Special performance in Dunoon to celebrate the Clyde

The piece, ‘Cluaidh - Ùrachadh na h-Aibhne’, was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and An Comunn Gàidhealach, to celebrate the natural and cultural richness of the Firth of Clyde.   Arran’s whitebeams, whales, redshank overwintering on the mudflats and a prayer for seaweed all feature in this varied programme of music and Gaelic song.

Mary Ann, herself the winner of two Gold Medals from the Mòd, will be joined on stage by fellow musicians Finlay Wells, Lorne MacDougall and Nick Turner, with children from Gaelic medium schools on either side of the Clyde also featuring in this special evening of music.

Mary Ann said, “As a Gaelic speaker who grew up beside the River Clyde, this commission is very close to my heart, taking me from my city upbringing, down the river where my great-uncles were skippers in the ‘Skye Navy,’ and out to the ocean that inspired so many Gaelic songs. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the river’s regeneration, and my 30^th anniversary as a Mòd Gold Medallist!”

James Graham, from An Comunn Gàidhealach said, “An Comunn Gàidhealach are delighted to be collaborating with SNH on another high quality Mòd event. This year’s special event will centre on music celebrating the River and Firth of Clyde and will be of great interest to local audiences as well as Mòd go-ers. The night promises to be a standout event during the week of Mòd events with Mary Ann Kennedy at the helm.”

Angus Campbell, SNH Deputy Chairman said, “We are delighted to be working with Mary Ann Kennedy and An Comunn Gàidhealach on this exciting concert of Gaelic music inspired by the Clyde.

“Our land, sea and shores are constantly evolving, and this fantastic piece of music will reflect changes to the river, its nature and the communities along its bank.  We look forward to Mary Ann’s celebration of this living, lively place for people and nature.”

The concert takes place in the Burgh Hall, Dunoon on 16^th October, 8pm.  Tickets are available from the Burgh Hall https://www.dunoonburghhall.org.uk/on/event/68038-clyde/

This is the third time SNH have collaborated with An Comunn Gàidhealach to bring a piece of nature-inspired music to the Mòd Fringe.  Last year, singer and Mòd Gold Medallist, Rachel Walker, performed her piece ‘Nadair’ – a celebration of nature and the seasons in Gaelic song and in 2015, the commission from Iain MacFarlane, ‘Miorbhail nam Beann’, praising the nature poetry of Duncan Ban McIntyre was performed to a packed house.

ENDS

MEDIA QUERIES

For more information, contact SNH media relations & PR officer, Vicki Mowat, on 0131 316 2659 or vicki.mowat@nature.scot or the main SNH press office on 0131 316 2655 or snhmedia@nature.scot.

Photos - Download photos below. Creditr head and shoulders picture to Sean Purser; credit picture of Mary Ann and harp to Nick Turner.