| Two contrasting performances. Went to St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh on Friday 24th August to see the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. It was lovely. They performed a new piece by Paul Mealor - who has shot to fame since the Military Wives choir and the Royal wedding. "Crucifixus, Six (or is it seven? I've seen it both ways?) Meditations upon the Prophecy and Passion of Our Lord" was absolutely stunning with the huge St Giles organ, the setting and the choir. Sounded almost like a pibroch at points. Big drones. They also performed Faure Requiem. On Saturday I went to see The Treacherous Orchestra - a young band of traditional musicians - but verging towards rock. Experimental and high energy. Excellent musicians. Here's a Youtube of some of it. Coincidentally I was up at the Aberdeen University Open day today for my son - so naturally I popped into the music talk and asked about traditional music there. Also chatted to some music students who were the string quartet at the parents evening. Great playing. | |
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Oh I really, REALLY love the fringe. I have been busy! Last night I went to see the Poozies at the Queen's Hall. Its the first time I have seen them. Four inspirational women and last night they were joined by special guests Su-a Lee (cello & saw) and Signy Jakobsdottir (percussion). Sally Barker writes great songs and the I loved a pibroch written by Mairerad Green. Mary MacMaster plays the electro harp brilliantly - there were lots of Harpists there! Being a fiddler though, I was amazed by Eilidh Shaw's playing. How does she do it? Plays fantastically, in tune and manages to dance energetically through it all too. I really enjoy the mix of songs and tunes and came home inspired. Also went to Duncan Chisholm's film Kin on Sunday. A wonderful record of life in the Highlands and Islands through a number of musicians' kin. Lovely old photos, and tape recordings of life around the late 19th and early 20 century. The soundtrack was played live by Duncan Chisholm - lovely. My daughter is a keen film maker and she was very interested.
Oh I love the Fringe! So lucky that I live in Edinburgh. I went out to the Royal Oak tonight (brilliant folk venue) to see Jim Malcolm. What a voice and also fantastic acoustic guitar and mouthie playing! Looking forward to seeing Rona Wilkie & Marit Fällt tomorrow night.
 Just back from the Durham gathering. Had a really great time there with great musicians.
Performed on Friday and Saturday. It was warm and sunny and there was a great programme of all the Folkworks groups. Here I am playing with band mates and Catriona MacDonald (photo taken by Jane Harrison). Late night sessions, dancing, singing, and playing. What could be better? A wonderful week. |
 Fiona Harrison
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