Orkney images - music

This morning we were entertained by a thunderstorm which flashed and rumbled, so to speak, for about 3 hours, with torrential rain-bursts.  All quite exciting and very different from yesterday's beautiful sunshine.  


Our trip to Orkney coincided with the annual Orkney Folk Festival, and we had tickets to two concerts.  The first was a ceilidh at Finstown Community Centre, and although we were a little bemused as to what to expect before we arrived, we were in for a real treat.

The hall was packed out, long trestle tables the full length and not a spare seat available, in fact they were quite a few people standing at the back.  We were entertained by a selection of Orkney's finest musicians and guest artistes, performing a range of traditional and contemporary folk music.  The artistes were: Hullion, a local group (and something of an institution) whose repertoire of traditional music and songs and a good helping of banter had us all foot-tapping enthusiastically; Rachel Sermanni from Scotland, a young singer-songwriter with a quite incredible voice (she reminded me of Katie Melua); Three of Bu, 3 very talented local siblings who successfully combine modern technology (they had laptops on stage!) with traditional music, and finally the New Rope String Band.

This group is described in the FF programme as ' a truly unique trio', and they certainly were.  A fantastic mixture of perfectly-timed slaptick, truly amazing facial expressions and wonderful, sometimes quite bizarre musical entertainment that had the audience in stitches.  They were so funny I was crying with laughter.  There was a brilliant sketch about morris dancing, and another involving the very clever use of a video camera onstage, where the audience was transported into the dreamworld of Tim, the accordian player.  He disappeared behind the projection screen as we watched his 'dream' of finding stardom, and eventually reappeared on stage wearing just a pair of pink underpants and a lilo strapped to his back!  It had to be seen to be believed.  In between all this tomfoolery, the musicanship of these three did not go unappreciated.  The sheer energy and pace of the performance was awesome, and the audience was quite exhausted by the end, and I imagine they must have been, too.  

After all that entertainment, N and I were then amazed to find we were then fed and watered, and the community centre committee and helpers suddenly appeared with trays full of sandwiches and homebakes, and tea or coffee.  It was just wonderful, and typified for us the wonderful welcome Orkney folk extend.

By now it was 11 pm, and not being used to late nights, we were ready for our bed.  That meant we missed the dancing which was probably quite a good thing as Finstown is possibly not ready for N's dancing quite yet ;).  I have a feeling a very good time was had by all, courtesy of the Ronald Anderson Dance Band, and I am determined that on our next visit I shall stay for the dancing.

The following evening we attended 'The Isles Gathering' at the very impressive Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall.  From the Folk Festival programme:

"This year the house band of Orkney Folk: The Gathering are joining forces with 12 musicians from Shetland ina fully collaborative gala project, stages at both the Orkney and Shetland Folk Festivals - The Isles Gathering! . . . the 24-strong house band - that, in itself, showcases several generations of these islands' richly distinctive folk culture - will be joined by special guests including the Kirkwall City Pipe band and Song Shop Choir."

As the pipers began their first notes, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I knew we were in for a real treat.

I managed to capture this image of a piper silhouetted on the theatre wall

The evening was absolutely wonderful, the rich music filled the hall and lifted the spirit.  The sheer quality and depth of musical talent from Orkney and Shetland was amazing.  How do people play the fiddle like that?  And not a sheet of music in sight.  The Song Shop Choir sang unaccompanied, and one memorable song was sung with so many rounds I lost track, but the sound was breathtaking.  And the audience really appreciated Billy Jolly (who also performed with Hullion at Finstown, and is clearly a leading light in passing on Orkney musical heritage and traditions) singing 'Picky by the Sea' by Allie Windwick, which incorporated a very interesting selection of props, including chamber-pots, bits of tractors and lots of rats!!  

Judging by the lengthy standing ovation the audience gave the performers, everyone appreciated what we had been treated to.  It was great.

I always try to pick up a copy of the 'Orcadian' newspaper when I'm up there, and whilst browsing through, I came across a notice that the Kirkwall City Pipe Band ( who had been at the Gathering) were playing in Kirkwall on Saturday evening.  It seemed too good an opportunity to pass up, so we went along.

It rained on and off, and was so cold you could see your breath, but the band entertained us for over half and hour in the street just outside St Magnus' Cathedral.  It was wonderful and we gladly donated to their bucket.  We were so pleased to see many enthusiastic supporters enjoying the music, lots were visitors like ourselves.  Again, no music, it is all played from memory.  

I understand that all school-children in Orkney are given the opportunity to learn to play an instrument at school, and I believe it is free tuition.  There is clearly a huge emphasis placed on encouraging youngsters into music, and of supporting talent all through the age groups.  Stromness also has a pipe band, and there are regular ceilidhs across the islands.  It's a wonderful musical heritage, being kept alive across the generations.