Music 2021

We have a rich mix of musical strands. There is music inspired by astronomy, with the five bright stars of the constellation Auriga each represented by a separate instrument, and music influenced by Nordic landscape and history in a concert of new work by composers from Ireland, Orkney and Faroe. We will also meet composers whose work is influenced by issues of climate and environment.

FIVE STARS IN AURIGA

September 2, 2021 → 9:00 pm ─ 10:00 pm

The stars and their origins are the theme of three works by the Scottish composer Edward McGuire – interwoven here with stories from the Scottish Borders of lives connected by astronomy and space. Each of the five stars is represented by a separate instrument, with the first trumpet for the brightest, fiery Capella. Howie Firth’s text for the linking narrative and its Borders theme was inspired by many conversations with a lifelong friend of the Festival from Jedburgh, the late Dr Tim Dolan.

SAGAS AND SEASCAPES

September 3, 2021 → 9:00 pm ─ 10:00 pm

Norse stories and landscape around the northern sea-routes form the inspiration for this concert by Nordic Viola. Irish composer Linda Buckley’s Aud draws on the settlement of Iceland, while Lillie Harris’ sextet Elsewhen seeks to capture the atmosphere of Orkney’s ancient sites. In Carry His Relics for flute and viola, Orkney composer Gemma McGregor describes the journey of the remains of St Magnus from Birsay to Kirkwall, along the present-day ...