CONCERT: JOHN RAE AND THE NORTHERN TELEGRAPH ROUTE
Nordic Viola and the Faroese chamber ensemble Aldubáran come together to perform four brand-new works by northern composers – inspired by Dr John Rae’s northern telegraph survey of 1860 aboard the Fox, and performed in the Cathedral that contains his memorial.
The composers are Stuart MacRae and Ailie Robertson (Scotland), Eli Tausen á Lava (Faroe), and Arnannguaq Gerstrøm (Greenland/Denmark). There are themes of journeying, discovery of new landscapes, communication and cultural connections, and the use of Arctic land by others for energy and resources.
The combined ensemble includes flute, clarinet, two violins, viola and cello, alongside poetry by Lesley Harrison and modern reflections from indigenous communities on land and the natural world.
Supported by Creative Scotland, The Vaughan Williams Foundation, The Hinrichsen Foundation, The Francis Routh Trust, and Felagið Føroysk Tónaskøld – the Association of Faroese Composers.
Ailie Robertson is supported by PRS Foundation’s Open Fund
“Fleur Ward’s presentation at UHI’s 6th International St Magnus Conference on John Rae and the Northern Telegraph Route in Shetland Museum immediately resonated with me. It encompasses perfectly Nordic Viola’s focus on the islands of the North Atlantic and offers an opportunity to reflect on these islands’ role in communication and connection across the Northern Hemisphere from both a historic and modern perspective.” – Katherine Wren, founder of Nordic Viola
“I am amazed because I have used some time to investigate this event with the telegraph. It was my great-great grandfather who was their guide when they visited the Faroes 1860. They came with the vessel Fox. It is informally called the Fox expedition. I have the report here and me and my cousin even walked in their trail from Tórshavn, Oyrareingir, Skæling, Frammi við Gjónna, Hvalvík and Haldórsvík.”
– Ólavur Jakobsen, director of Aldubáran
“My father is a keen amateur radio operator and is delighted I am asking him questions about marine telegraphy and Morse! The delay and time-lapse in communication and translation opens up very interesting spaces for us artists to explore – spaces filled with tides and depths ….” – Lesley Harrison
The Fox by Sarah Barnard
