- Michael Murray’s Psycho-Scherzo will be performed as part of the RSNO’s ‘Scotch Snaps’ series on 23 April 2021
- Michael, who works as a night warden, has been composing since he was 9 and in 2017 and 2019 his work was performed at The Cumnock Tryst
At a time when hope is in the air, yet good news remains at a premium, The Cumnock Tryst are delighted to celebrate the success of local night warden and classical composer Michael Murray.
Michael, who turns 40 next month and works as a night warden for the Ayr central shopping centre, composed oboe solo Psycho Scherzo in 2019 and is over the moon that it will be performed on 23 April as part of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) 2021 Chamber Series.
Throughout the pandemic, the RSNO has been leading the way in presenting work in new ways for their international audiences and ‘Scotch Snaps’ is an online Chamber Music series celebrating five living Scottish composers.
Michael Murray, Composer, said: “I was both shocked and delighted when I heard that the RSNO would perform Psycho-Scherzo as one of their Scotch Snaps, and as part of this season’s Chamber Music Series in April this year.
“After all the disappointment caused by the pandemic, the cancellation of live events and in particular The Cumnock Tryst, it felt like a sign that things were looking up.”
“I have noticed during lockdown that more people have been buying my work online, which is perhaps partly due to performers having time to explore what’s out there, and potentially add to their existing repertoires. So, for me at least, there has been a sliver silver lining, although like everyone else, I can’t wait for things to return to some sort of normality and to be able to go and enjoy live music together again in the same space.”
Michael discovered a love for composing at the tender age of nine after he was gifted a guitar, and he first came to the attention of The Cumnock Tryst’s founder and award-winning composer Sir James MacMillan when he took part in a masterclass at Cumnock Academy when Michael was fifteen.
Since then (and despite his meteoric rise to classical music fame) James has kept a keen eye on Michael and his music and included his work in the Cumnock Tryst festival line up in 2017 and 2019.
Sir James MacMillan, founder of the Cumnock Tryst, said: “Myself and the whole Cumnock Tryst team are absolutely delighted for Michael and we can’t wait to tune in to Psycho-Scherzo when it is performed by the RSNO on the 23 April as part of their 2021 digital programme.
“I discovered that Michael had a passion for composing when I hosted a masterclass at his school, the same school I went to, and he has continued to impress me with his commitment to and love for it over the years.
“This is a tough time for musicians, for everyone in the arts, but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel and I for one cannot wait to hear Michael’s pieces once again performed live.”