‘Water Music’ in the Burgh Hall

Cowal Music Club are looking forward to a fascinating afternoon concert at 2.30pm on Sunday October 30th when the Sequoia Duo, Alice Rickards (violin) & Sonia Cromarty (Cello) will perform their “Water Music – source to sea” programme.

This is a musical imagining of the journey taken by a raindrop from its appearance in the sky to its arrival in the sea. This is reflected in an intriguing combination of field recordings, some works by Bach, and contemporary classical and folk composers, creating a varied sound texture including a prepared soundtrack, as well as images. The relationship with water is described as “ immersion in one of Scotland’s most iconic natural resources”. The impressive and atmospheric photography is by Beka Globe, and will be projected onto a screen beside the duo.

The effects are very varied, – from Scots traditional to Bach two-part inventions to sounds from whales & the sea, and listeners will be fascinated by the many effects produced by the violin and cello.

In all, 9 Scottish composers have made contributions to this programme, and there are 5 pieces by Bach and even one by a young Sibelius. The whole is divided into sections such as “Rain”, “Rivers & Lochs”, “Sea” & “Epilogue”, and a few items are spoken.

Both Alice and Sonia are well-known in Scottish Orchestras such as the BBCSSO and RSNO, and both love playing chamber music. The award-winning Duo’s name ‘Sequoia’ derives from a species of giant redwood tree, and both players are known for their desire to connect music directly with the natural world, and for championing new music by Scottish-based composers. They made their debut at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe, and recently held a 2-year post as Chamber Music Scotland’s ensemble-in-residence.

Recently the Glasgow Herald  noted, “Cromarty and Rickards performed with nuance and composure, both of them deeply musical players”.

Their new album, “Isola”, referring to St Kilda, was launched on 16thSeptember to much acclaim.

This will be a highly entertaining afternoon concert – not to be missed!

Tickets @ £12 are available via www.cowalmusicclub.co.uk or on the door.