Category Archives: Music

Michael Murray is a man with a dual role. He may not don a cape and have a secret identity, but while by night he is a warden for the Ayr central shopping centre, at other times he is a classical composer. In 2019, he composed an oboe solo entitled Psycho–Scherzo thatwill be performed asContinue reading “Ayr Composer Michael Murray Celebrated by Cumnock Tryst”

The first interview I did for this article took place on an abnormally quiet, post work train journey in London. Laptop open, headphones in and I paused, wondering why I felt so apprehensive to begin the interview, then I realised it was because this interview could intensify what I was worried about: my beloved musicContinue reading “The Music Industry and COVID:19 – What Comes Next?”

During the challenging times we continue to face, Scottish Ensemble (SE) has launched three events Breathe: Music and Your Mind with Maggie’s that are inspired by their longstanding relationship with the charity. Since 2016, SE has been supporting and developing their work with people with cancer and their families by bringing live music into theirContinue reading “Scottish Ensemble put Wellness Centre Stage in Partnership with Maggie’s”

Edinburgh guitarist Kevin Mackenzie releases the first recording with his latest group this Friday, March 5. Prime Trio features Mackenzie with the former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year, Peter Johnstone on organ and first-call drummer Doug Hough, and Mackenzie is excited by both the instrumentation and the personnel involved. “The great thing for me aboutContinue reading “Recording Finds Trio in Their Prime”

Romanian singer-songwriter Lizabett Russo, Irish traditional music legend Cathal McConnell’s trio and Brazilian music specialists Trio Magico are among the line-up announced for a series of ten online gigs that starts on Monday 22 February 2021. Filmed at the Traverse Theatre using a five-camera broadcast quality set-up and professional multitrack sound, and organised by theContinue reading “Soundhouse Announces New Online Concert Series”

Thanks to a grant from Creative Scotland’s Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund, Leith Theatre is able to secure a small staff team that will enable the production of a mini-series of digital gigs called Live in Leith. The programme will provide vital incomes for industry professionals and production crew as well as for the musiciansContinue reading “Leith Theatre Launches Mini-Series of Digital Gigs for Scottish Artists”

Five of Scotland’s most talented songwriters have been paired with five community choirs across Scotland. The project is the brainchild of the producers of Scotland’s largest community choir Love Music who, under the moniker of Love Singing, have made the matches in spite of lockdown and the new ‘couples’ will now come together to createContinue reading “Love Singing Announces Pairing of Songwriters and Community Choirs”

Stuck indoors with the rain turning to snow? There’s a limit to the number of football matches and old movies you (or even I) can watch on tv. So, seeking solace in music – as I’m sure you are – let me offer you one or two suggestions for your next online purchase. Andy Irvine              Continue reading “Lockdown Listening Episode 1”

UK’s leading string orchestra, Scottish Ensemble (SE), reveals Sally Beamish as the latest classical music star to grace its Musical Book Club guest list. Sally is one of the UK’s foremost living composers, an active violist and pianist and a regular collaborator with SE. In this special discussion event, that will take place on WednesdayContinue reading “Scottish Ensemble Launches Latest in Musical Book Club Series”

Since the pandemic began, Scotland’s award-winning string orchestra, Scottish Ensemble (SE) has been treating audiences to an array of digital content. With the appointment of three new board members by their Chair Samantha Barber, their aim is to continue their commitment to reaching new audiences and promoting mental wellbeing well into the future by innovative Continue reading “Scottish Ensemble Emphasises Digital and Well Being with New Board Members”