A POPULAR Highland arts organisation will celebrate its silver jubilee next year with a host of new events and the appointment of its first ambassador, organisers revealed yesterday.
Feis Rois, which encourages people of all ages to celebrate their Gaelic heritage, plans to open its 30th anniversary with a concert at Glasgow’s City Halls as part of Celtic Connections in January.
The show will include performances from a number of professional musicians as well as pupils from St Clement’s School, Dingwall, who have worked with Feis Rois musicians on a new composition.
Head teacher Maureen Mackenzie said it was an invaluable experience for the pupils.
Next year Feis Rois will be extending its annual calendar to include Feis Rois nan Oileanach Gaidhlig – The Student Feis.
Feis Rois manager Fiona Dalgetty said: “Feis Rois nan Oileanach Gaidhlig will give students from across Scotland the opportunity to use their Gaelic in an informal setting while learning new skills in traditional music, song and dance.”
Yesterday, organisers revealed that Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis will take up the role of Feis Rois ambassador for next year and will be involved in a number of events throughout the year.
Meanwhile, pupils at a Highland school for children with special needs will engage in creative music making with the help of a Feis Rois champion.
Feis Rois hopes to build on the success of its recent project where it worked with young people with additional needs for the first time by introducing pupils at St Duthus School, at Tain, to Gaelic music.
Staff and pupils will work with Mairearad Green , who was named as this year’s Feis Rois composer of the year, on a new composition and perform it to family and friends in June next year.
Ms Green said: “I’m delighted that Feis Rois have commissioned me to compose new music for the pupils at St Duthus School.”
