Big applause as live music returns
Live concert music made a welcome return to Kinross last weekend with longawaited performances by local young talent.
Organised by KLEO (Kinrossshire Local Events Organisation) the Sunday, August 30 concert was supported and hosted by the Green Hotel in the guest courtyard.
Just over a hundred local residents attended and it was strictly managed by staff in order to adhere to the latest COVID-19 rules on social distancing for outdoor events, which was agreed with Perth and Kinross Council.
The musicians, hotel staff and organisers gave their services for free, with the audience given free entry.
The programme presented by the young talented musicians ranged from light classics, popular songs, film music, blues and rock.
A spokesperson for the event said: “There were beautiful performances of classics such as ‘Meditation’ and ‘Salut D’Amour’ for violin and Debussy’s ‘Arabesque No.1’ for piano. An arresting contribution of the famous aria from opera ‘Pagliacci’ was played on cornet.
“Jazz, pop and film music was performed on various combinations of violin, guitar, piano and voice.
“A high energy performance of original songs and covers by local rock band ‘Trading Glances’ finished the show with aplomb.
“It was very well received by the audience who showed their appreciation by generously donating £315 to Help Musicians Scotland.”
The visiting music lovers were also asked to make voluntary contributions in aid of Help Musicians Scotland.
The charity provides help, support and opportunities to empower musicians, including health and welfare services and creative development funding.
Andrew Mitchell of Oakford Media, who recorded the event, commented on the quality of music that “the talent on display was amazing” and “it was a joy to hear live music again after so many months”.
Sharon Doyle, local violin teacher and musician, said: “The concert was wonderfully uplifting at a time when musical activities and performance opportunities had declined”.
The concert fulfilled the desire of the Musicians Union Scotland. Its regional officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland Caroline Sewell suggested that “outdoor live performances could be a very helpful first step in helping musicians at this time,” in not only bringing them income but allowing “the community to re-engage with music”.
The concert was streamed on Sunday, September 6 at www. oakford-media.co.uk/helpingmusicians/ with some parts of the concert to soon be available for later viewing.
There is also a Just Giving page open for donations in support of Help Musicians Scotland at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ helpmusiciansscotland