Lecture focuses on language and music

LANGUAGE, music and landscape was the focus of this year’s Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO) Lecture, presented by internationally-renowned Gaelic singer and musician Julie Fowlis.

Julie, originally from North Uist, delivered the 21st SMO Lecture, entitled ‘Playing the Skyline’, earlier this month at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on Skye.

She spoke of how music, story and poetry can strengthen people’s sense of connection with, or at times separation from, the landscape.

Her exploration of the relationship between people and their environment has led to the collaborative project of the same name, Playing the Skyline.

Julie was joined by the three other musicians involved in the project for a musical performance which formed part of her lecture.

Speaking afterwards, Julie said: ‘In 2015 I was invited by BBC Radio 4, along with five other composers from Scotland, England and Wales, to compose a new piece of music which was inspired by a landscape and its skyline.

‘The musicians involved were asked to take one landscape local to them and examine how the land meets the air and imagine how this might sound musically.

‘This project opened my eyes to the mainland Highland skylines around me and forced me to consider my own relationship with the landscape in which I now live and how music, story and poetry can reinforce one’s sense of connection to - or indeed disconnect from - a physical landscape.’

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s principal professor Boyd Robertson said: ‘I am delighted this year’s lecture was delivered by a former Sabhal Mòr student.

‘Julie Fowlis has won acclaim as a singer and musician par excellence and has showcased her Gaelic heritage to audiences worldwide.

‘We are proud of her and of the sterling work she does as a representative of, and ambassador for, our language and culture.’