At the weekend we hosted the Strathspey and Surreal Society. This is my introduction to the concert!
The tradition is nothing without innovation. Innovation is nothing without the tradition. They go hand in hand. We need innovation to keep our music and culture moving forward, to keep the interest of young people. We need the tradition because its what we love. It’s what’s in our hearts, it’s why we are part of it all.
Strathspey and Surreal Society features 4 brand new compositions all based on traditional elements of the Strathspey and Reel Society. You will hear ideas that may or may not be heard again. It doesn’t matter though because it is about moments – little things that can change paths or spark an idea in someone else that they will take to the next level.
Today we start with a piece called Disassembled by Orkney’s Jenn Austin. Next up is 100 Days by Aidan O’Rourke. Don’t worry it only lasts 13 minutes! Then we have Shona Mooney’s For A That Variations and we finish of with my piece – Simon Thoumire – it’s called Deil Amang the Fiddlers.
Let’s have a massive applause for our brilliant performers. Laura Wilkie, Patsy Reid, Lori Watson, Kristen Harvey, Lauren MacColl, Chris Stout, Aidan O’Rourke, Catriona Price, Adam Sutherland, Innes Watson, Lena Johnson, Ross Couper, Jenna Reid, Shona Mooney and Rua MacMillan.
We also have six Up and coming young musicians from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. They are Ryan Young, Sally Simpson, Robbie MacKenzie, Bernadette Kellerman, Madeleine Stewart and Graham Rorie.
Today’s concert is being videoed and will be made available on YouTube in the upcoming weeks. If you want to watch it visit www.handsupfortrad.scot, join our newsletter and we will be mail you when it is ready.
Also Thanks to Creative Scotland and Celtic Connections for their belief in this project. It wouldn’t have happened without them.
To get us started can you welcome to the stage our conductor for today Dave Milligan.
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