Scottish gems to be performed in Dunkeld Cathedral

Aug 6 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THERE is a chance to catch some rarely-heard Scottish gems in Dunkeld Cathedral on Wednesday, September 15, at 7.30pm when Feargus Hetherington (violin) and Will Pickvance (piano) perform a selection of newly re-discovered classical settings of Scottish folk themes by three Edinburgh-born composers from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The programme will also include a Rondo by Mozart and some of their own jazz and show tune arrangements.

And during the evening, Feargus will be joined by outstanding Birnam-based fiddler, Pete Clark.

Feargus said: “Performing the works of Scottish classical composers is a special experience, because, as a Scot myself, I feel very close to the music, and what it seeks to express. The pieces dance, sing, lament or rejoice, all in a very eloquent and uniquely Scottish way.”

The Dunkeld concert is the first stop on Feargus and Will’s ‘Through the Wood, Laddie’ tour of the Highlands, during which Feargus will be playing on the ‘Sherlock’ violin, completed last year by Edinburgh instrument maker Steve Burnett.

The violin, which has a direct link to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has been performed to critical acclaim over the past 150th anniversary year of the author’s birth, in concerts in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, for a range of a children’s and environmental charities.

Feargus and Will will be giving short workshops for young people in Dunkeld on the afternoon of the concert. Net proceeds from the concert will be given to the Cathedral to promote musical opportunities for young people in the Dunkeld area.

Violinist Feargus has given recitals and chamber music performances in major venues in the UK and abroad including Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Ireland and the USA. He has developed a strong interest in Scottish classical music and has premiered many contemporary works to critical acclaim. He has recorded for BBC Radio 3 and 4 and will deliver lecture/recitals throughout Scotland and in the US during the year.

Will, who performs his own works for theatre and silent movies, is a versatile jazz pianist as well as a fine accompanist, he performs regularly in the UK as well as major musical capitals.

Tickets for their September 15 concert, start 7.30pm, are £10 (£6 concessions), available from the Birnam Institute, telephone 01350 727674 and online www.birnamarts.com