Edinburgh’s Hogmanay unveils First Footin’ music gigs

SINGER Callum Beattie is among the performers who’s signed up for “First Footin’”, a new series of gigs unveiled as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. “First Footin’” will feature an afternoon of free live music and performances taking place across the Old Town and New Town in pubs and other venues. Beattie said: “I can’t wait…

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REVIEW: “The Book of Mormon”, Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Kenny Smith enjoys The Book of Mormon at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. THE Book of Mormon is one of those shows you’ll see advertised on the Tube in London, and hear people rave about. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the minds behind adult cartoon smash South Park, and Frozen composer Robert Lopez, this…

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Scottish Fiddle Orchestra eyes Usher Hall Hogmanay

THE Scottish Fiddle Orchestra will return to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on 30 December for its “Hogmanay Celebration”. Gary Innes, presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s Take The Floor, will be the evening’s compere – and might bring his accordion. Blair Parham will conduct the orchestra, which has been promoting traditional Scottish music for more than 40…

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REVIEW: “Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)”

Kenny Smith sort of reviews Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) in Glasgow. I NEVER could nor would claim to be an expert on the works of Jane Austen. To the best of my knowledge, I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice, although I do recall seeing short excerpts in television adaptations, but I do know the…

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Dundee Rep unveils Cinderella cast

THE cast for Dundee Rep’s new musical production of Cinderella has been unveiled. Cinderella is swapping her glass slippers for wellies for the show, which opens on 26 November, with writer Lynda Radley turning Ella into a farmer. Hannah Visocchi will play the title role, while Dundee Rep Ensemble member Annie Louise Ross will portray…

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‘Forest Floor’ by Fergus McCreadie named as top album

PIANIST Fergus McCreadie won the Scottish album of the year (SAY) title last night for “Forest Floor”. McCreadie, who was also shortlisted for a Mercury Prize this year, was unable to attend the ceremony at The Albert Halls in Stirling. The award was collected on his behalf by Seonaid Aitken. It was third time lucky…

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Art Futuro creates album award trophies

STIRLING design studio Art Futuro has been chosen to make the trophies for this week’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award. Phil and Franziska – who are from Switzerland and now live in Stirling – were selected to make the prizes by The Design Commission. The SAY Award will be presented at the Albert…

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Scottish Opera shines a spotlight on Verdi

VERDI is firmly in the spotlight for the latest series of concerts by Scottish Opera. The Verdi Collection, a selection of the Italian composer’s greatest hits, will be performed at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen on 19 November and at Eden Court in Inverness on 26 November as part of the “Opera in Concert” series.…

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Music meets mindfulness in Scottish Ensemble concerts

MINDFULNESS and music are being combined in the latest series of concerts by the Scottish Ensemble. The ensemble’s Breathe performances will take place in Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee on 25-28 October. The concerts will feature music by composers including Ludwig van Beethoven, Daniel Kidane, and Caroline Shaw. Led by guest director Tristan Gurney, and…

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St Mary’s Music School concert celebrates female composers

A CONCERT at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh will celebrate the work of female composers as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. “Landscapes and Dances: Songs She Scored Out” will feature music by women whose names were often scored out when their works were published or performed. The concert, which will take place…

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