Holy Cross Church in the west side of Edinburgh is the venue for a one-off concert that will feature the world premiere of a new piece that will be performed by clarinettist Calum Robertson and pianist Juliette Philogene for whom the piece was commissioned.
The piece, entitled What’s for you…, is one of two commissioned by Live Music Now Scotland (LMNS) and written by Jennifer Martin, who recently co-wrote Creative Composition for the Classroomwith composer and Cumnock Tryst founder Sir James MacMillan. It is a reflective piece that was inspired by the hopes, joys and fears that must come with motherhood; joyous, irregular, humorous, difficult, but always looking on the bright side. The second is ‘Bi-Cycle’ and will also be performed by Juliette Philogene. The two LMNS commissions were made possible by funding from Gavin McEwan. Also featured will be Nocturneby Ronald Stevenson and Three dances by Germaine Tailleferre.
Jennifer Martin, who is also Chief Executive of the Cumnock Tryst said “It is a huge honour to have been asked to create two bespoke pieces for Live Music Now Scotland, an organization whose work is so vitally important when it comes to getting live music to those who may not otherwise get a chance to hear it, and in the career development of musicians.
Both ‘Bi-Cycle’ and ‘What’s for you…’ examine the relationship between mother and daughter in a myriad of ways, and I can’t wait to hear them in the beautiful surroundings of Holy Cross Church, performed by the brilliantly talented Calum and Juliette.”
Throughout lockdown Holy Cross Church was incredibly supportive of LMNS, engaging artists to sing and play as part of worship when live performances were not allowed elsewhere, so choosing them as a location is not by chance. On top of that, the costs were also covered by the congregation, so a live world premiere is a fitting tribute. The concert will slot into a new series of afternoon events in the church.
Director at LMNS, Carol Main MBE said “We are so excited to see a public LMNS performance, and a world premiere no less, return to the wonderful surrounds of Holy Cross Church in Edinburgh. Not only is it a beautiful space, but one we feel a deep affinity with after the support they have shown our musicians throughout the pandemic.
We also feel incredibly lucky to be able to hear these two pieces, commissioned especially for our musicians by the amazingly talented Jennifer Martin and performed by the equally talented Calum and Juliette, surrounded by a live audience.”
The concert, that is free of charge, will take place at 3pm on Sunday 24 October at Holy Cross Church, Davidson’s Mains, Edinburgh.
Tickets can be booked at scotland@livemusicnow.org
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 