the music
Argyll Rhapsody 07 was written and directed by Argyll musician Donald Shaw and resulted in a fusion of what is traditionally strong in Argyll and modern Scottish music.
Homecoming Rhapsody 09 is a development of this theme featuring a pupils’ orchestra which includes pipers, fiddlers, orchestral and band instrumentation, percussion and a 25 piece choir all accompanied by professional traditional musicians.
As well as a composer of international repute and director of Celtic Connections Donald Shaw is a performer, being a founder member of the band Capercaillie. Donald embraced this commission with enthusiasm and cultural integrity. He immersed himself in the archives of the School of Scottish Studies collecting Argyll texts which he has set to music which has been inspired by the historic and cultural heart of Argyll whilst still managing to give Argyll Rhapsody a 21st century relevance. The pieces are both aspirational and inspirational and include Gaelic song featuring an eclectic mix of instruments that have been sourced from the rich heritage of the established tradition within Argyll. This approach to the creation of the music has helped to embed a sense of pride and knowledge of their culture within the pupils involved.
CAST held the first musical rehearsal for Homecoming Rhapsody 09 on 25th August.
Lochgilphead Joint Campus was the venue for the session with 17 pipers and 7 singers from Hermitage Academy, Oban High, Tiree High, Dunoon Grammar, Lochgilphead High and Campbeltown Grammar. The pupils worked together with their piping tutors, Donald Shaw and vocalist Maeve Mackinnon steering the core choir and pipers through gaelic songs and piping repertoire which was used during the concert and fashion show.
1st rehearsal for 2009-25th August, Lochgilphead.