Memorial tune ‘The Beauty of Moray’ premiered at schools, care homes and a community concert
Musicians Duncan Chisholm and Hamish Napier shared their newly commissioned work ‘The Beauty of Moray’ with people across Moray through workshops, recitals and a community concert.
Image credit: Graeme Roger
Primary school students and care home residents were the first to hear the new memorial tune as part of small intimate concerts by Duncan and Hamish during two days of visits at locations across Moray.
Mosstodloch Primary and Milne’s Primary in Fochabers each saw the whole school gather together to hear the musicians speak about their love of music and share a range of songs and tunes. The children were encouraged to have a go at learning an instrument and had a fantastic time clapping along to the music.
Anderson’s Care Home in Elgin and Speyside Care Home in Aberlour also each received a special concert of songs and tunes, with some staff and residents clearly moved by the beauty of the music.
Image credit: Graeme Roger
The week culminated in a composition workshop for young musicians and a community concert in Fochabers, organised with support from Mhairi Marwick of the Arc Sessions, which saw around 350 people in attendance. Local musicians had been encouraged to learn the memorial tune in the lead-up to the concert and were given the opportunity to join Duncan and Hamish on stage to perform the piece in a moving finale to the evening.
Participant feedback:
“Covid made me so sad. This concert has started the healing process. Thank you Duncan and Hamish.”
“I found lockdown very difficult. It is so wonderful to be able to get out and about, especially to hear good entertainment again. Live music makes such a difference to one's well-being.”
“A great concert with some lovely tunes. Nice to have a new tune to pass down the generations as a legacy from this time.”
“Wonderfully emotive. I had tears in my eyes and joy in my heart. A thoughtful and creative way to reflect on a time no one was left unchanged by”
“An uplifting and inspiring evening to enable people to move on from recent past experiences.”
“Evocative and mesmerising storytelling through music. We were taken on a wonderful journey—live music - no better Legacy. Amazing evening, tremendous talent, thank you.”
“What a wonderful experience embracing the true culture of Moray!”
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