Musical Gift for Homecoming

Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations

Posted: 19/11/2009

Congregations across Aberdeenshire will not only be singing from the same hymn sheet but playing from the same unique musical score as part of official Homecoming Scotland Finale celebrations.

Renowned local fiddler Paul Anderson was commissioned earlier this year by Aberdeenshire Council’s arts development team to create an iconic piece that was inspired by the area’s natural dramatic scenery.

‘Land of the Standing Stones’ has since become a musical thread that has inspired eight further composers with connections to Aberdeenshire, including a reworking of the tune for organ by Dr Roger Williams MBE.

Communities across the north east have now been gifted these compositions and encouraged to use them as part of their own events to mark St Andrew’s Day.

Plans are already underway for a special service on Sunday, November 29 at the Forgue Old Parish Kirk, by Huntly.

Dr David Smith, respected organist and acting head of music at the University of Aberdeen, will be performing the organ piece at a service led by the Rev Alison Jaffrey who is a specialist on Scotland’s patron saint. A solo violinist will also perform Paul Anderson’s tune.

Carol Leathley, Aberdeenshire Council principle arts officer, said, “We’ve gifted the tunes so that a large number of communities and groups can be involved in the musical celebrations, regardless of their physical location.”

“If you would like to participate in the Aberdeenshire-wide celebration and include the Paul Anderson or Dr Roger Williams piece in your event, visit the Land of the Standing Stones website.”

Councillor Richard Stroud, chairman of the Education, Learning and Leisure committee, said: “It is wonderful to see communities across Aberdeenshire coming together on projects like this one and helping to create what will be a memorable St Andrews Day celebration.”

The musical gifts are just one part of a wider arts project to celebrate and share the area’s musical heritage and contemporary vibrancy.

A one-off showcase concert at Inverurie Town Hall on November 30 will unite all composers and include performances by the Edinburgh Quartet and the Old Blind Dogs as well as more than 50 talented young musicians from across Aberdeenshire.

Tickets cost £5 (£3.50 concessions) and are available to buy online at www.landofthestandingstones.co.uk

Website link

www.landofthestandingstones.co.uk