An iconic Aberdeen concert hall will stage three send-off shows this week ahead of its two-year closure for a £7 million refurbishment.
Starting this evening, Aberdeen Performing Arts will be hosting three farewell events at the historic Music Hall on Union Street before it officially closes on Saturday evening.
Designed by the famous Granite City architect Archibald Simpson and opened in 1852, the venue has been the location of thousands of performances, gigs, talks and other events during its history, but is now starting to show its age.
The multi-millionpound revamp of the Victorian-era building is estimated to take at least two years, and APA has scheduled concerts for tonight, tomorrow and Saturday before the curtain descends.
This evening’s event, “Lights Oot: Connected”, will be a showcase of music by two associate artists working for APA who have put together a musical performance inspired by their residencies in communities around the north-east.
Friday night’s show, titled “Your Hall Your Story”, will be an evening of storytelling from people across the north-east, keen to share their Music Hall memories.
And, on Saturday night, a ceilidh will be held, culminating with the grand finale with the great doors of the Music Hall being locked for the final time until 2018.
Ben Torrie, APA’s director of programming and creative projects, said: “Tickets are still available for all three events, but look like they could be selling out soon.
“These events will be a opportunity for Aberdonians to celebrate the Music Hall, and the influence it has had on both civic and cultural life in the city.
“Saturday’s ceilidh will be led by the Scottish Ceilidh All Stars, and the final act in the Music Hall, before the lights go out, will be the world premiere of a new piece of music called ‘Hibernation’.
“We’re still working with contractors to absolutely nail down the dates [for the refurb], but it will be taking the best part of two years to undertake all the work.
To purchase tickets, visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com
