THERE are few Scottish song projects that make the news. And there are even fewer that can stake a claim on making history.
Macmath: The Silent Page managed to do both in the Spring this year, garnering local, national and international resonance within a few days of its world premiere in the Ryan Centre, Stranraer, on Tuesday, 26 May.
This ground-breaking project, specially commissioned by the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, saw seven of the region’s, and indeed Scotland’s, best traditional musicians get together to resurrect the hidden archives of Glenkens man, William Macmath, an early 20th century song collector.
Three pioneering performances during the festival and a subsequent CD release, were the culmination of months of work by this group of award-winning musicians who have come to be known as the “Magnificent Seven”: Ali Burns, Emily Smith, Robyn Stapleton, Jamie McClennan, Aaron Jones, Claire Mann and Wendy Stewart.
Now they are back.
On Saturday, October 3, at 7.30pm, Macmath: The Silent Page will be sung again at Dalry Town Hall, giving the region’s audiences another chance to experience the extraordinary musicianship of Wendy on harp and button accordion; Claire on flute, tin whistle and violin; Jamie on guitar and fiddle; and Aaron on guitar, bouzouki and cittern, accompanied by the beautiful and melodious voices of two of Scotland’s most celebrated singers: Emily and Robyn.
Directed by songwriter Ali Burns, the musicians will be joined by The Feral Choir and celebrated Dumfries poet and author Tom Pow will provide the dialogue celebrating the life of this, until now, unsung hero from Glenkens.
Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival programme director, Peter Renwick, said: “Macmath: The Silent Page is a showcase for the very high standard of musicianship to be found in Dumfries and Galloway.
“The team have produced a world class performance from some ancient forgotten songs from Wigtownshire and Kirkcudbrightshire.
“With nearly 30 people on stage, the show is a triumphant celebration of the life of one man from the Glenkens who dedicated his life to collecting songs. It is a revival of our heritage and a musical tour de force.”
Tickets £12/ £10 from the Midsteeple Dumfries 01387 253383.
Further information from www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
Macmath Comes to Dalry Town Hall
