Spectacular concert brings end to Dornoch Cathedral’s 800th festivities
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The climax to Dornoch Cathedral’s 800 Years Easter Weekend Celebrations was a spectacular concert with local talent performing, writes Willie Mackay.
The concert started with the vibrant sound of the pipes, brilliantly played by Georgie Maclennan and pipe instructor, Scott Murray. The harmonies, played so naturally, will live long in the memory.
They were followed by the newly formed Dornoch Firth Junior Band who entertained with “The Skye Boat Song” followed by “The Drunken Sailor.” The audience participation was great fun as “the rusty razor shaved his belly” with relish!
Lucy Robertson entertained with sets on the clarsach and her sister Isla did likewise on the piano. They came together to play the beautiful Pachelbel’s Canon which was well received by the enthusiastic audience.
Travelling up from much further afield were Glasgow-based musicians Gillie O’Flaherty and Tom Campbell, ex-pupils of organiser Graham McCarthy. Tom’s tone on the flute and whistles was simply beautiful and Gillie’s effortless guitar accompaniment, musically so instinctive, meant their sound together was a blend to behold.
The Ross-shire group “High Street” came next. With a musical style contrasting with all else in the programme, the cathedral rocked to self-penned, foot-tapping pieces. Their enjoyment in the music transferred to the audience and brought a smile to all faces. These youngsters were joined by Isla and Lucy to form the “Machine” and showed their versatility with some fast-flowing sets of traditional music.
The evening’s conclusion was the hauntingly beautiful “Highland Cathedral” played by Georgie on the pipes. It was a fitting finale to a great evening of music.
A big thank you to all the musicians who played and to Stephen MacKintosh for the magnificent sound and lighting. £862 was raised for Cathedral funds.
