Scottish Ensemble & Brìghde Chaimbeul at The Barbican

Following its EIF premiere and subsequent Scotland/UK tour, Scottish Ensemble is thrilled to bring our new collaboration with world-renowned Celtic musician Brìghde Chaimbeul to London.

Encounter an unforgettable cross-genre performance, where the familiar sounds of a string orchestra are pulled in unfamiliar directions, creating a sound world shaped by the distinctive power of the Scottish smallpipes.

The folklore and history of Skye comes to the fore; from traditional Gaelic waulking songs and the eerie tale of the Spòg Liath (“The grey paw”) to the phases of the moon and the landscape of Scotland’s islands.

Music emerges from a deep, earthy soundscape of heavy drones, rich string tones and a blend of live and electronic sound.  It pairs with bewitching visuals created by filmmaker Jonny Ashworth, creator of Brìghde’s haunting and memorable music videos, for an experience that is both deeply rooted in Scottish heritage and boldly contemporary.

Produced by Scottish Ensemble. Co-commissioned by Edinburgh International Festival and Eden Court, with support from PRS Foundation’s Beyond Borders, the Leche Trust and the Cockaigne Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland.