The Cairngorms National Park can boast its own theme tune – well five of them actually!
Thanks to a community event initiated by the Strathdee Music Club, talented north-east musician Paul Anderson has composed five traditional Scottish fiddle tunes to celebrate the National Park’s first year.
The world premier of Paul’s compositions – ‘Cairngorm Glory’; ‘The Devil’s Elbow’; Walking the High Cairngorms’; ‘Ben Macdui’ and ‘The Cambus O’ May’ – will take place this weekend (Friday 10 December) at the Victory Hall in Aboyne as part of a special Christmas Concert organised by the Club.
With a multi-cultural flavour, the event – ‘The Three Violins Concert’ – features Paul Anderson as well as Russian Gypsy Violinist, Oleg Pomonarev and Lev Atlas – who is currently principle viola with the Scottish Opera Orchestra. They will be joined on the guitar by Nigel Clark, one of Scotland’s best know jazz guitarists.
The group are offering concert goers a real cross-cultural music treat, appealing to all ages and tastes – as well as the premier of the five compositions celebrating the Cairngorms National Park.
As part of the event, Oleg, Lev and Nigel are offering music masterclasses on guitar and violin the following morning (Saturday 11 December) for all those who want to improve their talents and skills.
Mary Holt from the Strathdee Music Club said: “Paul, Oleg and Lev are all outstanding musicians and by bringing together these three violinists, from their different traditions and cultures – with Nigel Clark on the guitar – we aim to create something that is very exciting.”
Speaking about his new compositions dedicated to the Cairngorms National Park, Paul Anderson said: “Coming from the Howe of Cromar, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, and having spent a great deal of time travelling through the Park, I just have to look around me for the inspiration to compose these tunes.
“As a traditional Scottish fiddler the compositions were always going to be in a traditional style which I think is very appropriate.”
For those wishing to attend the concert on Friday, which begins at 8pm, tickets can be obtained from Joyelles in Station Square Braemar, Aboyne Community Centre or from Mary Holt on tel: 013398 86358. Tickets are priced £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Saturday’s music masterclasses for intermediate and advanced players will run from 10am – 12pm at the Victory Hall in Aboyne.