Some Commonplace Geiltlings / Some Geiltlings’ Commonplaces
‘We have told how Sweeney went astray…’
GEILT is a new piece that I was asked to write specially for the Nevis Ensemble’s tour to the Outer Hebrides.
(more…)‘We have told how Sweeney went astray…’
GEILT is a new piece that I was asked to write specially for the Nevis Ensemble’s tour to the Outer Hebrides.
(more…)Long days; loading and unloading the coach several times a day; gigs in cramped venues; setting up and dismantling a drum kit five or six times a day; outdoor performances in cold and/or windy conditions perhaps with rain threatening; meals at funny times; and performing without the chance to test the acoustic are all in a day’s work for the Nevis Ensemble.
(more…)Saturday 24 August, as those of you who followed our Hebridean tour will know, was the day we were originally scheduled to travel to St Kilda and perform to the locals (mostly the hardy Soay sheep – one of the oldest sheep breeds in the world!) However, in the days preceding it became apparent that it was going to have to be Sunday 25 instead because of the high winds, so we suddenly we had a day to ourselves!
(more…)The final day of our tour started with a concert at the picture postcard-like Eilean Donan Castle followed by one at Nevisport (who kindly donated 45 air beds to the orchestra for our village hall camp outs!) in Fort William.
(more…)Hebrides Tour – Day 10 – St Kilda
Visiting St Kilda was probably the most memorable part of the Hebrides Tour for many of the Nevis players. Here, I’m going to attempt to share the range of strong emotions we experienced during the trip, and to explain why it was so special for us to play on Hirta, the main island of the St Kilda archipelago.
(more…)Finally! Our Hebrides tour is only a couple of rehearsal days away. Of course I’m exited to play, see the beautiful parts of Scotland I haven’t visited before, and to bring music everywhere to everyone. But meeting old friends and welcoming new faces is a big bonus.
(more…)Nevis Ensemble takes its 40-piece symphony orchestra to venues around the Outer Hebrides in August 2019 as part the biggest ever tour of the islands by an orchestra.
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