Tag: Scottish tour

Scottish Ensemble weave a beautiful sonic tapestry in  Concerts by Candlelight this December 

Scottish Ensemble bring moments of stillness and a captivating musical adventure as they perform their annual Concerts by Candlelight series across Scotland 

From the 5th to the 12th December the pioneering string ensemble will visit some  of the country’s most atmospheric settings. Concerts by Candlelight will take place in  Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and for the first  time in Dunblane.

A staple of the Scottish festive calendar these concerts feature  vibrant compositions illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight. 

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director of Scottish Ensemble, said: “Concerts  by Candlelight have become a very popular moment in our musical calendar, both  for audiences and musicians, and it’s heartwarming to see people return each  year.

“We all look forward to meeting again in these spectacular buildings, and to  experience together the magical combination of beautiful sounds within ancient  spaces.” 

Audiences can expect a rich selection of music that weaves between past and present,  to create a beautiful sonic tapestry. Alongside compositions with seasonal  resonances by JS Bach, Arvo Pärt and Pēteris Vasks, there will also be pieces  that will take listeners to unexpected places including movements from Kaija  Saariaho’s Sept Papillons and The Evergreen by Caroline Shaw. 

The programme also includes a brand-new work, And At Pains to Temper the Light,  by Hannah Kendall, commissioned by Scottish Ensemble, Staatsoper Stuttgart  and Staatstheater Stuttgart.

Known for her attentive arrangements and immersive  world-building, British composer Hannah Kendall’s music looks beyond the  boundaries of composition. Just like Scottish Ensemble, her work bridges gaps  between different musical cultures, both honouring and questioning the  contemporary tradition while telling new stories through it. 

Hannah Kendall said about her new work: “My grandfather and his family were  from the Berbice region of Guyana, which has deeply rooted and routed, yet largely unforgotten or unknown, historical connections to Scotland.

“In And At Pains to  Temper the Light, I seek to reimagine and refresh these ties, creating renewed  spaces of connection that have the potential to inspire transformation through sound.

“I am indebted to Scottish Ensemble, a group of musicians I so deeply  admire, for giving me the opportunity to explore this part of my heritage in a way  that hopefully also speaks to shared experiences that transcend borders and time.” 

Tickets range from £11 – £22 and are free for under 16s. Tickets are available from: 

https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2024-25/concerts-by-candlelight-5/

BAFTA award-winning writer Henry Normal & Internet sensation, poet & author Brian Bilston announce Edinburgh show

  • BAFTA award-winning writer and producer turned poet Henry Normal teams up with internet sensation, poet and author Brian Bilston
  • The pair announce Scottish tour – coming to Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on 9th April
  • Henry’s brand new poetry collection ‘A Moonless Night’ released 14th February 2024  
  • Brian Bilston’s best selling collection ‘Days Like These’ published in paperback on 9th November 2023

BBC Radio 4 regular Henry Normal and literary enigma Brian Bilston have announced a brand new Scottish tour together for 2024.  Following sell out shows in 2023 for both poets, the pair will be coming to Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on 9th April, 

Henry and Brian met at the Laugharne Festival and performed together for the first time in Morecambe last October. The collaboration has been so popular that the two poets are bringing their new shows together for the first time to theatres in Scotland with shows in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Stirling and Dundee.

Brian Bilston is often described as the “Banksy of poetry” – making the artform accessible to all and maintaining a mysterious anonymity. He has cultivated a large and loyal following on social media and has become truly beloved by his 500,000 or so fans. Despite his popularity Brian has managed to keep his identity hidden so his live show represents an intriguing opportunity to hear Brian’s work read live by the enigma himself. Expect the funny, irreverent and powerful poetry that has made Brian an internet sensation. 

Henry has toured with his ever-evolving poetry show constantly since retiring from TV and Film production. In his own distinctive style, Henry’s show finds fun in the familiar, humour in the everyday and poignancy in the pitfalls of modern life. It is a show about love, life and family that is as deeply moving as it is funny and often both at the same time.  Henry has 15 poetry books in print including the latest collection “A Moonless Night’ out on Valentine’s day being 14th Feb 2024.

Henry’s longstanding BBC Radio 4 series ‘A Normal..” continues to go from strength to strength with ‘A Normal Journey’  chosen as pick of the week over the Christmas period. As co-creator of The Royle Family, he also appeared in the BBC documentary celebrating the life of Caroline Aherne on Christmas Day.

The evening represents a chance to see two brilliant poets for a very special night of life affirming poetry, marvellous escapism and lots of laughter. 

Presiding Officer launches tour to strengthen engagement with local communities

As part of the Scottish Parliament’s 20th anniversary programme, the Presiding Officer has announced that he is to visit every region in Scotland to reaffirm the importance of Holyrood’s engagement with local communities. Continue reading Presiding Officer launches tour to strengthen engagement with local communities