Contours | Mhairi Hall Trio Cairngorm

Contours

Insightful yet exhilarating, Contours of Cairngorm seamlessly unites the Scottish traditional and classical genres, and musicians.

'Contours of Cairngorm' is a beautiful and exhilarating through composed piece, which has been developed from Mhairi Hall Trio's Cairngorm music. The strings, which were arranged by Patsy Reid and Mhairi, help evoke the contours of the mountain adding a new texture to this highly acclaimed music. It was recorded live from The Grand City Halls in Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections 2011 and was performed by the Mhairi Hall Trio with Patsy and the Edinburgh Quartet.

Some things are just exciting to hear. Mhairi Hall's piano playing and arranging is one of them. BRIGHT YOUNG FOLK

Mhairi and Patsy have received support from Enterprise Music Scotland to put on a series of workshops and concerts. Their ethos is to bridge the gap between traditional and classical musicians through learning, sharing and making music together. If you have a string group and are interested in finding out more, please get in touch.

You can hear extracts from the piece on the Gifts page

Contours of Cairngorm – Woodend Barn, Banchory – 20th April

Download the Application Form.
Applications will be accepted from Monday 18th February 2013.

An excellent opportunity for string players in Aberdeenshire and beyond..

Originally performed at Celtic Connections 2011, Contours of Cairngorm brings together four of Scotland’s most celebrated traditional musicians: pianist Mhairi Hall, fiddler/violinist Patsy Reid, guitarist Michael Bryan and percussionist Fraser Stone. The music, specially orchestrated by Patsy and Mhairi for the renowned Edinburgh Quartet, successfully showcases traditional Scottish music, whilst combining classical approaches to performing and learning.

Thanks to financial assistance from Enterprise Music Scotland, the successful applicants will assume the role of the string quartet, learning the art of ensemble playing at the forefront of the Scottish music scene. The experience will be extremely beneficial to all bowed string players interested in experiencing traditional music from a classical approach or vice-versa. As a result, instrumentalists from both backgrounds would find the process highly challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.

Who can take part?

If you play the fiddle, violin, viola, cello and are of a Grade 4 standard (or equivalent), please do not hesitate in applying. We hope to attract all ages and abilities, whilst ensuring the project will be of equal benefit to all.

What will happen?

From 9.30 am on Saturday 20^th April, the appointed string players will learn Contours of Cairngorm under the direction and expertise of Patsy, Mhairi, Michael and Fraser. That very night, they will perform the piece in the Woodend Barn, Banchory alongside the Mhairi Hall Trio and Patsy Reid.

How do I apply?

Simply fill in the application form, listing your performing experience and any musical qualifications you have. Please return the form as an attachment to contourscg@gmail.com. Alternatively you can post it to Susan Whyte, Woodend Barn, Banchory, AB31 5QA. The cost of the workshop is £35/£25, details are on the application form. Payment can be made by cheque to 'The Woodend Barn' or by paypal below.