Event will celebrate Gaelic poet’s work
MacLean’s verses will be set to music
Published:
THE life of one of Scotland’s most influential literary figures and a poet of world stature will be celebrated at a Celtic festival this month.
Poetry penned by Sorley MacLean will be set to music by some of Scotland’s most eminent traditional composers and premiered by a selection of the country’s best musicians. It will be the first time works by the renowned Gaelic poet have been celebrated at the Celtic Connections festival at Glasgow City Hall on January 18.
The concert, Hallaig: A celebration of Sorley MacLean, will include the premiere of a setting of his most famous poem, Hallaig, which he penned in the 1950s – by leading Scottish composer, Inverness-born Stuart MacRae.
It will be directed by award-winning Gaelic singer and choral master Ken Thomson. The event will be compered by Lochaber’s Mary Ann Kennedy who will also be performing.
Archie Black, chairman of Urras Shomhairle, the Somhairle MacLean Trust, said: “The concert will celebrate the rich legacy bequeathed by Sorley MacLean, using his works as the inspiration for the creation of a number of new musical works, providing a not-to-be-missed treat for all aficionados of Gaelic music.”
Also featured will be items produced as a result of the Gaelic and music residencies established by the trust at the Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School.
The songs will be performed by Mod gold medallists Jenna Cumming, Kirsteen MacDonald, James Graham and Alasdair Whyte. Also taking part will be the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association and the Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir.
Tickets for the event are available from Celtic Connections, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, on 0141 3538000 or online through www.celticconnections.com
