Talented Musicians To Perform Evening of Music and Song
Young musicians from primary and secondary schools across the Highlands are busy preparing for a public concert which will take place in the Black Isle Leisure Centre, Fortrose on Saturday 18 April.
The evening will feature performances by four of the Highland Regional Music Groups including the Highland Youth String Orchestra, ’snas (the Regional ceilidh band), the Highland Youth Pipe Band and the first public recital by the recently formed Gaelic choir, Còisir G which is directed by former MOD gold medallist Eilidh Mackenzie.
The varied programme for the evening will include JS Bach’s Concerto in A minor with Eleanor Cameron as violin soloist. Eleanor is one of the Highland Council’s strings Instructors with the orchestra and it is testament to the groups that they are to skilled enough to accompany such a fine musician. The programme will also feature last years winner of Highland Young Musician of the Year, Robin Nelson from Fortrose Academy as solo cellist in Album Leaves No1 by Gliere. The debut performance of Còisir G will be complemented by the exciting music-making of ‘snas, giving a balance of interpretations to traditional music.
Highland Youth Pipe Band will be joined during their programme by some of 4 Scots (The Highlanders) Pipes & Drums who are coming along especially on the evening. The 4 Scots Band will be touring a number of Highland primary and secondary schools for the two weeks after this Concert. These visits are also being complemented by intensive pipe band drumming workshops being given to Highland pupils, led by Drum Major Andrew Caldwell.
Norman Bolton, Highland Council’s Music Development Officer said: “Playing live to an audience is always an exciting opportunity for the young people. It gives them a goal to focus on during rehearsals and they can learn a lot from the experience of performing in public. I know the groups are all looking forward to the concert, especially Còisir G as this will be their premiere performance. Auditions to join the choir were held in January and since then the singers have been working very hard with Eilidh to prepare for the concert. I am sure they will prove to be as popular with the audience as all the other groups.”
There are currently seven Regional Music Groups, run as an extension to the work of The Highland Council’s Instrumental Tuition Service which provides tuition in schools to 2500 pupils. Membership for all the groups is by audition with musicians drawn from all areas of Highland. Many of the young people are also members of national instrumental & vocal ensembles. Auditions for membership of any of the Groups next session will be held on 30th May.
Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councill Bill Fernie said: “I have had the priviledge of attending several concerts and I am always amazed by the musical talent we have in the Highlands. The young performers are motivated, professional and obviously work very hard to prepare for public performances. They are a credit to themselves, their families and their tutors. I am sure the evening will be a great success and I encourage as many people as possible to come and enjoy an evening of top music and song.”
The concert in the Black Isle Leisure Centre starts at 7.30pm on Saturday 18 April and tickets which cost £7/£4 are available by telephoning 01349 863441 during office hours.