant.net

13 Oct 10 am to 4 pm Antiques & Collectables Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Further info from Eleanor 01667 451839

26 & 10 am to 4 pm Exclusively Highlands “Meet the Makers” Fair

27 Oct www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

www.trextasy.com

2 & 3 10 am to 4 pm Food & Craft Fair organised by Friends of the Pavilion.

Nov Further info from Frances on 01997 421344

Plus conferences, weddings, functions and other private events not included on this list

Strathpeffer Pavilion 01997 420124

www.StrathpefferPavilion.org

enquiries@StrathpefferPavilion.org

TicketWeb 24/7 ticket hotline: 08444 771000

Source: Strathpeffer Pavilion

Jazz duo head to the Stables

Northings — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:02:35 +0000

Colin Steele & Dave Milligan

The Stables, Cromarty, The Black Isle

Sunday 19th May, 4:00pm

“Steele’s lyrical trumpet work bristled with invention, by turns rich and warm or sharp-edged and plangent as the music demanded, while Milligan’s constantly imaginative pianism, rich in harmonic colour and rhythmic momentum beneath his melodic creations, again demonstrated what a fully developed player he is.”

***** THE SCOTSMAN

Trumpeter and composer Colin Steele has been described as the Sibelius of Scotland. His music is a joyous celebration of Scottish melody and rhythm, liberated and enhanced by the spirit, sophistication and technique of jazz. His recordings and concerts are warm, life affirming, and thrilling in their effect. He disarms the most hardened jazz fan with the power and beauty of his music and his playing speaks strongly to audiences of all musical tastes. (Even those who insist they don’t like jazz!)

For those who love the work of his Quintet and Stramash, this concert is a rare treat; Dave Milligan has been part of Steele’s original music projects for over 10 years as a sideman and arranger, and the two have been playing together for over 15 years. Milligan is regarded as one of Scotland’s most individual jazz pianists, notably for his unique ability to flavour his music with Scottish folk and Celtic influences without losing the element of creative originality that makes his improvisations so engrossing. Together they have produced award-winning albums and performed throughout Europe to critical acclaim. They started playing together in the 1990’s, and went on to collaborate on a wide variety of projects, including: Midnight Blue Band, Melting Pot, Colin Steele Quintet, Stramash, The Unusual Suspects, Bachue, The Edinburgh Festival Jazz Orchestra and ‘A Funny Valentine’ – a theatre show about the life and music of Chet Baker.

Now, in a welcome return visit, Steele & Milligan appear in an intimate duo setting in the beautiful setting of The Stables, Cromarty in the Black Isle. Unmissable.

HOW TO BOOK

Tickets are £10 / £8 & £3 for children, and are available from:

Cromarty Arts Trust, Ardyne, Bank Street, Cromarty, The Black Isle IV11 8YE

http://www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk

Tel: 01381 600354

Source: Cromarty Arts Trust

Caithness Composer’s First Performance by International Duo

Northings — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:47:38 +0000

North Highland Connections announces a concert to be given in the West Church, Thurso, on Saturday, 1st June, by one of the world’s leading clarinet virtuosi, Michael Collins. He will be accompanied by the pianist, Michael McHale. The concert will feature music by Weber; Brahms; Debussy: and Poulenc. For the local audience there will be special interest in an opportunity to hear the premiere of ‘Four Nocturnes’ by the composer, pianist and teacher, Robert Fields, who lives at Brough, near Dunnet. Robert is a familiar figure in Caithness musical circles, and his many friends and admirers will eagerly look forward to hearing his work performed by these international artistes.

Michael Collins is among the most prominent British clarinettists of his generation. He has appeared in concert as principal clarinettist with the Philharmonia Orchestra and London Sinfonietta, as a member of the Nash Ensemble, and as a freelance soloist and chamber player. He has made more than 30 recordings for the Hyperion label since 1984 mostly in chamber music fare. He has also recorded for DG, Chandos, and EMI. By age 16 he attained virtuoso status, winning the woodwind prize at the 1978 BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.

Belfast-born pianist Michael McHale has established himself as one of the leading Irish pianists of his generation. Since completing his studies at Cambridge University and the Royal Academy of Music he has developed a busy international career as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician. Michael has performed at many important musical centres including Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Lincoln Center, New York, Konzerthaus, Berlin, Pesti Vigadó, Budapest, and the Ushuaia and Tanglewood Festivals and for TV and radio broadcasts throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America. His début solo album The Irish Piano was released in 2012 on the RTÉ lyric fm label, and was selected as ‘CD of the Week’ by Norman Lebrecht who described it as “scintillating…fascinating from start to stop”.

Tickets for the concert are £15; £12 concessions. To reserve tickets call North Highland Connections on 0752 107 7053, or e-mail: MF@northhighlandconnections.org

On 15th June NHC presents another of its Young Artistes concerts with a performance by the Sutherland Duo in Dunrobin Castle. On 27th June NHC will present a lecture on Caithness’s Nordic history at Mackays Hotel in Wick. The lecture will be given by Dr Donna Heddle, Director of the Nordic Studies Centre of the University of the Highlands & Islands. More information can be found on the NHC website: www.northhighlandconnections.org

Source: North Highland Connections

Caithness Horizons Museums at Night Event

Northings — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:08:29 +0000

“Inaugural Meeting of the Great Guild of Museologists”

Museums at Night is Culture24’s UK-wide festival of inspiring after hours cultural events in Museums and Galleries. It runs from Thursday 16th May until Saturday 18th May 2013.

On Friday 17th May from 7 – 8.30pm as part of the Museums at Night celebrations Caithness Horizons is hosting the Inaugural Meeting of the Caithness Horizons Great Guild of Museologists. Museology is the study of Museums

Professor Katness H. O’Rizons and a panel of equally world renowned experts will be debating some of the Museum’s more weird and wonderful artefacts. Come along and listen to the evidence, examine the artefacts yourselves and vote for which expert is right. Suitable for children aged 7 – 12 years and families.

This very special production is being performed by the Youth Section of the Thurso Players. It is being directed by Audrey O’Brien and has been written by Philip Arthur.

This is a FREE event but pre-booking is essential as places are limited. To book your place please contact Caithness Horizons on 01847 896508 or e-mail info@caithnesshorizons.co.uk

Source: Caithness Horizons

Heroic Arias at Eden Court

Northings — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:12:05 +0000

Reno Troilus (Countertenor) will assume the roles of the superstar castrati of the 18th century, in his final recital before returning to the operatic circuit this year with Scottish Opera. Handel arias from works such as Julius Caesar, Rinaldo, Alcina, and many others are to be performed in a one night only concert.

Reno decided to move to Inverness with his wife in 2008, pending the arrival of their first child. He has since remained in the Highlands as a singing teacher, college lecturer, musical director, and Chairman of the Inverness Music Festival.

“Many arias in this recital were sung by adults who were castrated in their youth; the lack of testosterone produced a male soprano, allowing them to sing to incredible heights with unbelievable vocal power.” Reno explains. He was also keen to point out the differences between countertenors and castrati:

“Countertenors, for lack of a better word, are “intact”. Our voices are slightly lower than the castrati, but the overall advance of technical knowledge has brought about a sharp rise in the power and ability of this voice type.”

Reno has worked as a principal artist for opera houses across europe, and his UK appearances include English National Opera, and Scottish Opera .

The recital will include special guests, such as the promising young tenor from Nairn, Glen Cunningham. He was recently accepted to the Royal Scottish Conservatoire and will be studying there this year, with the hopes of following in Reno’s footsteps.

Also performing in the concert will be Inverness-based youth production company, Showstopperz, and the Troilus Ensemble chamber choir.

Despite the return to the circuit, Reno has insisted the Highlands is his family’s permanent residence.

“My wife and I felt it important that I took a step back from opera so that I wouldn’t miss precious time with the children. The timing now feels right to return to the stage, although our base is set to remain here”

Heroic Arias is to be performed at Eden Court’s One Touch Theatre on Thursday May 16th, 7:30pm. Tickets are £12/£10, and available at Eden Court box office, or online at www.eden-court.co.uk

Source: Inverness Festival Association

BL’AZZ listings for June/July

Northings — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:43:37 +0000

Jazz/Blues events for June and July 2013 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.

SUNDAY 9th JUNE
BL’AZZ at Eden Court, Bishop’s Road, Inverness presents:
Music for your heart, hands and feet:
‘The Bob Hall Show’
“the finest blues and boogie woogie piano player this side of the Atlantic”
2.30pm to 5.00pm in the ‘Maclean’ room
Tickets £8.00 each from the Eden Court Box Office or by telephone on: 01463 234234

SUNDAY 23rd JUNE
BL’AZZ at Eden Court, Bishop’s Road, Inverness presents:
Multifarious melodies from up there:
‘The Farr Bay Blues-blowers’
and their guest singers and players
2.30pm to 5.00pm in the ‘Maclean’ room
Tickets £8.00 each from the Eden Court Box Office or by telephone on: 01463 234234

SUNDAY 7th JULY
BL’AZZ at Eden Court, Bishop’s Road, Inverness presents:
Discerning dixieland from:
‘The North Coast Jazz Band’
‘classic’ hot jazz from the cold north
2.30pm to 5.00pm in the ‘Maclean’ room
Tickets £8.00 each from the Eden Court Box Office or by telephone on: 01463 234234

SUNDAY 28th JULY
BL’AZZ at Eden Court, Bishop’s Road, Inverness presents:
From The ‘Dundee Blues Bonanza':
‘Wolftrain’
featuring the main man: Bob Telford with Piano and Vocals
2.30pm to 5.00pm in the ‘Maclean’ room
Tickets £8.00 each from the Eden Court Box Office or by telephone on: 01463 234234

Source: N Mackenzie

Liam Gillick project at HICA

Northings — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:20:19 +0000

Liam Gillick

The Highland Institute for Contemporary Art’s current project is an extended exhibition/residency project with Liam Gillick, running from April – October 2013.

The project will be open to the public from 1 September and until 6 October. Further details will be issued nearer the time.

Documentation will be added to HICA’s website, as the project develops: www.h-i-c-a.org

HICA is a rural and remote artist-run space, located in the Highlands of Scotland. Its programme, through series’ of exhibitions and annual publications, re-examines ideas of Concrete Art, in order to consider their influence in current practice.

Since the late 1980s Gillick has developed a discursive approach to the making and understanding of artworks. His diverse output, ranging from objects and texts to film and music, is often seen as significant in Relational Art. Nominated for the Turner Prize (2002) and Vincent Award (2008) his numerous exhibitions include the Guggenheim Museum, New York; Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; 8th Shanghai Biennale, Shanghai, with solo exhibitions including The Whitechapel Gallery, London (2002); Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2005); and German Pavilion, Venice Biennale (2009). His works are held in many collections, including Arts Council, UK; Guggenheim Museum, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; Tate, London.

Source: HICA

Klouda Quintet convene for Boat of Garten concert

Northings — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:56:47 +0000

The next TOMS concert is on Wednesday 22 May at 7.30. It is the last concert of the current season, and is a performance by THE KLOUDA QUINTET – you will not have previously heard of this Ensemble, as explained below!

This is a special concert as it is TOMS 5th Birthday concert, and is dedicated to Ian Gow, our Chairman, in appreciation of everything he has done for TOMS over these 5 years.

Ian was the vision behind the creation of TOMS and has devoted a significant amount of time to its success since then, ranging from giving advice from his considerable wealth of musical knowledge on the selection of performers, to folding programmes!

It was felt appropriate that the concert should include an item that is one of Ian’s favourites, and he chose Schubert’s Trout Quintet.

We contacted Ashok Klouda – a wonderful cellist who performed for TOMS a couple of years ago – and asked him invite others to join him in a Quintet. So…..for one night only…… there will be a performance from the KLOUDA QUINTET – created especially for this recital at Boat of Garten.

The items for the first half of the programme were also selected by Ian from choices suggested by Ashok.

I give details of the programme, and members of the KLOUDA QUINTET below

Rossini String Sonata No.3 in C Major (for 2 violins, cello & double bass)

Mendelssohn Piano Trio in C Minor No.2

-Interval-

Schubert ‘Trout’ Quintet

KLOUDA QUINTET,

Cello – Ashok Klouda

Violin – Natalie Klouda

Violin/viola – Benjamin Roskams

Double Bass – Alexandra Scott

Piano – Simon Callaghan

We do hope very many of you will wish to come to this concert, and I will be happy to receive your requests for tickets and cheques as soon as possible. Ticket prices £14 members: £16 non-members.

Ann Napier

The Osprey Music Society

Blinkbonny

Boat of Garten PH24 3BX

01479 831213

07850752757

Source: TOMS

Southern Fried Festival final line up announced

Northings — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:13:05 +0000

The Southern Fried Festival line up has been finalised and Scotland’s sixth festival of American roots music is ready to roll!

The Mavericks headline the Southern Fried Festival in Perth from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July. Other major acts include Patty Griffin, Shelby Lynne, Bettye LaVette, Darrell Scott and Danny Thompson, Tom Russell and Larkin Poe and the first ever UK visit from The McCrary Sisters.

Two sisters in soul, jazz and country open the Southern Fried Festival on Friday 19 July in Perth Concert Hall. Shelby Lynne’s confessional and eclectic classic I Am Shelby Lynne earned her a Grammy as Best New Artist. Her distinctively southern blend of soul, pop, country, blues and jazz has established her as one of the most consistently fascinating artists on the American music scene. She is joined by one of the great soul voices of our time. Now enjoying a well-deserved renaissance after 50 years in the business, Bettye LaVette’s colourful personal and professional life is expressed powerfully in her eclectic choice and emotional interpretation of songs.

Late and Southern Fried in Perth Theatre from 10.45pm on Friday 19 July features “Titan of the Telecaster”; Grammy nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Kirchen and “one of Scotland’s best kept secrets” – Roddy Hart. Bill Kirchen celebrates an American musical tradition where rock ‘n’ roll and country music draws upon its origins in blues and bluegrass, rockabilly, Western swing from Texas and California honky-tonk. Glaswegian singer/songwriter Roddy Hart invites comparisons with greats such as Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, and is gaining a growing reputation for his live shows with his band, The Lonesome Fire.

Festival-goers can “dance the night away” on Saturday 20 July when The Mavericks play a standing gig in Perth Concert Hall. Back on tour with a new album, the country-steeped garage band with their Cuban American lead singer brings an infectious energy and robust sound to make them one of the most exciting live acts from any musical genre. They are supported by one of the hottest new indie bands around; David Wax Museum.

Southern Fried brings Nashville’s The McCrary Sisters to the UK for the first time for Late and Southern Fried in Perth Theatre on Saturday 20 July. The daughters of the late Rev. Samuel McCrary – one of the original members of the legendary gospel quartet The Fairfield Four – The Sisters have appeared on Buddy Miller and Patty Griffin’s spiritual albums, with Mike Farris and Bob Dylan and on the new Mavericks album among many other credits. They stepped into the spotlight in their own right with their excellent debut album Our Journey two years ago, and their new record All The Way is a triumphant blend of classic gospel, funk, blues and soul, most of it written by the Sisters. They are joined by Perth’s own The New Madrids.

Playing for the first time in the UK for a number of years, Patty Griffin is joined on Sunday 21 July in Perth Concert Hall by star of Transatlantic Sessions Darrell Scott (and fellow bandmate in Robert Plant’s Band of Joy) with legendary bassist Danny Thompson. An iconic figure in the Americana music scene, Patty Griffin’s singing is as unmistakable and inimitable as her songwriting. Among the many artists who’ve recorded her songs are the Dixie Chicks, Bette Midler, and Emmylou Harris.

Darrell Scott is not only one of the finest songwriters in Nashville, but a stunning singer, a phenomenal guitar player and a gifted multi-instrumentalist to boot. A hit at last year’s Southern Fried Festival, he brings along his great friend and legendary bassist Danny Thompson of John Martyn, Richard Thompson and Nick Drake fame.

The powerful emotional punch, vast scope and sheer precision of Tom Russell’s work rank him high among the great American writers of our time irrespective of genre. He is joined for a Saturday afternoon gig at Perth Theatre by AJ Roach who showcased the breadth of his talent at the Johnny Cash: Songwriter concert at last year’s Southern Fried Festival.

Known for presenting acts whose music meets at the boundaries of indie, folk and roots, Hazy Recollections present their first show outside Glasgow in a free Twa Tams gig on Saturday afternoon where David Wax Museum, AJ Roach and Little Fire will be joined by nouveau rockers The Holy Ghosts with a specially Americanised set from Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers.

Sunday afternoon’s Perth Theatre show features 21 and 22 year old duo Larkin Poe – Rebecca and Megan Lovell. Their tight vocal harmonies and dizzying instrumental riffs range from folk-rock to acoustic R&B and from contemporary country to delicate singer-songwriter. They are joined by Brennen Leigh who injects a mix of classic country and bluegrass with contemporary relevance.

This year’s Sunday Gospel Brunch is bigger and better than ever before and features an auditorium performance with The McCrary Sisters, Larkin Poe, The Gospel According to Mr Niz and Southern Fried Voices.

Visiting musicians can join local performers in the intimate surrounds of the Greyfriars Bar for festival fixture the Southern Fried Open Mic.

Festival director Andy Shearer said:

“2013 is a year of returning Southern Fried favourites! Raul Malo’s 2011 gig in Perth Theatre totally rocked and we are delighted to invite him back to the main stage along with souped-up Mavericks bolstered by key members of his own band. There was a huge buzz around Darrell Scott’s performances at the Johnny Cash celebration and his solo gig last year with many fans declaring this their all-time Southern Fried highlight. This led us to break with convention and ask Darrell back for an encore just one year down the line, especially as this time he’ll be joined by legendary acoustic bassist Danny Thompson!

“We are delighted, as well, to welcome some musicians who haven’t graced our shores for the longest time – Patty Griffin, whose recent album features Robert Plant, Bettye LaVette who is enjoying the most extraordinary career surge after fifty years in the business and the incredibly talented Shelby Lynne, We’re particularly pleased that Southern Fried is bringing the incredible McCrary Sisters to the UK for the very first time. They’re the go-to black gospel singers in Nashville and have sung on countless records including the new Mavericks release.

“As ever with Americana, it is all about the song, and, with the breadth and depth of artists we have lined up for Southern Fried 2013, we are looking forward, once again to sharing an unforgettable festival experience.”

BBC Radio Scotland will be on site recording highlights for broadcast on American roots show Another Country and, of course, the famous Southern Fried soul food is the icing on the cake for this annual Americana feast served up with a warm slice of Scottish hospitality.

Check out the latest as it emerges on www.southernfriedfestival.co.uk; make sure you are a Southern Fried Facebook and Twitter buddy for all the back stage chat, and tune into the Southern Fried You Tube channel for a taster of what’s in store.

For tickets and info contact Horsecross Arts box office on 01738 621031 visit www.southernfriedfestival.co.uk

Source: Horsecross