Summer Solstice Crannog Concert

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Summer Solstice Crannog Concert

MUSIC is at the very heart of Scotland’s culture and its roots can be traced back to prehistory thanks to archaeological discoveries of ancient instruments. Inspired by these discoveries and the find of a tiny wooden whistle at the Iron Age site of ‘Oakbank Crannog’ in Loch Tay, the Scottish Crannog Centre will be celebrating this musical tradition beginning with a Summer Solstice concert on the 21 June.

Music on the longest day will feature the popular Perthshire band Tarneybackle, well known for their Scottish traditional song with a blend of strong vocal harmonies using a wide range of instruments. The trio performs at venues across Scotland and participates in festivals such as Celtic Connections and the Orkney Folk Festival.

Celtic War Horn

The following week, a special day of demonstrations followed by an evening performance will hit the high notes on Thursday, the 29 June. The ‘Mouthpiece of the Gods’ features John Kenny, internationally acclaimed trombone soloist and the world’s only player of the great Celtic war horn, the carnyx. It is believed that the use of the carnyx was prevalent throughout Europe from about 300BC to 200AD. Here in Scotland, a substantial fragment was found in Deskford, which ultimately inspired a joint project between music experts and the National Museums of Scotland to reconstruct the instrument.

The carnyx is a lip-reed instrument (like all our modern brass instruments) made of bronze, surmounted by a stylised wild boar’s head, complete with a hinged jaw and lolling wooden tongue. In the playing position, this head stands four metres high!

Since being ‘re-born’, the carnyx has proven itself to be an instrument of extraordinary power and subtlety. Its dynamic range is as great as any modern orchestral instrument, with a pitch range of five octaves. It has featured in numerous radio and television broadcasts and live shows in the UK, in over 60 performances in Europe, and can be heard on six CDs by John Kenny (above, with the instrument).

Visitors to the Crannog Centre can get up close and personal with the carnyx during John’s demonstrations between midday and 4pm. The evening performance will begin at 7.45pm. As will all events inside the Crannog, tickets are limited so early booking is advised.

The summer music series then continues on every alternate Thursday evening beginning the 13 July featuring a range of local musicians including well known fiddler Pete Clark and folk singer Ewan Sutherland.

The Scottish Crannog Centre is a staunch supporter of Music Across Perthshire (www.musicacrossperthshire.com), the non-profit organisation that works to encourage, promote, and support live music in Perthshire. The free to join group also aims to increase public awareness and appreication of Perthshire musicians, musical societies, and live music venues.