Talent showcased around the world
10-day run can still be enjoyed by digital audiences
The organisers of Perth Festival of the Arts are reflecting on a “unique” experience after the event came to a close at the weekend.
The 10-day online run ended with a performance by Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Nicola Benedetti, followed by an energetic show with The Snuts.
But, with the festival having to take place without audiences, music lovers can still enjoy the performances on the internet over the next few weeks.
Helen MacKinnon, festival administrator, explained: “This is a unique year for the festival whereby if you missed the first broadcast, you can still grab a front row ticket and enjoy this incredible range of concerts from the comfort of your living room over the coming week.”
With productions having gained four-star reviews and applause from critics and audiences alike, the festival’s programme has featured top artists, from the world-leading choir The Sixteen to awardwinning Perthshire musicians Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton, and the phenomenal jazz ensemble Fergus McCreadie Trio.
As well as showing the crème de la crème of Scottish talent, the festival has included international performers hailing from Russia, China and Germany whilst also promoting the ‘rising stars’ in the Scottish music scene.
Having adapted early to the COVID restrictions to plan for 2021, the 49-year-old festival embraced a new model that saw 20 concerts and events recorded and delivered online this May.
The charity partnered with Stagecast – leaders in the field of classical music video production – and set out to ambitiously film a programme that would showcase Perth to the world.
Ms MacKinnon added: “In a
Fat-Suit performed for Perth Festival of the Arts typical festival year, the majority of our festival audience comes from Perth and Kinross, around a third from across Scotland and a small percentage from the wider UK/abroad.
“This year we had the unique opportunity to showcase our city to the world through digital connections and by pairing artists with Perth’s beautiful cultural venues.
“Our audiences have tuned in from right across Europe, the States, Australia, Mexico and Singapore – the list of countries is incredible. We hope that people will be inspired to visit our city and Scotland for future festivals.”
Tickets for online concerts are priced at £5-8. Visit www. perthfestival.co.uk for more information.
This year we had the unique opportunity to showcase our city to the world