Congratulations to Eden Court who has been nominated in Venue of the Year Award in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024. Vote for Eden Court now!. It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 30th November in Inverness Leisure. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Teresa of Eden Court the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Eden Court is Scotland’s largest multi-arts centre, right in the heart of Inverness, where we sell around 150,000 tickets a year for live events. Nestled by the beautiful River Ness, we’re more than just a venue; we’re a vibrant hub for creativity and culture. With 350 live performances and 175 productions each year, we’ve got everything from amazing live music and comedy to smash-hit musicals, classical shows, ballet, and innovative dramas. Plus, our Under Canvas summer music festival really celebrates Highland culture, drawing in 8,000 visitors each year to enjoy performances from over 170 talented Scottish artists by the bank of the river. It’s a fantastic place to experience the best of the arts!
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scottish music is at the heart of what we do, celebrating our rich cultural heritage and bringing our community together through the power of music. We’re proud to offer a stage for both traditional and contemporary folk music all year round, with a special spotlight on our Under Canvas summer festival, which showcases over 170 amazing Scottish artists. We believe that supporting Scottish music not only enriches our cultural landscape but also strengthens community ties and inspires future generations of musicians. It’s all about celebrating the universal language of music in every form, bringing vibrant energy and fantastic audiences to our venue!
Any particular career highlights?
In the past year, trad and folk highlights of Eden Court’s programme has included the boundless energy of Mànran, FARA’S exquisite Orcadian harmonies, the storytelling prowess of Eddi Reader, theatrical flair and lyrical brilliance with internationally acclaimed songwriting legend Rufus Wainwright, Ceol’s rich blend of traditional melodies, FitkinWall Harpland’s infectious rhythms and even Hollywood legend Russell Crowe exploring his Highland routes and sharing his music with a rapturous audience.
Eden Court also celebrated the joy of communal music with the Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail, welcomed back masters of the craft Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, while James Yorkston’s Tae Sup Wi’ a Fifer visits combined storytelling and song in a series of uniquely engaging experiences. Under Canvas, Eden Court’s annual summer trad festival, drew 8,000 visitors, showcasing the incredible talent of 170 Scottish artists.
What are your plans for the future?
Eden Court is committed to making our stages and spaces a vibrant platform for traditional music, giving artists valuable opportunities to grow and connect. We aim to create enriching experiences for our audiences, bringing everyone together to enjoy the magic of live performance at Inverness’s premier music venue. We can’t wait to keep sharing incredible moments and unforgettable shows with you!
Eden Court Social Media
Website: https://eden-court.co.uk/
Facebook: @edencourttheatre
Twitter: @EdenCourt
Instagram: @edencourttheatrecinema
YouTube: @EdenCourt1
The 2024 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 30th November 2024 in Inverness Leisure Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here). Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Bands performing on Saturday 30th November include Julie Fowlis, Skipinnish, Laura Wilkie and Ian Carr, Highland Young Musicians and Arc Fiddlers, An Dannsa Dub, BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award winner 2024 Calum McIlroy and more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.