Music
Phil Cunningham prepares for Christmas tour
ACCORDIONIST Phil Cunningham returns this month for his “Christmas Songbook” tour. Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, and Kevin McGuire are among the musicians joining Cunningham on stage. His band will visit Aberdeen, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, and Stirling between 13 and 20 December. “We can’t wait to hit the road…
Read MoreSt Andrew’s Day marked by kirk bells CD launch
PERTH marked St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a CD of carols featuring St John’s Kirk’s “carillon”, an instrument that controls ringing bells. St John’s Kirk in Perth has 63 bells, the largest collection in the UK. Eight were cast before the Reformation, including Perth’s oldest bell – the “Ave Maria” – which was…
Read MoreThe Commitments bring soul to the Edinburgh Playhouse
Morag Bootland just can’t get enough of that sweet soul music. WELL, if Dublin has soul then there’s no doubt that Edinburgh does too. The Commitments rolled into the Edinburgh Playhouse last night and I was literally blown away by the energy that this show exudes. The soundtrack was always going to be a winner.…
Read MoreScottish Opera names 60th emerging artist
SCOTTISH Opera is marking its 60th anniversary by appointing its 60th emerging artist. The opera company’s emerging artists perform on stage, as well as working in-house with staff and visiting coaches to develop their skills. The programme began in 2009 and has since expanded to include behind-the-scenes roles in addition to opera singers. This year’s…
Read MoreEdinburgh’s Hogmanay unveils First Footin’ music gigs
SINGER Callum Beattie is among the performers who’s signed up for “First Footin’”, a new series of gigs unveiled as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. “First Footin’” will feature an afternoon of free live music and performances taking place across the Old Town and New Town in pubs and other venues. Beattie said: “I can’t wait…
Read MoreREVIEW: “The Book of Mormon”, Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Kenny Smith enjoys The Book of Mormon at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. THE Book of Mormon is one of those shows you’ll see advertised on the Tube in London, and hear people rave about. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the minds behind adult cartoon smash South Park, and Frozen composer Robert Lopez, this…
Read MoreScottish Fiddle Orchestra eyes Usher Hall Hogmanay
THE Scottish Fiddle Orchestra will return to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on 30 December for its “Hogmanay Celebration”. Gary Innes, presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s Take The Floor, will be the evening’s compere – and might bring his accordion. Blair Parham will conduct the orchestra, which has been promoting traditional Scottish music for more than 40…
Read MoreREVIEW: “Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)”
Kenny Smith sort of reviews Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) in Glasgow. I NEVER could nor would claim to be an expert on the works of Jane Austen. To the best of my knowledge, I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice, although I do recall seeing short excerpts in television adaptations, but I do know the…
Read MoreDundee Rep unveils Cinderella cast
THE cast for Dundee Rep’s new musical production of Cinderella has been unveiled. Cinderella is swapping her glass slippers for wellies for the show, which opens on 26 November, with writer Lynda Radley turning Ella into a farmer. Hannah Visocchi will play the title role, while Dundee Rep Ensemble member Annie Louise Ross will portray…
Read More‘Forest Floor’ by Fergus McCreadie named as top album
PIANIST Fergus McCreadie won the Scottish album of the year (SAY) title last night for “Forest Floor”. McCreadie, who was also shortlisted for a Mercury Prize this year, was unable to attend the ceremony at The Albert Halls in Stirling. The award was collected on his behalf by Seonaid Aitken. It was third time lucky…
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