Musicians join forces to create new anthem
Crieff c u l t u ral hub Strathearn Arts has a new theme tune.
Following an open invitation from composer, musician, and storyteller, Scot AnSgeulaiche, nine professional local musicians collaborated on a piece with the aim of capturing the essence of Strathearn Arts as a venue and forum for artists and musicians.
Working entirely remotely during lockdown, the ensemble of all ages brought together a remarkable range of local talent.
In order of appearance in the piece they are John Dew ( great Highland bagpipe and whistle); Scot AnSgeulaiche (acoustic guitar, bodhran ans saz); Rose Logan (fiddle); Jennie and Jamie Turnbull ( piano); Cathy Tilbrook (cello); Robbie Hutton (vocals and acoustic guitar); John Paul Mason (additional lyrics) and Connor Sinclair (acoustic guitar and flute).
The completed work takes two traditional pieces, The Battle of Crieff Pass and Crieff Fair, and combines them with a brand new composition, A Kiss and A Rose, which is the work of talented emerging songwriter, Robbie Hutton.
Strathearn Arts director Phil Mestecky said: “The result is a creative, passionate, and responsive piece that draws on our sense of place - the beauty of the natural environment in and around Strathearn, our history, our community - and the way in which art and music brings the community together and enriches the lives of the people that make up Strathearn today.
“This was a beautiful, organic and creative project which melded together musicians from different backgrounds, generations and musical traditions to respond to and capture the essence of the Strathearn we all love.
“We are enormously grateful to Scot and his fellow musicians.
“Strathearn Arts are delighted to have Crieff Fair’s Kiss and A Rose so generously gifted to us for our future use and archive.
“And thanks to Nigel Gatherer, George Carson and Colin Mayall we now have a fabulous video to accompany the music.”
To hear the anthem and view the video, see www.strathearnarts.org.