Choir's Celtic Connections Celebration
Aberfeldy and District Gaelic Choir enjoyed an unusual event (on Saturday 28 January 2006) as guest singers on stage with Margaret Bennett at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, as part of the Celtic Connections Festival.
Dressed in 18th century peasant costume (see below), choir members accompanied the internationally renowned musician in her highly-acclaimed production “For Auld Lang Syne”, a musical appreciation of the life and works of Robert Burns.
Scripted by Margaret Bennett herself, with Musical Direction from guitarist Sandy Stanage, the production also included tremendous performances by several other well known musicians, including cellist Fiona Hunter, who also sings with Malinky band, and dancers from the Drumalban Folk Ensemble.
Several members of the cast were graduates of students from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama course in Scottish Music, and from Strathclyde University. There were ripples of laughter from the audience at Stevie Barratt’s recitation, on bended knee, of “Holy Willie’s Prayer”. |
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Margaret invited the Choir to join her after singing with them at the “Pearls of the Tay” opening concert of Perth Concert Hall last year,saying she felt the Aberfeldy voices would add a new breadth and richness to her successful show. The Choir, better known for singing in Gaelic at the National Mods and at various fundraising events, rose to the occasion, providing occasional singing and accompaniment.
“It was an incredible experience” said Choir Conductor Frances McCallum, “We’ve never sung on such a large stage and in such an impressive venue. It’s always an honour to sing with Margaret, and it was a double honour to be part of Celtic Connections!”
Margaret Bennett and Sandy Stanage hope to take “For Auld Lang Syne” on tour in Scotland as part of their ongoing plan to encourage young musicians, singers and performers to take part in new productions of the work.
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