A NEW musical work is to highlight the central role Gaelic-speaking travelling people played in the preservation and transmission of Highland traditions.
Showcasing stories and songs from prominent voices within the travelling community and incorporating archive recordings of some of the Highland travelling people it will be performed at this September’s Blas Festival.
Created by Highland musician Chloë Bryce, the piece will also feature new music inspired by the “Summer Walkers”, as it celebrates the culture of gathering together and sharing stories.
Bryce, from Tain, said she was delighted to have the chance to shed light on the lives and stories of the walkers as their traditions and customs are fast disappearing.
“In a year that marks a significant birthday for Essie Stewart, one of the last remaining people to have taken part in the summer walks, this commission will celebrate the vital contribution the travelling community has made to Scottish traditional music and storytelling,” she said.
“It is the voices of prominent figures within this community who feature at the heart of this commission; the stories they carried forming the basis for this new music.”
Bryce was commissioned to create the work by Gaelic arts organisation Fèisean nan Gàidheal.
Development manager Calum Alex Macmillan said: “In awarding this year’s Blas Festival commission, we wanted someone to create a new piece of music which would celebrate iconic stories, people and places across the Highlands and Islands.
“The region is home to a wealth of stories, legends and tales, some of which have become famous around the world and Chloë’s commission will give a real insight into the crucial role the Summer Walkers played in the preservation of so many songs, stories and traditions.”
The Blas Festival is returning to its traditional September dates following the pandemic and will be visiting communities across the Highlands with a programme celebrating the region’s rich Gaelic culture and heritage.
As well as newly composed Gaelic songs there will be collaborations between young people from Scotland and Wales and an extensive education and communities programme, as well as an online offering which will include workshops and livestreamed concerts.
“It’s great to see a commission celebrating this important part of Highland culture and Blas will provide a wonderful platform to share this exciting new piece from a talented emerging musician,” said Siobhan Anderson, music officer at Creative Scotland. The festival has a long history of commissioning interesting and innovative new pieces of work and The Summer Walkers will be a fantastic addition to the festival’s programme.”
This year’s festival will run from September 2-10. You can find more information HERE.
