Love and Loss: Remembering Martyn in Scotland's Music

is my response to all the folk who got in touch after Phil Cunningham's interview on BBC TV Scotland's Music. I decided that whatever income this CD generates, I would set up a Scottish Music Scholarship in Martyn's Memory for a student of promise at the RSAMD.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

THE ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY OF MUSIC & DRAMA

Print Programme

or write to info@margaretbennett.co.uk

April 27-May 7, 2009

A group of singers and musicians whose Gaelic forebears (MacArthurs, MacDonalds and MacIsaacs) emigrated from the Isle of Canna, Moidart and Glengarry in the 1800s will visit and perform in locations connected to their emigration. Although Cape Breton musicians, their neighbours, have often performed in Scotland , this Homecoming 2009 tour will be Scotland 's first cultural event for Newfoundland Gaels.

Two programmes are planned as outlined below. If your organisation or venue is interested in either or both, and in hosting the Homecoming Newfoundlanders, please contact Grace Notes Scotland as soon as possible.

The Homecoming Newfoundlanders' Cèilidh

 Singers and musicians, (6 professional + 6 or 7 non-professional), from three generations of the remarkable MacArthur family will perform music and songs dating from the 1790s to the present day. Instruments include fiddle, bagpipes, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and button accordion. Performers include winners of Canada 's East-Coast Music Awards and the SOCAN 'Song of the Year' winner of 2007. The cèilidh will be MC'd by Margaret Bennett.

Illustrated lecture/talk

Local Heritage Societies, Comann Eachdraidh or groups interested in the 'story of emigration' from Canna, Moidart and Glengarry and the experience of 'home-steading' in Newfoundland will have an opportunity of hearing about it. The talk, illustrated by archive recordings and video-clips of Gaelic traditions that continued in the new land, will include recordings of Allan MacArthur (b. 1881), a remarkable Gaelic tradition bearer whose parents were among the emigrants (1820s). The performers at the ceilidh represent three generations of Allan MacArthur's family.

Funding for this event is available via the Scottish Book Trust (apply before Jan 30, 2009)

Research and delivery is by folklorist Margaret Bennett whose unique fieldwork recordings in Newfoundland span four generations. (Dating from 1968 to 2007, they are part of the Archives of Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Edinburgh's School of Scottish Studies.)

Contact: Grace Notes Scotland, Ochtertyre, Perthshire , PH7 4JS

or email info@margaretbennett.co.uk

Telephone 01764-655-979 or 07786-964-300

More info

see Tour Programme