Michael Marra and Mr McFall’s Chamber to play Perth Festival of the Arts

May 18 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE talented and entertaining Michael Marra makes a very welcome return to Perth Festival of the Arts – and this time the renowned singer/songwriter shares the stage with Mr McFall’s Chamber, a six-piece ensemble who themselves are held in high esteem across various musical genres.

Their Perth Theatre concert on Monday, May 24, will include a selection of Marra’s own songs, alongside accordion music from Finland, 19th century Cuban tunes, folk-influenced classical music from the Czech Republic and Argentinean tango.

Dundee-born Michael Marra is now part of Scotland’s living treasures collection. His songs range from the humorous to the poignant, covering personal and political issues with wit and depth.

Mr McFall’s Chamber is a chamber music group which makes adventurous forays into unusual musical territories and is renowned for its eclectic approach to music programming.

Marra and McFall’s first joined forces in 2006 for the last of the famous None Of The Above evenings at the Bongo Club, Edinburgh. At that event the Mr McFall’s Chamber joined Marra on stage for two songs – which gave both parties a desire to work up a full programme together in the future.

Their Perth Festival night is the fourth concert in a 12-venue tour of Scotland for Marra and the McFall’s line-up of Claire Sterling (first violin) who is principal second violin with the SCO; Robert McFall (second violin), the principal arranger and violinist with the SCO; Su-a Lee (cello) who also plays the musical saw and is sub-principal cello in the SCO; fellow SCO member Brian Schiele (viola); Rick Standley (bass), principal bass with the Scottish Ballet and an experienced jazz player on both double bass and electric bass; and Phil Alexander (piano), a contemporary music specialist who plays in Salsa Celtica, Moishe’s Bagel and other jazz groups.

The concert starts at 7.30pm – tickets for all Perth Festival events from the box offices at Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall, telephone 01738 621031 and online www.horsecross.co.uk