Emeli Sande has watched recent terrorist attacks at music events with a sense of incredulity.
But, as she prepares to make her first-ever concert appearance at Aberdeen’s AECC tonight, she sent out the defiant message: “It’s a scary world, but let’s all make music
together.”
The 30-year-old from Alford was as shocked as everyone else by the bombing at an Ariana Grande performance, which killed 22 people in Manchester in May, but she will perform there on October 22.
“These things are horrific,” she said. “But as a musician, I hope I can bring people closer together.
“That’s why we do what we do. And, by starting this tour in Aberdeen, I also hope I can say thanks to so many of the people who helped me get to where I am today.”
Ms Sande, who has gained global fame with two best-selling albums, Our Version of Events and Long Live the Angels, has also backed Aberdeen’s bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2025.
And she told the Press and Journal last night she was determined to help support arts and cultural projects across the region.
She added: “I’m very much behind the City of Culture bid, because there is an incredible amount of talent in the north-east and it means so much to me whenever I return here.
“I have seen the signs in the city, saying ‘Art is the new Oil’, and I honestly believe culture can be so important in transforming and enhancing people’s lives. From the time when I was a youngster, I loved all the different types of music across the city, from classical, to rock and pop, and jazz and soul and African… There was every genre you can imagine.”
The singer, who performed during the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2012 London Olympics, has already joined forces with Aberdeen Performing Arts to help transform an iconic city venue.
The charity has raised £6.5million of the £7.9million required for the revamp of the Music Hall and Ms Sande, who is an ambassador for the project, spelled out her determination to ensure it was completed as soon as possible.
She said: “I am very honoured to help spread the word. Art is so important and there is a really vibrant scene here in the place where I grew up.”