Strathfest Summer Concert
Kingussie Parish Church - 25/06/23
The future of classical and traditional music is in their hands. Very rarely do you get professional musicians playing alongside and with their talented pupils. This rare occurrence happened at the Strathfest summer concert this Sunday afternoon. With dwindling funds and on the same day Glastonbury was broadcast, a small rebellion took place at a charming parish church in the Highlands. Music Festivals have always provided an opportunity for young people to test their skills and for talent to emerge. This concert was a one-off. Presented by professionals of the calibre of Charlie McKerron of Capercaillie fame, the programme was a musical mix of many parts. Opening with Concerto for two violins BWV: ‘Vivace’ by JS Bach, with young Zoe Allen playing in a quartet comprised of Jon Rutter, Kate Ellingson and Robin Versteeg (conductor of the Highland Chamber Orchestra and the Ness Sinfonia). This was followed by a potpourri of various classical and modern offerings, including a rendition by Zoe Atkinson of C. M Schoenberg’s ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ ‘from ‘Les Miserables’ and Agatha Christie’s ‘Poirot by C Gunning‘ and ‘Saxsequential’ by P. Harris, performed by teen Matthew McHendry on saxophone, ‘Tarantella’ by A. Haughton, a duet played by Ioan Pizzaro and Fin Benbow and followed again by Jon Rutter, leading young players Zoe Allen, Angus Robinson, 1st violin, Mackie Robinson and Elijah Versteeg, second violin, Concerto in D Major, RV110 by Vivaldi. Internationally renowned tenor, Christopher Josey, then treated us to ‘A Green Lowland of Pianos from 3 songs, op.45’ by S Barber, accompanied by Robin Versteeg. This was followed by the delightful young pianist Ann-Louise Stirling on piano performing ‘Süsse Traumerei’ by P.J Tchaikovsky. Young Fiona McGill charmed the audience with a traditional unaccompanied song ‘An Coile Chno Taobh Loch Lagain ‘. This was followed by a stunning performance on clarinet by professional Emily Oates of ‘From Galloway’ (2000) by J. MacMillan. The Traditional Waulking songs are being kept alive by the children of Newtonmore Primary School who sang and worked the Tweed with conversation and songs. This was followed by a professional performance by Jon Rutter and Kate Ellingson of W. Piston’s ‘Duo for Viola and Cello Allegro Risoluto’. Talented Cailean McKerron, soon off to Plockton Music School, played G. Duncan’s ‘The Sleeping Tune’ on piano followed by talented Xander Johnson on fiddle playing Scott Skinners’ ‘Compliments to Dr MacDonald’, Kirstie’s by C. McKerron and ‘The Sound of Sleat’ by D. MacKinnon. Local Clarsach composer Marie-Louise Napier’s ‘The Wishing Waltz’ was a joyful experience, performed by Solveig Dennis and Elizabeth Walsh along with their tutor Emma Wright, followed by ‘Indigo Moon’ by E Milne, a solo piano performance by Finn Benbow. We were back in musical theatre when young Rebecca Dargie sang, ‘I Wonder’ from ’Mamma Mia! Here we go again’, followed by brother and sister Leo and Aliyanah Fry playing the piano duet ‘Rondino’ by A. Diabelli. The concert closed with a rousing set by the Feis Spe Junior Band, giving us a lively performance of Green’s ‘For the Young’ effortlessly segueing into Seamus Begley Polkas. The concert was introduced by Robin Versteeg, taking time off from his busy conducting schedule to also accompany on piano where needed.
What a rare treat this afternoon turned out to be! By bringing together elite players along with emerging talent the future of music in the Highlands rests on them. An important and unique event, demonstrating the need for music tuition and performance to be a priority outside the metropolis.
