String sounds from Solway

Jun 24 2009 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Wednesday

FIVE hundred strings promise a summer concert for the senses at the MacRobert next week.

The 15 members of Solway Harps are mostly from the south-west of Scotland and their Stirling concert on Friday, July 3, marks their first performance outside their home area.

Performing two pieces specially composed for the group, they will also be joined by guest soloist Isobel Meiras to sing a wide range of Scottish ballads, works by Robert Burns and songs from the present day.

Musical director Joan Bailey said: “Isobel has been closely associated with Solway Harps since the group was formed just over five years ago. She has supported and encouraged us so it is appropriate she is our soloist.

“We will be playing a number of her lovely arrangements and compositions and also arrangements by Anne Macdearmid and by American harpist Shari Pack”.

The concert will feature two commissions for the group. Joan said: “In 2007 composer Richard Glover, who was then based in Manchester, wrote ‘Loose Change’, an exhilarating and vibrant work in the modern style.

“Last year we were delighted to have ‘A Solway Daydream’, a gentle work by Clive Pollard from London, evocative of the Dumfries and Galloway countryside.

“We decided as a challengeto present a concert featuring both works, each conducted by its composer.”

Solway Harps perform in the MacRobert at 7.30pm on July 3. Tickets, priced £10 (£8 under-18s), are available from the box office on 01786 466666.