Tag: music

Sight loss choir sings the coronavirus blues away

A choir of blind and partially sighted people that first got together at the start of the year in Edinburgh is now harmonising over the phone-line.

Launched by sight loss charity RNIB Scotland in January, its members continue to sing defiance to the coronavirus blues.

Hazel Kelly (76) from Corstorphine, has experienced two degenerative corneal eye conditions which significantly affected her sight.

“I haven’t sung in a choir since I was a teenager in my church choir,” she said, “but I really fancied getting involved in some way and when I heard about this one I thought I would give it a go!

“It was originally held at the RNIB Scotland offices at Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh every second Tuesday with just four of us and a piano to start with. The numbers attending gradually increased and we all suggested a song we could potentially work on, which has included ‘Will ye go Lassie Go (The Wild Mountain Thyme)’, ‘Wind in the Willows’ and ‘Mull of Kintyre’.

“Of course, everybody has to memorise the words as, having sight loss, we can’t always read them, which is fine for the chorus but not so easy with a lot of verses! Our organiser Mike makes us work hard, including special singing warm-ups, and we had started to harmonise a bit, although this is more difficult now we’re all at home.

“We tried to all get together with Zoom while not particularly ideal , Mike is still working on the best solution for us. However, the good news is, that with the lockdown, more people have joined from other parts of Scotland, and I am now chatting and singing with a lady from Glasgow and another from Stirling among others.

“I don’t think we are quite ready to perform anywhere yet, but never say never is my motto! And it is good fun to find yourself at home singing the songs in the bathroom and while pottering around the house.”

The choir’s organiser Mike Holroyd, a community co-ordinator with RNIB Scotland, is a guide-dog user himself.

“I used to lead a choir of blind and partially sighted people for about 17 years when I lived in Bristol,” said Mike. “One or two people had been asking about starting a connect singing group in Scotland so we did.

“We started face-to-face in January, but when lockdown started folk were keen to continue – and in fact instead of every two weeks, we now get together every week.

“The emphasis at the moment is not so much on the sound we produce but on the learning and the fun of getting together. I’ve started encouraging people to sing solo verses – this helps to reinforce learning, but also works much better on the phone, and assists with building confidence.”

The RNIB Helpline is available to help blind and partially sighted people and their families and carers on 0303 123 9999.

Online Blues Extravaganza … nice!

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival / Edinburgh Festival Carnival will NOT go ahead in July due to Covid-19 Pandemic – but there’s an online extravaganza to look forward to next week.

First, and most importantly, all of us at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival hope this message finds you and your loved ones well.

We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our audiences, musicians and staff, and we have of course been monitoring the Coronavirus situation closely over the last few weeks by following government, NHS and Public Health Scotland advice, and are continually reviewing our position as an organisation.

With this in mind we will not be presenting the 43rd edition of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival in July. We will also not present the 9th Edinburgh Festival Carnival.

Chair of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Councillor Jason Rust said: “The last few weeks have reinforced to me how special live music is, from intimate gigs to great sonic adventures. The sense of community that live music creates is special too as audiences unite with musicians to share a moment.

“I believe music can continue to unite us and bring joy in these worrying times, and we are working on how we can still share that with you in the coming weeks via our online platforms. Our staff are unearthing interesting footage and content to share and working with closely with Scottish musicians to bring you new digital content which is an artistic response to the times.

“As soon as we are able and it is determined safe to do, we will be back presenting live concerts.

“In closing, we’d like to thank our funders, partners, participants and audiences for their loyalty, support and understanding”.

HOWEVER – SOME GOOD NEWS …

For the first time ever, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival presents a 12 hour online Scottish blues extravaganza featuring established stars like Maggie Bell and Tim Elliott as well as new names like John McKenzie and Liz Jones.

We’re asking to support musicians if you can – since the pandemic started, their livelihoods have been put on hold due to the suspension of live events. We will be highlighting ways you can support them – please give generously if you can.

IT ALL STARTS ON WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL AND THE FULL DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Max Richter’s 8-hour lullaby SLEEP to be broadcast worldwide this Easter weekend

Max Richter’s eight-hour epic SLEEP, his ‘lullaby for a frenetic world’, returns to BBC Radio 3’s airwaves this Easter weekend in a simulcast with the European Broadcasting Union – uniting quarantined nations across the continent in moments of meditative stillness.

The BBC will join with broadcasters across Europe and beyond, including USA, Canada and New Zealand, for the live simulcast of Richter’s eight-hour lullaby, a re-broadcast of the world premiere from 2015.

The premiere, recorded at The Wellcome Collection, became the longest single continuous piece of music ever broadcast live on the radio, and the work has since been performed around the world in a variety of iconic venues including the Sydney Opera House, Grand Park in Los Angeles, Kraftwerk Berlin, the Philharmonie de Paris and most recently at the Great Wall of China.

SLEEP has been hugely successful worldwide – praised by critics and garnering over 350 million streams. In a sign of the work’s timely appeal, Richter’s Deutsche Grammophon album of SLEEP has recently returned to number one in the USA Billboard classical album charts.

SLEEP seeks to examine the relationship between music and the subconscious mind, and to foreground the communal aspect of music performance and listening. This remarkable broadcasting moment aims to bring together listeners around the world in a collective moment of musical reflection.

The piece indeed provides an apt soundtrack for these times of lockdown – when hours seemingly stretch into the distance. Sleep offers a mindful way to forget everything going on around us.

Sleep was composed in consultation with American neuroscientist David Eagleman. In Max Richter’s words: “Five years ago I wrote SLEEP as an invitation to pause our busy lives for a moment.

“Now we are all facing an unexpected and unwelcome pause. It is far from easy to adjust to this new normal, which daily brings fresh anxiety and suffering to our communities, to those we love, and to ourselves.

“At this time the magical ability of creativity to elevate our days and to connect us with one another is more valuable than ever, and I’m really happy that BBC Radio 3 and the EBU will allow us to listen all together across the world. Please stay home, stay safe, and enjoy this 8-hour place to rest with those you love”.

Radio 3’s original eight-hour live broadcast broke two Guinness World Records – for the longest broadcast of a single piece of music, and the longest live broadcast of a single piece of music.

The original world premiere performance will be rebroadcast overnight on BBC Radio 3 from 11pm on Saturday (April 11) to 7am on Easter Sunday (April 12) as part of ‘Slow and Mindful’ series, BBC Radio 3’s offering of music for the mind in the time of lockdown. 

Meanwhile, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will bring together radio members across the globe to air the full 8-hour piece – with in Europe and beyond, including USA, Canada and New Zealand. They will all broadcast SLEEP during the Easter weekend.

Learn to Play Days Cancelled

Following the government’s announcements and the ongoing daily developments in regard to Coronavirus, the decision has been made to postpone the nationwide Learn to Play Day events that were planned for the weekend of 28th/29th March 2020.

Paul McManus, CEO of Music for All, the organisers of Learn to Play Day, said: “The safety of all event organisers and participants is of the utmost importance to us. This is a very current and fast-changing situation with the risks to people’s health likely to escalate alongside growing public concern.

“We understand that this decision comes as a disappointment, but ultimately, we all want the same thing – the health and safety of our communities. We will of course keep everyone updated as time progresses but, for now, we’d like to thank you and our partners for your understanding and patience during this difficult period.

“Despite the cancellation of Learn to Play, we do still encourage all musicians to keep playing for their own self-enjoyment and the physical and mental benefits of making music.”

The MoonWalk Scotland presents Stars on Stage

Breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk is calling on artists, singers and performers from across the country to take up the opportunity of performing on stage at The MoonWalk Scotland 2020. 

Whether it is singing in a choir, a solo, playing in a band or doing a soft shoe shuffle – for one night only, the stage could be yours!

Perhaps your specialty is something completely different – this is your chance to perform on Saturday 6th June in front of a large enthusiastic audience of walkers at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, before they set off on their MoonWalk Scotland challenge.

By being part of Stars on Stage not only will you be showcasing your talents to many people, but also motivating them before their midnight challenge commences, you will be making a difference to people living with cancer in Scotland.

Nina Barough CBE, Chief Executive and Founder of Walk the Walk said:
“We are so excited to launch Stars on Stage at this year’s MoonWalk! We hope this encourages people from across Scotland to enter this night of opportunity.

“Open to anyone aged 10 and over, we want soloists, double acts, groups and troops to be part of what is going to be a fantastic evening which raises hundreds of thousands of pounds to support people living with cancer in Scotland. To find out more, visit our website www.walkthewalk.org.”

This year marks the 15th MoonWalk Scotland. Since the event started in 1996, it has raised almost £22 million.

Don’t miss your opportunity to audition for Stars on Stage at this year’s MoonWalk Scotland. Closing date for applications is Friday 3 April 2020.

Find out more and sign up now: www.walkthewalk.org

Tabernacle Choir returns to Edinburgh

World-renowned winner of multiple Emmy® and Grammy® Awards, The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will perform in Scotland on 14 July, for the first time since 1955.

Audiences at the 2,200-seat Usher Hall will enjoy a performance by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, known for its one-of-a-kind signature sound created by 320 volunteer voices.

Sixty-five members of the Orchestra at Temple Square, the Choir’s companion all-volunteer symphony orchestra, will accompany the Choir.

The Orchestra recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Distinguished choral composer and arranger, Dr Mack Wilberg, will conduct along with assistant director Dr Ryan Murphy. The Choir’s repertoire will range from Handel, Gounod, and Rossini to American folk hymns and spirituals. The concert will be just under two hours in length.

Tickets for the performance can be purchased via the Usher Hall webpage at www.usherhall.co.uk. Tickets can also be purchased at the Usher Hall ticket office or over the phone at 0131 228 1155. Tickets are available for those over the age of 8.

The Tabernacle Choir’s “2020 Heritage Tour” will take the Choir and Orchestra to six other cities. In addition to cities in four Nordic countries—Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Oslo—they will perform in Cardiff and Newport, South Wales. Information about the full tour including the Edinburgh concert can be found at thetabernaclechoir.org/tour.

Choir president Ron Jarrett said the name of the tour is a nod to the history of the Choir, many of whose first members were early converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with musical talents from Europe.

“We stand on the shoulders of these musical pioneers who created a legacy that has influenced the entire world for good”, he added. “What an honour it will be to share the joy and peace the music of the Choir and Orchestra bring in some of the very places where it all began.”

United by their faith and shared love of music, the Choir and the Orchestra support the work of the Church. For most of its history the Choir was known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; in 2018 its name was changed to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square to more fully align with the work of its sponsoring organisation.

Ama-zing Harmonies returns tomorrow

Our young people’s Transition to Confidence Workshop for this month is on Monday 24th February.

Topic: Young People’s confidence boosters

Venue: West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

Time: 5-6pm

Free and fun packed full activities For Ages 9 and above. Spaces available!

Our choir group also resumes for the year on Monday 24th February.

Our singing club offers refreshing music, dance and food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Come and join us at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre from 6 – 7pm tomorrow and every last Monday of the month.

See you there!

Learn to Play Day

FREE music lessons for all initiative coming to Scotland

Learn to Play Day – a free national event to encourage everyone in the UK to start making music – is coming to Scotland this March.

Supported by Jools Holland OBE, and run by charity Music for All, the 2020 Learn to Play Day will take place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March, and will see music shops, teachers, venues and schools throughout the county partner with leading musical instrument brands to offer thousands of FREE music lessons.

So far, participating venues include:

  • Eiger Music at Windsor Community Hall in Glasgow
  • Acoustic Music Workshop in Perth
  • Loch Leven Music Tuition in Kinross
  • Musicroom Edinburgh
  • Music Broth in Glasgow

Further venues are set to be announced over the coming weeks.

Since being launched nine years ago, the Learn to Play Day initiative has helped thousands of people pick up and play a musical instrument. Many had never played before, while others played as a child but gave up.

Held in partnership with the Musicians’ Union, the ‘Take It Away’ scheme and Making Music, the Learn to Play Day initiative has been growing in popularity with a record 10,000 free lessons held during last year’s event.

Jools Holland said: “As Patron of the Music for All charity, I’m delighted to lend my support to National Learn to Play Day on March 28th and 29th.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to share the joy of music, and this special day allows thousands to get involved as venues all over the country offer music lessons for free.”

Fellow artist Jamie Cullum added: “National Learn to Play Day gives everyone a chance to play an instrument, even if they’ve never played before.

“This wonderful day introduces thousands to the magic of music making, and often reunites people with a lost passion for playing. Get involved and perhaps discover a skill you thought you didn’t have!”

Paul McManus, CEO at Music for All, concluded: “While we all may have different tastes and preferred genres, there is no doubt that music is something that is universally loved around the world.

“Our Learn to Play Day events are all about spreading the joy of playing a musical instrument and inspiring those of all ages to take up something that will not only have health benefits for the future, but that also brings so many people together.”

To find a FREE music lesson near you, simply visit https://musicforall.org.uk/learntoplayday/

Scottish and world Folk music industry join forces in support of Australian bushfires

LEADING music festivals, events and artists have rallied together to raise funds in support of those affected by the unprecedented Australian bushfires, currently destroying parts of the country.

In just 48 hours, thousands of pounds worth of prizes have been donated towards a major prize draw, with all proceeds split between the Australian Red Cross and World Wildlife Federation.

Festival tickets, VIP passes, travel and accommodation for leading events – including the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Edinburgh International Fringe, the Hebridean Celtic Festival and The Cambridge Folk Festival, amongst many more – have been generously gifted to the fundraising effort.

The campaign has been organised by the team behind the Year of Scotland in Australia 2020 – the largest-ever programme of Scottish music and culture to be presented in the country.

Produced and curated by Showcase Scotland Expo and Woodfordia Inc, in partnership with over 30 of Australia’s festivals and event organisers, the year-long programme is backed by Creative Scotland, VisitScotland, The Scottish Government and The Glenturret whisky.

The prize draw will take place during a live streaming from Showcase Scotland 2020 in Glasgow, on February 1.

Tickets can be bought from https://yosa2020fireappeal.eventbrite.co.uk/ with all attendees’ tickets entered into the draw. A full list of prizes is also available through the purchasing link.

Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said: “On behalf of Scotland, I’d like to send a message of solidarity and friendship to Australia at this difficult time.

“The Year of Scotland in Australia 2020 celebrates the strong links between our countries and I am pleased that participating bands are supporting this fundraising appeal.

“I would encourage everyone to take part in this prize draw as a way of helping those affected by these devastating wildfires.”

Scottish Producer of the Year of Scotland in Australia, Lisa Whytock, said: “Australia has been so generous and welcoming to Scotland and our artists and we are devastated to see the destruction being caused by the fires.

“We simply had to do something! We contacted our stakeholders two days ago to ask for donations and support and have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the world’s music sector. Donations have come from all corners of the UK as well as Europe, the USA and Canada.

“I think this illustrates how deeply affected the world is by what is happening in Australia and the live streaming means that, in addition to raising funds, people from across the globe can come together for one small moment in time to show support for the people of Australia.”

Caroline Maclennan, director of the Hebridean Celtic Festival, added: “Everyone who has seen or read about the devastating effects of the bush fires will have been deeply moved by the trauma being experienced.

“While we are geographically remote from Australia, we have close family and cultural ties with the country and its people. The HebCelt board had no hesitation in offering our support to this international appeal and the response from the wider festival family across the world will provide much needed funds to help towards the massive recovery effort.”

Scottish artists currently on tour in Australia, as part of the year-long programme, have also thrown their support behind the campaign. Siobhan Miller and Brighde Chaimbeul are both offering collections on their respective tours, which run throughout January, whilst five-piece Elephant Sessions are auctioning a signed guitar – which has currently raised over $1,300 AUD for the recovery efforts.

Siobhan Miller said: “My thoughts go out to everyone in Australia affects by the bushfires – the loss of lives, wildlife and homes is heartbreaking.

“My band has been welcomed so warmly to this wonderful country, and I hope we can help in a small way by fundraising to support the Red Cross and the World Wildlife Foundation whilst touring with the Festival of Small Halls.”

Mark Bruce, of Elephant Sessions, said: “The Australian people have been so kind to us and it’s truly heartbreaking to see this beautiful country being so horrifically damaged by these fires. We hope that this small gesture can go towards helping in some way.”

One of the flagship events within the Year of Scotland in Australia 2020 is The Glenturret Burns Supper, in the Sydney Opera House on January 25, with music from leading Scottish group Breabach alongside artists Eric Avery and many others.

In celebration of their 15th year on the road, and in collaboration with The Glenturret, the band have released a limited-edition single malt whisky – with the first bottle distilled also set to be auctioned off, in aid of the bushfire campaign. A donation of $50 from each ticket purchased will also be made towards the campaign.

Ewan Robertson, of Breabach, said: “It is truly heart-wrenching to witness the devastation wrought by these fires. As a former volunteer firefighter myself I feel particularly helpless but hope that our small contribution can help support the relief effort in some way. Our thoughts and love are with all those affected.”

Photograph (above)courtesy of Elephant Sessions

Burns Community Ceilidh at Royston Wardieburn

An evening of music, poetry, dancing and food!

Our 6th annual Burns Community Ceilidh: A multicultural community celebration, featuring Burns poetry recitals, live band and other performances, ceilidh dancing, and food!

Tickets £3 (under 5s free). We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance as this event is likely to sell out.