Rathbone Investment Management is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the opening concert, “’Neath the Gloamin Star”, at Celtic Connections this year.
With the first concert dating back to 1994, Celtic Connections is the UK’s premier celebration of Celtic music, held every January/February in Glasgow. The music festival is an integral element in showcasing the culture in Glasgow and attracts visitors from all parts of the world.
The title for opening night is an ode to the old Aberdeenshire love song popularised by the late great Tony Cuffe, “Neath the Gloamin’ Star”. The evening will showcase the generation of artists who have succeeded Cuffe and his peers as leaders of the Scots’ folk song revival.
With a line-up including Fiona Hunter, Steve Byrne, Paul McKenna, Ellie Beaton, Cameron Nixon and Jenny Sturgeon, plus joint musical directors Hannah Rarity and Innes White, the featured artists have researched and adapted material from archive recordings and other sources, crafting arrangements that highlight both the tradition’s enduring vitality and the performers’ contemporary creativity.
Rathbones’ sponsorship of Celtic Connections follows its support of the Scottish Ballet, Aye Write and Edinburgh International book festival last year in a continued effort to support creativity and wonder through applied craftmanship.
The past year has been a challenge for everyone working in the arts industry with losses to income, uncertainty of live performances and closed venues. Rathbones’ recent sponsorships aim to create awareness for the arts at a time when the industry is struggling the most, as well promoting Scotland’s pioneering spirit to champion creativity which chimes well with Rathbones’ own aim to Look Forward.
Angus Kerr, Head of Scotland at Rathbone Investment Management comments: “Celtic Connections is a true celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture and we are honoured to be a sponsor.
“It’s an eclectic yet traditional event that showcases the creativity and passion of the Scottish people, and we are delighted to be supporting it this this year, especially at a time when the arts in Scotland and elsewhere have been hard hit by the pandemic.
“Supporting the arts is particularly important as art facilitates a fundamental human need for expression, joy, and creativity. It also promotes an exploration and representation of cultural narratives and memory.
“Having both social and economic value, Rathbones is proud to support the industry and local communities. We are looking forward to attending and supporting more events in the coming year.”