friendsofwighton

Ann Heymann, Gaelic harp concert and workshop

2012-01-28T20:53:00.002Z

On Wednesday 1st February, the celebrated harpist Ann Heymann will be in Dundee for a special concert and workshop of ancient and historical Scottish and Irish harp music.

Ann is the world's best known and most highly regarded historical Gaelic harp player. Based in Minnesota, USA, this is her first visit to Scotland for many years and the Friends of Wighton are delighted that she will be visiting Dundee to teach and perform in the Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library.

Ann will perform a lunchtime concert on Wednesday 1st Feb from 1.15 to 1.45pm. The concert will be performed on a beautiful, craftsman-made replica of the medieval Scottish "Lamont" harp with strings of brass, silver and solid gold wire, and will feature music from medieval times through to the 18th century traditions. Since the 1st of February is St Bride's or St. Bridget's day, Ann will also perform medieval music associated with this ancient Celtic saint. Admission to the concert is free.

After the concert, from 2pm, she will present a demonstration and masterclass, which provides a chance for any harpists to bring their instruments and get some inspiring tuition from one of the world's masters; this is also a chance for anyone interested in the old Gaelic traditions to stay in the audience and watch the workshop. Admission to this part of the event is £10 for participating harpists, and £5 for audience members.

A master in the performance and traditions of the Gaelic harp, Ann Heymann continues to spearhead the instrument's revival, recording, performing and teaching around the world. Recent recordings include the critically acclaimed "Cruit go nOr - Harp of Gold" and "Queen of Harps". Her books include the seminal tutor for the old Gaelic harp traditions, "Secrets of the Gaelic Harp" as well as a groundbreaking method book "Coupled Hands for Harpers".

For more information about Ann Heymann including sound clips, photos and biographies please visit
http://www.annheymann.com

For more information about the Friends of Wighton and their concert series, please visit
http://www.friendsofwighton.com

For more details of these events please call 07792 336804 or email secretary@friendsofwighton.com

Lunchtime recital, Wed 11th Jan

2012-01-08T13:30:00.001Z

Friends of Wighton's first Lunchtime Recital of 2012 takes place at the Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library, Dundee on Wednesday 11th January when the guests are Barbara Dymock & Friends!.

Barbara, one of Scotland's finest and most distinctive singers, will be joined by flute-player Kenny Hadden, guitarist Chris Marra and fiddler Karen Hannah to present some very tasty arrangements of traditional and contemporary Scottish songs.

Concert runs from 1.15pm - 1.45pm and admission is free (donations are welcome!).

Barbara and the Band will be appearing at Glasgow's City Halls on Friday 3rd February as part of the Celtic Connections festival http://www.celticconnections.com/whatson/event/118620-Barbara-Dymock-Band

Wighton Christmas party!

2011-12-11T16:25:00.004Z

The Scots singers:
Fiddlers and harpers:
Gaelic singers:
Fiddlers, whistlers and harpers:
Party food and delicious home-cooking:

December events in the Wighton Centre, Dundee

2011-12-02T17:01:00.003Z

Wednesday 7th December, 1.15pm : Lunchtime Recital. The traditional December concert by the wonderful Wighton Singers! Admission free, donations welcome!

Saturday 10th December, 10.30 for 11am: Cappuccino Concert
Alastair McDonald
Singer, Raconteur, Banjo player
Tickets, price £5 (includes coffee and newspapers) from secretary@friendsofwighton.com, 07792 336804 or at the door.

“Alastair has the rare ability of lifting a song directly from the written page & into the hearts & minds of the listening public.”

Alastair's concert will be followed by the workshop party! Get together with the other classes, and Friends, for tunes, songs, festive fare (donations welcome but not compulsory) and fun!

Sheena Wellington singing at the Wighton Centre

2011-11-20T11:48:00.001Z

Sheena Wellington Cappuccino Concert

2011-11-15T12:28:00.002Z

Dundee singer Sheena Wellington is guest at the Friends of Wighton Cappuccino Concert on Saturday 19th November.

This popular Saturday morning concert series is held in the atmospheric surroundings of the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library.

In this Saturday's concert, Sheena will be drawing on both the traditional and literary strands of the Wighton Collection, an internationally important collection of old Scottish music books from centuries past, which is housed and displayed in the Centre.

Sheena's performance will range from the Muckle Sangs, or big ballads, to some of the less travelled byways of Burns, Moore and Nairne.

Admission to the concert is £5, which includes complimentary coffee and newspapers served from 10.30am, and the music will begin at 11.

Venue: Wighton Centre
Dundee Central Library
Wellgate
DD1 1DB

www.friendsofwighton.com
07792 336804

New instrument classes

2011-11-14T16:52:00.002Z

There was a good turnout for the first of the Friends of Wighton Thursday series of instrumental classes at the Wighton Heritage Centre in Dundee Central Library, with new faces as well as some old friends taking the chance to try a different instrument.

On offer are beginner fiddle, tutored by the highly experienced Karen Hannah, which runs from 4pm - 5pm, while chanter, whose tutor is one of Scotland's most exciting young pipers Kyle Howie, a member of the Red Hot Chili Pipers, is from 5pm - 6pm. The session finishes with the guitar class, running for 6pm - 7pm, taught by first rate teacher Paul Campbell . No previous experience is necessary and instruments are available for those who wish to try before they buy.

Classes will run on Thursday 17th and Thursday 24th November. Fees are £5/£2.50 concessions and there are still a few places available.

Further information from secretary@friendsofwighton.com or 01382 221242

PS, Please note, if you are coming to the guitar class, Wellgate Centre car park closes at 6.30pm.

Full details of our other song and instrument classes are on the website: click here for forthcoming events and classes.

New instrument classes

2011-11-03T14:58:00.000Z

Friends of Wighton will be running a short series of instrumental classes on Thursday evenings on 10th, 17th and 24th November in the Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library. Beginner fiddle class, tutored by Karen Hannah, will run from 4pm - 5pm, Red Hot Chilli Piper, Kyle Howie, will tutor chanter from 5pm - 6pm, and, from 6pm - 7pm, Paul Campbell will take the guitar class.

The Friends already run highly successful and busy Saturday classes in fiddle. whistle, medieval harp and Gaelic song, and a Scots song class on Tuesday afternoons.

"Our fiddle students are now 'improvers' and we have had lots of requests for a beginners' class, and for chanter and guitar classes too, so we thought it worth running a short programme pre-Christmas with a view to having regular classes in the New Year." said Sheena Wellington, Honorary Librarian of the Wighton Collection. "And we do have several fiddles and guitars available for people who would just like to give it a try before they buy, as well!"

Fees for all classes are £5/ £2.50 concessions. Pre-booking secretary@friendsofwighton.com or 01382 221242

Simon Chadwick's harp concert in the Wighton Centre today.

2011-10-22T20:52:00.000+01:00

Old Gaelic Laments

2011-10-18T16:29:00.004+01:00

On Saturday, October 22nd, the Friends of Wighton's monthly cappuccino concert will be performed by historical harp specialist, Simon Chadwick.

In the bright and atmospheric surrounds of Dundee Central Library's Wighton Heritage Centre, the event starts at 10.30am with complimentary coffee and newspapers. Then from 11 to 12 Simon will perform a selection of rare and beautiful old harp tunes, using a very special replica of the famous medieval Scottish Queen Mary harp.

Simon is the regular tutor of the Friends of Wighton harp class, held every Saturday afternoon in the Wighton Centre. He has done a large amount of research with the collection of old Scottish music books housed in the centre, and his music brings back to life Scottish music from centuries past.

The Wighton Collection of Scottish music books was brought together by collector Andrew Wighton, a Dundee merchant, in the early 19th century. After his death, it was given to the city and is now housed in display cabinets in the specially built study and performance centre at the top of the Wellgate library.

Karen Hannah and Sheena Wellington, Lunchtime Recital, St Paul's Cathedral, Saturday 15th October

2011-10-13T12:09:00.001+01:00

Two of Scotland's finest traditional musicians, singer Sheena Wellington and fiddler Karen Hannah, are the guests at St Paul's Cathedral's Lunchtime Recital on Saturday 15th October.

Dundonian Sheena Wellington's pure clear voice and extensive repertoire has enchanted audiences in clubs, festivals and concert halls throughout the British Isles, Europe, North Africa and the Far East.

Karen Hannah is well-travelled young fiddle-player having toured in the UK, throughout Europe and as far afield as New Zealand. As well as being an accomplished soloist she is a member of several duos, trios and ceilidh bands. She is Involved in organising music events and is kept busy teaching fiddle at The Wighton Centre in Dundee, in schools and community centres and to private pupils.

The pair will provide a varied programme of Scots traditional music and song laced with their deep knowledge and sparkling humour.

The concert starts at 1pm and tickets are £4/£3concessions/£2 children, on the door.

http://www.stpaulscathedraldundee.org/diary.htm

Kyle Howie performing in the Wighton Centre today

2011-10-05T20:03:00.001+01:00

Autumn Outreach

2011-10-03T17:49:00.000+01:00

The Friends of Wighton Autumn Outreach programme is starting in style this week. On Tuesday 4th October, at 10.30am, fiddler Karen Hannah, accordionist Allan Small and piper Kyle Howie will be providing the music for a Highland Games involving Primary 1 pupils at Kingspark School.

Also on Tuesday, the Wighton Singers will be entertaining the Ladies Circle at Stephen's and West Church Broughty Ferry while singer Sheena Wellington will be at Kingspark on the morning of Thursday 6th to celebrate the School's acquisition of a working loom.
Later in the month, after the school holidays, the distinguished Gaelic singer Wilma Kennedy will begin a series of visits to three of the city's primary schools, Ancrum Road, Claypotts Castle and Craigiebarns. It is hoped that this project, funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, will lead to the founding of a Junior Gaelic Choir in Dundee.

The Friends of Wighton are based in the Wighton Centre, upstairs in the Central Library, Wellgate. This specially built performance and study space houses the internationally famous Wighton Collection of historic Scottish music books, dating from two hundred years ago and more. The Friends of Wighton organise concerts and classes in the Centre and work with schools and community groups to make the musical treasures preserved in the books more accessible to the people of Dundee, Fife and Angus.

Piper Kyle Howie performs in Dundee's Wighton Centre

2011-09-30T09:42:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday 5th October, young piper Kyle Howie will perform the Friends of Wighton's monthly Wednesday lunchtime concert in Dundee Central Library.

Kyle Howie first started piping at the age of 10 and now, barely out of his teens, he is one of the most sought after pipers in Scotland. He has appeared at the Edinburgh Tattoo three times, firstly with the Black Watch
and then with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. He has recently joined the sensational Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the world renowned bagrock band. In addition to playing the Highland and smallpipes, Kyle is an accomplished
player on the Overton E flat whistle, and is equally at home with the fieriest jig and the most poignant slow air.

The venue is the Wighton Centre, upstairs in the Wellgate library. This specially built performance and study space houses the internationally famous Wighton Collection of historic Scottish music books, dating from two hundred years ago and more. The Friends of Wighton organise concerts and classes in the Centre to make the musical treasures preserved in the books more accessible to the people of Dundee, Fife and Angus.

The concert starts at 1.15pm and lasts about half an hour. Admission is free.

For more info please visit www.friendsofwighton.com

Tom Wilkinson's harpsichord concert today

2011-09-17T20:30:00.003+01:00

Tom Wilkinson, harpsichord concert

2011-09-12T11:31:00.004+01:00

On Saturday 17th September, the Friends of Wighton's monthly cappuccino concert in Dundee will be performed on harpsichord by the organist of the University of St Andrews, Tom Wilkinson.

Tom Wilkinson joined the University of St Andrews as University Organist and Director of Chapel Choirs in 2009. Born in 1985, he studied at St Mary's Music School, Edinburgh, going onto become Organ Scholar of Truro Cathedral, Cornwall. In 2004 he took up the Organ Scholarship at The Queen's College, Oxford, and graduated with a first-class degree in 2007. In the same year, Tom took the Fellowship Diploma of the Royal College of Organists. From 2008-9 he held the position of Assistant Director of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral.

His organ teachers have included Matthew Owens and the late David Sanger; he has also played in masterclasses with Marie-Claire Alain, Jennifer Bate and Nicholas Kynaston.

As an organist Tom has performed throughout Europe and in Africa, Asia and the USA. Within the UK he has performed in St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the cathedrals of Coventry, Salisbury and Wells, and the Usher Hall, Edinburgh. He has also made several broadcasts on BBC Radio 3.

The concert will start at 10.30am with complimentary coffee and newspapers, then the music begins at 11am and runs for an hour. Admission is £5 on the door.

Lady Georgianna performing yesterday

2011-08-28T11:39:00.003+01:00

Love in the Pleasure Garden

2011-08-25T12:18:00.001+01:00

This coming Saturday, 27th August 2011, the Eighteenth Century Girl Band, Lady Georgianna, will delight and titillate Dundee concert-goers with a recital of Regency music performed on harpsichord, cello and voice.

Wearing the flamboyant fashions of the Georgian and Regency eras, the trio, Allegra (Abigail Seabrook), Isabella Wrighten (Hetti Price) and Signora Storace (Micaela Schmitz), perform popular hits from the time of Marie Antoinette and Mad King George.

With voice, cello and harpsichord, their aim is to bring to life the songs of the 18th century pleasure garden, interspersed with poetry and readings, for an unforgettable Georgian experience.

The event is the regular "Cappuccino Concert" organised by the Friends of Wighton. Held in the atmospheric surrounds of the Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee's Wellgate library, the morning starts at 10.30am with complimentary coffee and newspapers; the music starts at 11am. Admission is £5 on the door.

The Wighton Centre was specially built as a study and performance venue to house the internationally important Wighton Collection of historical Scottish music books. The centre also houses a beautiful French harpsichord, which will be used for this concert.

The concert by Lady Georgianna is part of their 2011 tour, which includes venues from Cornwall up to Cromarty. A celebration of the Pleasure Gardens in the time of Jane Austen, the tour features music and songs with references to fairytale lands, tales of love and loss, and the famous “Dark Walks”

For more information please see
Lady Georgianna
Friends of Wighton

Scottish music for the battle of Harlaw 1411

2011-07-03T11:04:00.003+01:00

July 2011 marks the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw, fought in Aberdeenshire in July 1411.

This famous and bloody battle became known as "Red Harlaw" because of the amount of blood soaked into the battlefield, and the number of men killed on each side.

To mark the anniversary, historical musician Simon Chadwick is holding a series of music workshops in Dundee's Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in the Wellgate library.

Open to all singers, instrumentalists and listeners, the workshops will be at 2pm every Saturday during July, and will look at the rich tapestry of music and songs which surround the battle. Participants will have a chance to hear and discuss different versions of the tunes from old books and manuscripts, and will have a chance to try their hand at playing them on various instruments including fiddle and medieval harp.

The cost per workshop is £5 (or £2.50 for under 25s). Each workshop is stand-alone so people can come to as many or as few as they are able.

Simon Chadwick is a specialist in historical Scottish music, performing regularly using his beautiful decorated replica of the medieval "Queen Mary" clarsach or Scottish harp. He leads the weekly harp class in the Wighton Centre.

The Wighton Heritage Centre is a purpose-built study and performance venue upstairs in Dundee Central Library, Wellgate, DD1 1DB. Housing the internationally important Wighton Collection of antique Scottish music books, it is a bright and airy space ideal for music and classes.

The Friends of Wighton, who are organising this series, is a group which promotes awareness of the Collection and use of the Centre. It organises monthly lunchtime and Saturday concerts of Scottish music, historical, traditional and contemporary, and also runs weekly classes in fiddle, whistle, harp, Scots song and Gaelic song.

More information:
http://www.friendsofwighton.com
http://www.simonchadwick.net/Harlaw
07792 336804

Cappuccino Concert

2011-06-18T18:19:00.002+01:00

Enjoying the coffee and newspapers before today's cappuccino concert, which was performed on harpsichord and piano by Mark Spalding.

Karen Hannah at the Wighton Centre

2011-06-02T12:13:00.000+01:00

Music of the old Scottish harpers

2011-05-07T22:13:00.002+01:00

Saturday 21st May 2011, 10.30 for 11am £5
Simon Chadwick: Music of the old Scottish harpers
Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library
Followed at 2.00pm by an open workshop: Discovering Harp Music in the Wighton Collection. All welcome, admission £5 (£2.50 under 25s)

Historical harp specialist Simon Chadwick is presenting a rare concert on Saturday morning, 21st May. The performance will highlight the music of the old Scottish harpers, with pieces composed in Scotland between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Simon will perform this beautiful and little-heard music on a very special instrument - the intricately hand-made replica of the medieval harp of Mary, Queen of Scots, which is kept as one of Scotland's national treasures in the national Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The concert starts at 11am, and coffee and newspapers will be available from 10.30am, included in the admission price of £5.

Later on in the afternoon, Simon will present an open workshop in the Wighton Collection. He will talk about the music found in the collection, and how the oldest Scottish traditions including the harp tradition are preserved in these historic music books. There will be a chance to see some of the rare books in the collection, and for those that wish, a chance to try their hand at playing a copy of a medieval Scottish harp. This informal afternoon session is open to anyone who is interested to find out more about the deep roots of Scottish music and traditions. Admission is £5, or half price for under-25s.

Simon is based in St Andrews, and has been working on the music and traditions of the historical Irish and Scottish harp or clarsach for over 10 years. His work encompasses the investigation of the surviving museum instruments, research in old manuscripts and printed music books, discovering the ancient styles and idioms, and making connections with parallel traditions such as Gaelic song, fiddle and piping. Simon runs a weekly harp class in the Wighton Centre in Dundee. As well as teaching and performing in Scotland, he is assistant director of the main international event for the instrument, held in Ireland

The Wighton Centre in Dundee Central Library is a dedicated performance and study space which houses the internationally important Wighton Collection of historic Scottish music books. This collection of over 700 volumes dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries was assembled by Dundee merchant Andrew Wighton, and was bequeathed by him to the city after he died in 1866. The Friends of Wighton has been formed to make this unique cultural treasure more accessible to the people of Dundee, Angus and Fife, by running classes, workshops and concerts in the Centre.

More information:
07792 336804
http://www.friendsofwighton.com
http://www.simonchadwick.net

Song of the Silent North

2011-05-04T16:26:00.003+01:00

Sally Garden spoke eloquently today about her work, connecting the landscapes and lyric traditions of the East of Scotland with those of Scandinavia. She played excerpts of her CD to illustrate her points.

The Friends of Wighton still have a few copies available for sale at a special reduced fundraising price - please ask if you would like one. You can find more information about the CD, and sound clips, at the Mons Graupius website.

Sally Garden CD launch event

2011-05-02T16:49:00.001+01:00

CD launch event, Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee - 04 May 2011)

Dr Sally Garden, mezzo-soprano and former Historical Musician in Residence at the Wighton Heritage Centre, will give an illustrated talk entitled: Song of the Silent North: a Scottish voice in Scandinavia. The talk introduces Sally’s new classical cd release Song of the Silent North recorded with Donald Hawksworth (piano) and will explore the themes of landscape, language and lyric tradition which have inspired her recent work. Sally is currently Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Scandinavian Studies, University of Aberdeen.

Sally has donated a number of CDs – these will be on sale at the event price £15 – all proceeds to Friends of Wighton.

Sally Garden (mezzo-soprano) was born in Angus, north east Scotland. She is currently Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Scandinavian Studies, University of Aberdeen. Her recital and research career encompasses international collaborative work, festival appearances, concert promotion, publishing, editing, new media work, and composition. She was educated at the Universities of Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt, and also Edinburgh where she gained her doctoral degree in music. After initial vocal studies at NESMS (Aberdeen), and an appearance as finalist in the Mary Garden International Prize, she was fortunate to be able to continue her studies with the distinguished Italian mezzo Laura Sarti. After several years working in business, she turned to music full-time in 2002 with a research appointment at the University of Glasgow. In 2003 she was appointed Historical Musician in Residence at the Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee, where she directed a 3-year programme of events to unfold one of Scotland’s finest music archives. In recent years she has completed a variety of research commissions and working freelance, has been able to devote more time to her distinctive recital work. She has also travelled by special invitation to Norway and Germany to develop her work on Edvard Grieg.

Morris Pert event at Hospitalfield, Arbroath

2011-04-16T09:36:00.005+01:00

Information about a local music event not run by the Friends of Wighton:

Wednesday 27 April 2011
Our first in the 2011 Lecture Series at Hospitalfield, a lecture-recital on the work of the late Arbroath born composer Morris Pert. Presented & played by pianist Mark Spalding on the anniversary of Morris Pert’s passing. Mark will perform examples of Pert's contemporary classical composing. Join us for a celebration and appreciation of his life and achievements.

7.30pm Tickets, £8 or £7.50 in advance - available online or via Alison on 0782 587 2370 friends@hospitalfield.org.uk - Admission to the 2011 Hospitalfield Lecture Programme is free to full time college & university undergraduates. The bar will be open & refreshments on sale.
Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath DD11 2NH www.hospitalfield.org.uk

Pictures from Chloe Matharu's concert today

2011-04-06T21:25:00.000+01:00

Chloe Matharu

2011-04-01T22:59:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday lunchtime, singer Chloe Matharu will perform a concert in Dundee library's Wighton Centre.

Chloe is a nineteen year old folk singer from Edinburgh with cultural roots in Scotland, Wales and India. She has recently recorded her debut album, Next Market Day, which will be released later this year. At the moment Chloe is studying Molecular Biology at the University of St Andrews.

The Friends of Wighton is delighted to welcome Chloe to Dundee, and are sure that the beautiful ambience of the Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library, will perfectly complement Chloe's superb voice.

For more information about Chloe please visit http://www.chloematharu.com
For more info about the Friends of Wighton and the Wighton Centre please see http://www.friendsofwighton.com or call 07792 336804

Full details:
Wednesday 6th April 2011, 1.15-1.45pm
Chloe Matharu
Wighton Centre, Dundee Central Library, DD1 1DB
Admission free

Mark Spalding's concert today

2011-03-02T19:49:00.003Z

Mark Spalding, at the electric piano, prepares to play a sequence of compositions by the recently deceased Angus composer, Morris Pert.

Ancient and Modern Keyboard music from Angus

2011-02-23T15:17:00.005Z

The Friends of Wighton's monthly Wednesday Lunchtime concert in Dundee will be on Wednesday 2nd March 2011, at 1.15pm. The venue is the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library. Admission is free.

The programme has a local theme, with Mark Spalding playing keyboard music both ancient and modern. He will perform 17th century harpsichord music from the Panmure manuscripts, unique collections of Scottish music preserved for generations at Panmure House, near Carnoustie, Angus. The manuscripts are a rare survival of Scottish art music of this early date, and include music by the Scottish composer, William Kinloch.

Mark will also play modern piano music composed by the recently deceased Arbroath born composer Morris Pert (1947-2010). Morris Pert was born in Arbroath, Scotland in 1947. He graduated B.Mus. from Edinburgh University in 1969, and went on to study composition and percussion at the Royal Academy in London, where he was a pupil of Alan Bush. He has written three symphonies.

The Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee's Wellgate library, is a beautiful performance and study space, built to house the Wighton Collection: an internationally important collection of over 700 old books of Scottish music. The collection of rare antique volumes was assembled by Dundee Merchant Andrew Wighton, and donated by him to the City after he died in 1866. The centre is also home to a very fine French two-manual harpsichord, which will be used for Wednesday's recital.

For more information please visit http://www.friendsofwighton.com
or phone 07792 336804
Morris Pert's website is at http://www.morrispert.com

The attached photograph shows Mark Spalding at the Wighton Harpsichord, at a recent recital in the Wighton Centre as part of Dundee Keyboard Festival.

Carol Anderson and Martin MacDonald

2011-02-16T10:15:00.002Z

On Saturday 19th February, in Dundee Library's Wighton Heritage Centre, there will be a cappuccino concert performed by traditional musicians, Carol Anderson and Martin MacDonald.

After a relaxing and sociable coffee and newspapers, served from 10.30am, the hour-long concert will begin at 11am.

Carol Anderson is an energetic and sensitive fiddle player from Aberdeenshire. She has been playing since the age of ten and was taught by Jean-Ann Callender. Over the years she has played in many bands, and is currently working with accomplished musician

Martin MacDonald, a Lewisman and piper, whose fingerpicked guitar and 5 string banjo is extremely sympathetic to their repertoire of mainly Scottish pipe tunes.

In 2010, Carol and Martin recorded their debut CD “Single Track Road Trip” and appeared at the prestigious North Atlantic Fiddle Convention.

They are joined on Saturday by Dundee–based singer Barbara Dymock, who will add some traditional Scottish songs to their usual instrumental mix.

Admission is £5 (including coffee and newspapers).

Venue details: Wighton Centre, Dundee Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB

Date and Time: Saturday 19th Feb 2011, 10.30am for 11am.

More information:
07792 336804 or www.friendsofwighton.com

Karen Hannah & Bob Turner

2011-01-24T11:42:00.002Z

Karen Hannah performing a Cappuccino Concert in the Wighton Centre on Saturday, accompanied by Bob Turner.

Events cancelled due to snow

2010-12-01T20:19:00.003Z

Events on Saturday 4th December are being cancelled due to snow.

Karen Hannah's fiddle class and cappuccino concert are now officially cancelled.

Also cancelled are the Gaelic song class and whistle class.

The harp class may go ahead if enough people are able to get in for it.

More info will be posted here. Any questions please call 07792 336804 or email secretary@friendsofwighton.com

The Ideal Band

2010-11-17T15:31:00.000Z

The Ideal Band are playing a Cappuccino Concert, in Dundee Library's Wighton Centre, on Saturday 20th Nov at 11am

Coffee and newspapers will be served from 10.30am, included in the ticket price of £5.

The Ideal Band is a lively contemporary three-piece Scottish band, composed of top musicians
Ken Campbell - vocals, guitar, laud, northumbrian pipes
Linsey Aitken - cello, vocals, recorders
Gavin Paterson - piano, guitar, mandolin, vocals

Advance booking from
info@sheena-wellington.co.uk

More info from

www.friendsofwighton.com
www.theidealbandscotland.co.uk

Scots traditional singer Aileen Carr

2010-10-22T10:27:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday 27th October, at 1.15pm, the Friends of Wighton present a lunchtime concert in Dundee Central Library's Wighton Heritage Centre.

Scots traditional singer Aileen Carr will present a half hour programme of traditional Angus and east-coast songs and ballads.

Originally from Coupar Angus, in Perthshire, Aileen has been singing traditional Scots songs since childhood. Known for her pure and strong voice, Aileen is also known for searching out fresh and interesting material from other singers as well as from books, and she is constantly researching texts, tunes and the stories behind them. Though her repertory is eclectic, her favourites are the great classical story ballads with their rich history.

Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Note that this event replaces the usual Wednesday lunchtime event on the first Wednesday of the month for November only.

Harpsichord recital in Dundee

2010-10-12T11:49:00.003+01:00

Henry Lebedinsky after his excellent performance on Saturday

The Friends of Wighton are pleased to announce their Cappuccino Concert in Dundee on Saturday 16th October.

The event starts with coffee and newspapers, served from 10.30am. The music will begin at 11am. Admission is £5.

Historical keyboardist Henry Lebedinsky will be performing a concert of French harpsichord music.

Henry, from North Carolina, is visiting Dundee to research baroque Scottish music, using the important collection of old Scottish music books held in Dundee Central Library's Wighton Collection.

Henry is a specialist in historical music on organ, clavichord and harpsichord, performing regularly in America with chamber ensembles and baroque orchestras. For Saturday's concert he wil be using the Wighton Harpsichord, a fine two-manual French instrument that is kept in Dundee Central Library.

The programme will include late 18th century music by Galuppi, Palschau and Bortniansky as well as an air by Scottish baroque composer Robert Mackintosh (c. 1745-1807)

Cappuccino Concert
Wighton Centre, Dundee Central Library, DD1 1DB
£5 Admission includes coffee
Saturday 16th October 2010, 10.30 for 11am £5.00

medieval music

2010-06-01T14:58:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday 2nd June at 1.15pm, the Wighton Centre in Dundee Central Library will host a concert of medieval music, played on a beautiful decorated replica of the ancient harp of Mary Queen of Scots.

Presented by historical harp specialist Simon Chadwick, the lunchtime recital will explore the connections between Scotland, Wales and Ireland in medieval times.

The programme of sacred music from the 14th and 15th centuries - over 500 years ago - will include sacred airs from St Andrews Cathedral in Fife, and Inchcolm Abbey in the Firth of Forth, as well as music from Europe's oldest book of harp music.

As well as the unique and beautiful medieval Scottish harp, carved from a whole willow tree, and strung with gold and silver wire strings, Simon will also play some of medieval Scotland's other rare and unusual instruments: a lyre with silver strings, and a horsehair-strung fiddle called the gue.

This concert is an exciting opportunity to find out about some of the oldest Scottish music surviving. The event is held in the airy and inspiring surroundings of the Wighton Heritage Centre, which is home to the city's outstanding Wighton Collection of historic Scottish music books.

The concert is organised by the Friends of Wighton, and admission is free. For more information, please visit www.friendsofwighton.com or www.simonchadwick.net or call 07792 336804

Juniper Singers

2010-05-24T16:35:00.000+01:00

On Saturday 29th May 2010, the Juniper Singers will perform a Cappuccino Concert in the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library.

Coffee and newspapers are served from 10.30am, and the music begins at 11am. Admission is £5.00

Juniper is a singing trio from Peebles, made up of Pamela, Sarah and Chris. Formed just last year, their music is an eclectic mix that ranges from 16th century madrigals through traditional folk songs to 1970s chart hits.

Tich Frier concert, Saturday 20th March

2010-03-16T18:20:00.002Z

On Saturday 20th March, the Friends of Wighton are presenting a Cappuccino Concert in Dundee, performed by the well-known entertainer Tich Frier, from Edinburgh.

Held in the atmospheric Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library, the event starts at 10.30am with coffee and newspapers. The music will be start at 11 am and run for about an hour. Admission is £5.

Tich has been singing folk songs for over 40 years, and has shared stages with some of the greats of folk music and taken his passion for folksong half way round the world and back.

Known for his great voice, driving guitar and uncontrollable sense of humour, his repertoire is taken from the tradition as well as from some of the finest writers around, and is continually nourished by new songs from his own pen and often from sources not obviously "folkie".

His performances also feature his unique brand of frequently surreal tall stories.

His most recent CD, "Shanghaied", was released in 2007

For more information please visit www.tichfrier.co.uk or www.friendsofwighton.com

Robert Burns & Thomas Moore, Saturday 20th February 2010

2009-11-11T10:13:00.004Z

Traditional singer Sheena Wellington will perform the works of Robert Burns and the Irish poet Thomas Moore, for the Friends of Wighton's February Cappuccino Concert.

Held in the atmospheric setting of the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library, the concert is on Saturday 20th February 2010. Coffee and papers are served from 10.30am, and the music starts at 11am.

The distinguished singer will explore the nature of the creative collector, the musician or poet who takes the folk music and song of his or her country and transmutes it into a lasting legacy which in turn becomes a part of the folk culture.

Sheena Wellington, recently inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, is widely regarded as one of Scotland's finest interpreters of the work of Burns. Her fondness for the songs of both Burns and Thomas Moore she attributes to her father, a fine singer from whom she learned much.

The Wighton Centre is a purpose built performance and study space in Dundee Central Library. It houses the Wighton Collection, an internationally important collection of 700 old Scottish music books which were bequeathed to the city in the 1860s by Dundee merchant Andrew Wighton. The Friends of Wighton is a volunteer group which promotes access to the collection, and organises regular concerts as well as weekly instrument and song classes.

Admission to the concert is £5 (includes coffee and newspapers)

18th century Irish harp music, Saturday 23rd January 2010

2009-11-11T10:12:00.003Z

Historical harp specialist Simon Chadwick will perform 18th century Irish harp music, for the Friends of Wighton's January Cappuccino Concert.

Held in the atmospheric setting of the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library, the concert is on Saturday 23rd January 2010. Coffee and papers are served from 10.30am, and the music starts at 11am.

Playing a replica of a historical Gaelic harp, with brass and silver wire strings, Simon will present compositions by the harper-composers Turlough Carolan, Thomas Connellan, and Cornelius Lyons, which he has discovered in the rare old books housed in the Wighton Centre.

Carolan is the most famous of the old Gaelic harpers, though much of his music and song is rarely heard today. Connellan is credited with composing some of the most famous Scottish airs including "Lochaber"; while Lyons was responsible for elegant baroque variation-sets which were all the rage in 18th century Edinburgh.

In the afternoon, from 2.30-4.00pm, there will be a workshop and masterclass on the music of these three composers. Participants will have the chance to see the rare first editions of their music, will find out more about the old Gaelic harp traditions and will have a chance to try their hand at playing replica medieval and baroque harps.

The Wighton Centre is a purpose built performance and study space in Dundee Central Library. It houses the Wighton Collection, an internationally important collection of 700 old Scottish music books which were bequeathed to the city in the 1860s by Dundee merchant Andrew Wighton. The Friends of Wighton is a volunteer group which promotes access to the collection, and organises regular concerts as well as weekly instrument and song classes.

Admission to the concert is £4.50 (includes coffee and newspapers); admission to the workshop is £5 (£2.50 for under-25s)

18th century sonatas by McGibbon, Foulis and Erskine: Gordon Penman (fiddle) & Mark Spalding (harpsichord)

2009-11-04T17:13:00.004Z

Today at lunchtime, Gordon Penman and Mark Spalding performed an interesting recital of Scottish music, much of it drawn from books in the Wighton Collection.

The Minuets by Thomas Erskine, Earl of Kelly (1732 – 1781), were complemented by sonatas by David Foulis (1710 - 1773) and William McGibbon (1690 – 1756). To complement the work of these Scottish composers, the duo also performed two short pieces by the Breton composer Jean Langlais (1907 – 1991)

Gordon Penman is the current chair of Friends of Wighton. Mark Spalding will be giving a solo harpsichord recital in the Wighton Centre on Wednesday 3rd February at 1.15pm.

2009-10-22T15:40:00.001+01:00

Singer-songwriter Jim Malcolm will perform a Cappuccino Concert in the Wighton Centre, Dundee, at 10.30am on Saturday 24th October.

Lunchtime Recital - Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library Wednesday 7th October at 1.15pm

2009-10-06T17:58:00.000+01:00

Fresh from their stints at Fest ‘n Furious accordion ace Alan Small and fiddle player Karen Hannah are the guests for the Friends of Wighton Lunchtime Recital on Wednesday 7th October at 1.15pm. The recital takes place in the Wighton Heritage Centre, it runs from 1.15 – 1.45pm, admission is free but donations are welcome.

Alan Small, a former All Scotland Champion, is probably best known for his work with the Lomond Ceilidh Band and his solo and duo work but he is also a first rate tutor and hopes to be starting an accordion class in association with Friends of Wighton in the near future.

Karen Hannah plays with the band Randan, works regularly with Alan as duo and has toured extensively at home and abroad. The buzz is that South korea is her nest port of call! Karen is the regular Friend of Wighton fiddle tutor welcoming beginners and improvers to her Saturday morning class (11am – 12.30pm) in the Wighton Heritage Centre.

Photos from Fest 'n Furious

2009-10-04T12:01:00.003+01:00

The Wighton Centre was the venue for events as part of Fest 'n' Furious - Dundee's festival of traditional music.
The Convenor of Arts and Leisure, Dundee City Council, officially opening the festival

Above: Creative Director Sheena Wellington at the opening

Above: Ballad singer Sara Grey presented a fascinating account of how Scottish ballads crossed to America, and how they remained alive in the oral tradition on both sides of the Atlantic.

Wighton Cello

2009-10-04T11:45:00.002+01:00

Andrew Wighton was active in instrument construction and/or repair, as well as his collecting activities. The above illustration is displayed in the Wighton Centre in Dundee, and shows a cello in private ownership in England, which bears Andrew Wighton's printed label. The label has Wighton's crest, and the printed lettering reads "A J Wighton, Grocer, Tea Wine and Spirit Merchant, Hilltown, Dundee" Wighton has hand-written the date "5th [illegible] 1845". The end of the cello is also stamped in the wood "A J Wighton Dundee".

Another cello is also in private ownership in England. This cello also bears Wighton's printed label, with his crest, and the handwritten date "1846". Also in Wighton's handwriting is the following: "This violincello breast was fixed on [or affixed?] by A J Wighton, Dundee".

2009-06-25T19:24:00.001+01:00

Guitarist Paul Campbell, with his daughter Nicola on fiddle and flute, will provide the Friends of Wighton recital on 1st July, in the Wighton Heritage Centre, Wellgate Library.

Paul previously played in the band Fon a Bhord and is currently a member of The Baffie Band. He is a well-known face at traditional music sessions around Scotland. Paul exclusively uses a fairly unusual tuning, DADDAD.

Nicola is a member of Tayside Young Fiddlers and her emerging talent recently gained her entrance to The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton, where she will combine residential music tuition with her Standard Grades and Highers.

2009-06-03T21:31:00.000+01:00

Members of Friockheim Historical Society visited the Wighton Heritage Centre in the evening of Wednesday 3rd June.

Friends of Wighton Secretary, Simon Chadwick, gave them a tour of the collections. The Friockheim visitors had a chance to look at old Scottish music books from the collection, including famous rare volumes such as James Oswald's Caledonian Pocket Companion, and the Scots Musical Museum containing the original settings of many Burns songs.

Of special interest were the two Duff Collections, published in Montrose and Aberdeen in around 1800.

As well as looking at old books, musical entertainment was provided. Friends Chair, Gordon Penman, played music from the Duff collection, using a fiddle made by Montrose instrument maker James Young in the early 19th century, and Simon Chadwick played historical clarsach music from a very rare collection of Carolan's Irish tunes.

The event was a great success. The Friends of Wighton would like to offer other local Historical Societies and other interested groups the chance to visit the Wighton Centre. For more info, contact the Friends on 07792 336804 or email secretary@friendsofwighton.com

2009-06-03T15:20:00.000+01:00

Today's lunchtime concert of classical music in the Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library, was organised by the Friends of Wighton in association with Live Music Now.

Soprano Emma Versteeg was accompanied on piano, and also on the Wighton Harpsichord, by Sam Hutchings. An experienced choral singer, Emma currently sings with Canty, Cappella Nova and Ludus Baroque. Sam was recently appointed as Rehearsal Pianist to the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, and holds the same position with the Stirling University Choir.

As well as songs by Purcell and Dowland, accompanied on the harpsichord, Emma also sang classical songs in English and German, a Gershwin show song, and an intruiging jazz interpretation of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Sam also played a Chopin piano solo.

2009-04-25T19:23:00.000+01:00

Coffee and Newspapers served in the Maryatt Hall today...

...followed by songs from Lucy Pringle & Chris Wright

2009-04-21T12:08:00.000+01:00

Danny Award winners Lucy Pringle & Chris Wright will perform April's Cappuccino Concert in Dundee's Maryatt Hall.

The concert will be at 11am on Saturday 25th April. Admission is by ticket. £4.50, from the City Box Office. Doors open at 10.30am when complimentary coffee and newspapers will be available.

Lucy sang first with Scots singing quartet The Linties. She was the winner of the Muchty women’s singing competition in 2002, and more recently performed in a trio with guitarist Robin Galloway and fiddler Denise Cant.

Chris is originally from Dundee and has recently worked with Mark Dunlop’s new album and Dr Fred Freeman’s projects on the songs of Robert Burns and Robert Tannahill. Chris also works for the landmark Kist o Riches (Tobar an Dualchais) project, cataloguing the Scots song archive at the School of Scottish Studies in Edinburgh.

Lucy Pringle and Chris Wright began singing together at the start of 2008, brought together by a common love of traditional and contemporary Scottish songs. With an emphasis on simple and expressive arrangements, Lucy and Chris’ songs earned them a prestigious Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections 2009.

Also on Saturday is the return of the Friends of Wighton's weekly Scottish music classes. Aimed at beginners, these friendly sessions are a chance to learn to play fiddle, whistle or ancient harp music, or sing Scots songs, with some of the best local tutors.

2009-04-09T11:12:00.000+01:00

Ditte Andersson & Anders Göransson in the Wighton Centre on Friday

2009-03-25T12:13:00.001Z

Five Centuries of Scottish music will be presented at a Cappuccino Concert in Dundee's Maryatt Hall this Saturday, 28th March.

The first half of this unusual concert features historical harp specialist, Simon Chadwick, who will play ancient airs from the 16th and 17th century, on his stunning replica of the medieval Scottish "Queen Mary" clarsach with gold and silver wire strings. Simon is based in St Andrews and has been researching the old national music in Dundee's Wighton Collection in the city library.

After some old traditional Dundee songs by local singer Barbara Dymock, the second half of the concert will bring us bang up to date with lively fiddle tunes from young fiddle star Sophie Sneddon. Sophie was born in Dundee and started playing violin at Dundee High School. She has played with Tayside Symphony Orchestra and Tayside Young Fiddlers, and is currently studying medicine at St Andrews University. She plays an antique German violin which previously belonged to her Great-Grandmother. She will be accompanied by Steven Armstrong on the piano.

This Cappuccino Concert is organised by the Friends of Wighton, a volunteer group which exists to promote and open up the Wighton Collection, an amazing treasure owned by the City of Dundee and housed in the Central Library. Consisting of over 700 books of Scottish music from the 17th, 18th and 19th century, it is one of the best collections of Scottish music books in the world. As well as concerts, the Friends organise weekly music classes in the Wighton Centre.

Simon will also be running a Scottish Harp "Come and Try" event later in the afternoon in Dundee Central Library, from 2-3.30pm, admission free - a chance to find out more about this rare and fascinating tradition, and to see some of the ancient Scottish music books from the Wighton Collection.

CAPPUCCINO CONCERT
Sat 28th March 2009, 10.30am for 11am start
admission £4.50 includes coffee & newspapers. Tickets from Caird Hall Box Office, City Square, Dundee.
Concert venue: Maryatt Hall, City Square, Dundee
Performers:
Simon Chadwick - ancient Scottish harp
Barbara Dymock - Scots song
Sophie Sneddon - fiddle, with Steven Armstrong - piano

SCOTTISH HARP "COME & TRY"
Sat 28th March 2009, 2.00 to 3.30pm
admission free, no need to book
venue: Wighton Centre, Dundee Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee
with Simon Chadwick. Replica ancient harps will be provided. No experience necessary. Come and have a wee go!

More info:
www.friendsofwighton.com
07792 336804

2009-02-26T12:44:00.000Z

Northern Streams - Lunchtime Concert, Friday 3 April 2009
Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library, The Wellgate, Dundee DD1 1DB: 1.15pm
Top nyckelharpist, Ditte Andersson, performs a mixture of traditional Uppland and other Swedish music "spiced" with her own tunes and folk songs with pianist Anders Göransson.
This is a free concert with donations welcome! In partnership with Friends of Wighton. For more details contact: 0795 191 8366 or visit: www.eltmsa.org.uk or www.friendsofwighton.com

And here's a little more detail that you might find interesting!
Ditte Andersson
A nyckelharpa player and singer – her repertoire is folk music from Uppland and the rest of Sweden, "spiced" with other types of music, from the rest of the world. The nyckelharpa is usually called a Swedish instrument outside Sweden, but in fact it is a provincial instrument, from the province of Uppland. Uppland starts with the northern half of Stockholm, and stretches some 160 km to the north from there. The instrument, or an ancestor of it (nobody knows) came to this region via the Hanseatic League, probably, and stayed there. Until the 1970's it didn't spread further. During the "folk music wave" in the 70's it spread all over Sweden and further. Now there are about 20,000 nyckelharpa players in Sweden.

Swedish traditional music is a solo genre, traditionally. In the 70's we started to play in groups, like everybody else, alongside with keeping the old way of doing things. I play both purely traditionally, but also love to play with other, unorthodox instruments - like the piano. I have composed quite a number of tunes intended for such contexts - i.e. playing with a guitar or a piano. The tunes reflect both nyckelharpa tradition and my own musical experiences. www.ditteandersson.se/Engelska

Anders Göransson accompanies Ditte on the piano. His field of expertise is in choral groups and he works with “Uppsala musikklasser”, a council school with a music profile with pupils from 10 – 16 years old. He also teaches at workshops for choirs, and is a trained conductor at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. He has led a local rock/jazz choir for ten years, which has won the rock/jazz prize in a national choir competition.

2009-01-31T20:40:00.000Z

'There Was A Man' with Prof. David Purdie and Sheena Wellington

Dundee's Maryatt Hall was almost full this morning for the cappuccino concert which featured Prof. David Purdie's informative and educational talk about the life and works of Robert Burns, illustrated with many rare paintings and other pictures from the National Archives. Sheena Wellington delighted the audience with many Burns songs, both old favourites and lesser-known items. The next cappuccino concert is 28th March - see the Events Page for details.

2008-11-29T19:39:00.000Z

Local fiddle star and Wighton fiddle tutor Karen Hannah will perform in the Wighton Centre, Dundee Central Library, on Wednesday 3rd December 2008, from 1.15-1.45pm, admission free. Mike Kelleher will accompany her on guitar.

Karen is pictured above performing with Mike in Dundee Library, for St Andrews Day.

2008-11-05T15:36:00.000Z

Helen Brown and Joseph Fleetwood in the Wighton Centre today, with the Wighton harpsichord. They are performing a Burns song set to new music in the 18th century by Pietro Urbani, which is preserved in a book in the Wighton Collection.

2008-10-30T19:37:00.000Z

On Wednesday 5th November, the monthly Wighton lunchtime concert is being performed by singer Helen Brown and features music of Robert Burns.

Helen first performed a version of this concert for Fest 'n' Furious two years ago and was delighted to find so much interesting and beautiful music in the classical mode, from Beethoven to Britten, inspired by the genius of Burns.

She sings all over Scotland with the professional vocal quartet Chamonix and has also presented her own one-woman show, Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know, about the wicked ladies of opera and musicals.

In Wednesday's concert Helen's accompanist will play some of the music (Pietro Urbani song arrangements, taken from books in the Wighton Collection) on the Wighton Harpsichord.

Organised by the Friends of Wighton www.friendsofwighton.com
Venue: Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library, Dundee, DD1 1DB
Time: 1.15pm-1.45pm, Wednesday 5th November 2008
Admission: FREE
Contact: 07792 336804

2008-10-03T18:12:00.000+01:00

Photos from the first day of Fest 'n' Furious

Cllr. Richard McCready and Sheena Wellington open Fest 'n' Furious in the Wighton Centre.

John Purser shows off 18th century books from the Wighton Collection to illustrate his talk on James Oswald

The Wighton Harpsichord, waiting in the Maryatt Hall for tomorrow's Cappuccino Concert with Concerto Caledonia.

More info from www.festnfurious.co.uk

2008-09-03T19:40:00.000+01:00

Elisabeth Flett, age 12, performing September's lunchtime recital in a packed Wighton Centre today.

2008-08-12T00:23:00.001+01:00

16-year-old guitarist Sean Shibe is performing the August 'Cappuccino Concert' organised in Dundee by the Friends of Wighton, on Saturday 16th August.

He will play a programme of classical guitar music in the Maryatt Hall starting at 11am.

Doors open at 10.30am, and coffee is served and papers are available, included in the admission price of £4.50

Already recognised as a rare talent, Sean was only 15 when he was offered three separate scholarships – to the Royal College of Music, Trinity College of Music and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

From September, he will be taking up the place at the RSAMD, under the tutelage of renowned guitarist and teacher Allan Neave.

"a guitarist of rare perception ... this was a recital that sidestepped all the cliches of the classical guitar repertory" - Conrad Wilson, The Herald, August 09 2008, reviewing Sean's recent performance in St Mark’s Art Space, Edinburgh.

2008-05-24T20:45:00.000+01:00

Cappuccino concert photo:

Brian McNeil

2008-05-20T11:55:00.000+01:00

Brian McNeill

The Friends of Wighton are organising a Cappuccino Concert on Saturday morning in the elegant surroundings of the Maryatt Hall, in Dundee's City Square.

The event starts at 10.30 when coffee is served and a selection of the day's newspapers are available to read.

Then at 11am there is an hour of music. This month the performer is Brian McNeill, 'Scotland's most meaningful contemporary songwriter' according to The Scotsman.

In 1969 Brian formed the Battlefield Band, which became one of Scotland's best known ensembles. Brian plays fiddle, octave fiddle, guitar, mandocello, bouzouki, viola, mandolin, cittern, concertina, bass and hurdy gurdy. The importance of his songwriting, mostly about Scotland's past and future, has long been recognised. Songs including The Yew Tree, The Lads O' The Fair, The Snows of France and Holland, Strong Women Rule Us All With Their Tears, Any Mick'll Do and No Gods and Precious Few Heroes have established him as one of Scotland's leading songwriters.

For more info please visit
http://www.brianmcneill.co.uk/
http://www.friendsofwighton.com

Event details:

Sat 24th May 2008
Maryatt Hall, City Square, Dundee
Doors, coffee & papers from 10.30am
Music 11am to 12 noon
Admission £4.5o, tickets from the City Box Office, City Square, includes coffee.

2008-05-12T11:37:00.000+01:00

Duncan Chisholm and Ivan Drever are playing a concert in the Wighton Heritage Centre on Wednesday 14th May at 7.30pm.

Duncan Chisholm and Ivan Drever, with their dynamic performance of fiddle, guitar and song are now established as one of Scotland's top duos, playing venues and festivals across the UK, Europe and the USA.

Respected Orkney musician, Ivan Drever is well known throughout the world of traditional music for his songwriting as well as his work with Scottish band Wolfstone. Duncan Chisholm has been at the forefront of Scottish fiddle playing for twenty years, being hailed as one of Scotland’s finest fiddle players.

This highly successful partnership of Duncan and Ivan has been described as
“an expression of the deep wells of the Scottish people”

They have been touring together for sixteen years during which time
they have recorded “The Lewis Blue” and more recently a live DVD and CD,“A Long December Night”

Together they wrote ‘Heart and Soul’ used in the Oscar winning motion picture “Good Will Hunting”

Admission is by tickets available on the door, price £7.50 (£5 concessions).

Venue address: Wighton Centre, Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DP

More info: www.friendsofwighton.com

2008-05-07T17:01:00.000+01:00

New Photos from recent events.

Above: Skelpaig at their cappuccino concert in the Maryatt Hall, 19th April 2008
Below: Rachel Hair in the Wighton Centre, 7th May 2008.

2008-04-17T17:44:00.000+01:00

Cappuccino Concert, Maryatt Hall
Admission £4.50 includes coffee & newspapers
Saturday 19th April 2008, 10.30 for 11am
Skelpaig: fiddle, pipes & guitar

Come and join Kat Liley, David Adam and David Sutherland for a morning of Scottish music. Their debut CD, "...aye?" is just released!

More info on the band at www.skelpaig.co.uk

2008-03-18T16:36:00.001Z

On Saturday 22nd March 2008 there is a chance to hear virtuoso cello music in Dundee's Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in the Central Library, Wellgate, DD1 1DB

George Kennaway, who is Principal Cello (no. 2) in the Orchestra of Opera North, will perform a recital of 18th century cello music, from 11am till 12 noon. Featuring a selection from "Forty Favourite Scotch Airs" by John Gunn (c.1765-1824) the recital will also include pieces by Haydn, Boccherini, Stephen Paxton & others. Isobel Luke will accompany him, playing the beautiful "Wighton Harpsichord".

At 2pm, George will lead a workshop on 18th century cello. There are places for participants who want to bring their cello and have a go, as well as audience seats for people to watch the action from a safe distance.

Admission is £4.50 per event (concession £3); a combined ticket for concert and workshop is £7.50 (concession £5). Tickets are available on the door.

The event is being organised by the Friends of Wighton, who aim to make the musical treasures owned by the City and preserved in the Wighton Collection, more accessible to the peopl eof Dundee, Fife and Angus.

For more info please visit www.friendsofwighton.com or call 01334 474263

2008-02-21T16:59:00.000Z

New CD of historical Scottish music
Clàrsach na Bànrighe

Historical harp specialist Simon Chadwick, based in St Andrews, Fife, has just announced the release of his new debut CD recording.

The CD is titled 'Clàrsach na Bànrighe' which is Gaelic for 'The Queen's harp', and which refers to the instrument played on the CD - the amazing decorated replica of the medieval Scottish 'Queen Mary' harp which was built for Simon last year.

The music on this CD is drawn from Simon's recent work both at St Andrews Cathedral, where he gave a sell-out recital series last summer, and at the Wighton Centre in Dundee where Simon teaches a weekly class in historical harp technique, and where he researched the old Scottish harp music as resident musician in 2006-7.

The medieval section of the CD includes 13th century church repertory from St Andrews Cathedral (where the CD was recorded), as well as from Inchcolm island in the Firth of Forth. The second half of the CD presents, for the first time, the complete repertory of John Robertson of Lude, Perthshire, who owned and played the 'Queen Mary' harp in the early 18th century. As well as airs, ports and a family salute, it includes a Gaelic song on the battle of Sherrifmuir, which has been newly matched to its original tune and is sung by guest, Mairead Murnion, originally from Co. Down, Ireland, and now living in Dundee.

The CD wil be launched at two complementary recitals, at St Andrews Cathedral on Tueaday 11th March, 12.45-1.15pm, and at the Wighton Centre, Dundee, in Thursday 13th March, 7.30pm.

Simon Chadwick is a specialist in the history, traditions and performance of historical Irish and Scottish harp music. He has been based in St Andrews since early 2006. He is Hon. Secretary of the Historical Harp Society of Ireland, and Assistant Director of its annual summer school, which is held in Kilkenny, Ireland every August and is the main international event for the study of the historical Gaelic harp traditions. Since 2006, he has been researching, performing and teaching at the Wighton Heritage Centre in Dundee, which holds an extensive collection of 17th, 18th and 19th century Scottish music books.

For more information, pictures and a sample track please visit
http://www.earlygaelicharp.info/CnaB
http://www.simonchadwick.net

Two recitals to launch the new CD

The Prior's House, St Andrews Cathedral
Tuesday 11th March 2008, 12.45-1.15pm

Admission free; please collect tickets from the Visitor Centre 01334 472563

Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee Central Library
Thursday 13th March 2008, 7.30pm
Admission free

www.earlygaelicharp.info
07792 336804

2008-02-21T16:53:00.000Z

Friends of Wighton 2008 programme

Lunchtime recitals, Wighton Centre, 1.15-1.45pm
First Wednesday of each month

5th March, Sara Grey, ballads

2nd April, Ewen Sutherland, singer

7th May, Rachel Hair, clarsach

4th June, Baldragon Academy (TBC)

Cappuccino Concerts, Maryatt Hall
Saturdays, 10.30 for 11am. £4.50 includes coffee.

19th April, Skelpaig, fiddle, pipes and guitar

24th May, Brian McNeill, multi-instrumentalist

14th June, Lawside Academy, madrigals to musicals

19th July, Shona Donaldson, traditional singer, with Paul Anderson, fiddle

16th August, Sean Tebble, classical guitar

Other Wighton Centre events

Saturday 22nd March, cello recital and workshop, George Kennaway

Wednesday 14th May, 7.30pm, Ivan Drever and Duncan Chisholm, songs, guitar and fiddles.

2008-02-02T12:02:00.000Z

The first in the 2008 series of Wednesday lunchtime recitals hosted by the Friends of Wighton in Dundee will be on Wednesday 6th February at 1.15pm.

The recital will be held in the beautiful surroundings of the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB

This month's performer is whistle player Helen Forbes, who is a regular at the Wighton Centre teaching the Saturday morning beginners whistle class.

Helen Forbes from Dundee is regarded as one of Scotland's finest tin whistle players. Her father, Peter, a well known Highland piper who later took up uillean pipes, was a major influence on her playing but she was also lucky enough to be taught by Mary Bergin in Spiddal and also by her at the Willie Clancy School in Miltown Malbay.

Admission is free and there will be a retiring collection to support the work of the Friends of Wighton in making the treasures of the Wighton Collection accessible to the people of Dundee, Fife and Angus.

For more info please visit www.friendsofwighton.com or call O7792 3368O4

2008-01-10T18:07:00.000Z

"Music from the Wighton Collection" is the title of an event organised by Dundee University Organist Graeme Stevenson at the University Chaplaincy, Cross Row, Dundee, on Friday 1st February. 1.20 -1.50pm. Admission free, so do go along for a chance to hear some of the gems of old Scottish music from the Wighton Collection. Graeme played a recital on the Wighton harpsichord last Autumn.

2008-01-05T15:36:00.000Z

Weekly Scottish music classes start again in Dundee Central Library, on Saturday 12th January 2008.

The classes are held in the beautiful surroundings of the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Library in the Wellgate Centre. The Wighton Collection, displayed in the centre, is one of the best collections of old Scottish music books in the world, with over 700 volumes preserved from up to 400 years ago.

On Tuesday afternoons from 2.oo to 3.30pm, the Scots Song class is led by well-known Dundee singer Maureen Jelks.

The instrument classes are held on Saturdays. Well-known Fife fiddler Karen Read teaches fiddle from 11.00am to 12.30pm. Dundee whistle virtuoso Helen Forbes teaches tin whistle from 12.30 to 2.00pm, and historical clarsach expert Simon Chadwick leads the harp class from 200 to 3.30pm

All of the classes are aimed at beginners, and there are instruments available to borrow - fiddles made by an old Fife violin maker are provided for beginners, and there are replicas of historical clarsachs ready for rental. Tin whistles are available for sale.

The organisers, the Friends of Wighton, are a voluntary group dedicated to making the hidden treasures of the music collection available to as many people as possible. Fees for the classes are £2 (or £1 for consessions) for the song class, and £4 (or £2.50 concessions) for the instrument classes.

There are now vacancies for all four classes, and the beginning of a new year is an ideal time to take up an new instrument or learn some traditional songs. Come along to the first classes on Saturday 12th Jan or Tuesday 15th Jan and join in the fun!

For more information see www.friendsofwighton.com or call 07792 336804

The Firends of Wighton would like to thank the Scottish Arts Council for their support.

Photo:

Clarsach teacher Simon Chadwick and song teacher Maureen Jelks in the Wighton Centre

2007-12-06T12:21:00.000Z

Sheena Wellington singing to an enthusiastic audience in the Wighton Centre on Wednesday 5th December.

Coming up with the Friends of Wighton is an outreach event in Fife; harpist Simon Chadwick and fiddle player Karen Read will perform at Falkland Palace on Friday 14th December at 7pm, as part of a concert organised by Historic Scotland.

There will be no Wednesday Lunchtime recital in January; the next is on 6th February at 1.15pm in the Wighton Centre, in Dundee Central Library.

2007-11-17T11:33:00.000Z

Cheyenne and Seylan performing in the Wighton Collection yesterday.

2007-11-09T14:17:00.000Z

On Friday 16th November at 7.30pm, the Friends of Wighton are hosting a concert in the Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library.

With Cheyenne Brown (harp) and Seylan Baxter (cello and voice), the concert is to lauch the duo's new CD of traditional Scots music and song.

Titled 2:forty, their debut album is a delightful selection of traditional music including songs by Burns and Ramsay, played in a lively and interesting style. Available at record shops and via the website www.celloharp.com, the CD will be available at a discount price on the night.

Cheyenne, from Alaska, and Seylan, from Milngavie, are both recent graduates of the Scottish music course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

Tickets for the event will be on sale on the door and are £5, or £4 for concessions and members of 'Friends of Wighton'. Be sure to turn up early to secure your seat as places are limited!

"If the festival was a supermarket, Cheyenne and Seylan would be the delicatessen." - Director, Festival Internacional de la Sierra, Spain

2007-11-09T14:09:00.000Z

As well as the concert in St Andrews on Sunday 11th November, the 200th anniversary of the death of Denis O'Hampsey, the famous old Gaelic harper, will also be marked with an open workshop and presentation by historical harp specialist Simon Chadwick in Dundee on Saturday 10th November.

In the beautiful surroundings of Dundee Central Library's Wighton Centre, which holds an internationally important collection of old Scottish music books, the event will explore the life and music of the most important of the old Scottish and Irish harp players.

Hosted by the Friends of Wighton, there are places for hands-on participants as well as audience seats. Participants will have the chance to play replica historic Irish and Scottish harps while the audience will be treated to an entertaining talk about O'Hampsey's life and music as well as being able to watch the tuition.

Using a copy of Denis O'Hampsey's 'Downhill' harp of 1802, the class will study one of the tunes that Denis himself learned when he was a young student in the 1710s. Simon will also demonstrate other early Gaelic music and will explain why Denis O'Hampsey is so important yet so neglected today.

This is the only event in Scotland marking the 200th anniversary of Denis O'Hampsey's passing; there is another event in Limavady in Northern Ireland on Saturday 10th with early Irish harp specialist Siobhan Armstrong.

The Friends of Wighton holds instrument classes every Saturday in whistle, fiddle and clàrsach.

Saturday 10th November, 2pm
Open workshop & presentation
Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library, Dundee, DD1 1DB
£4 / £2.50 concessions

Concert of old Scottish and Irish harp music
Sunday 11th November, 2pm
St Andrews Museum, Doubledykes Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DP
Admission Free

For more information call 07792 336804
Friends of Wighton: http://www.friendsofwighton.com
Denis O'Hampsey: http://www.earlygaelicharp.info/hampsey

2007-09-28T20:48:00.000+01:00

Click here for the BBC news report on the opening of Fest n Furious at the Wighton Centre today

2007-09-27T17:50:00.000+01:00

Historical harp specialist Simon Chadwick will be appearing at Dundee's Wighton Centre on Wednesday 3rd October 2007, at 1.15pm.

He will be performing a programme of ancient Scottish harp music taken from the historic Scottish music books preserved in the Wighton Collection.

The collection of over 700 music books, mostly dating from the 18th century, was left to the City of Dundee by merchant Andrew Wighton in the 19th century. It is now housed in a purpose-built performance and study centre upstairs in the Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee DD1 1DB

Simon is an acknowledged expert on the performance and traditions on the early clàrsach, the medieval harp of Scotland and Ireland. He will be playing his new replica of the 15th century harp of Mary, Queen of Scots. The original, 500 years old, is preserved in a glass case in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Simon's replica was built for him by a sculptor in Ireland; it is covered in minute decoration, painting and carving, and has strings of gold and silver wire.

The Friends of Wighton hold a lunchtime recital on the first Wednesday of every month. On 7th November the performer will be singer Barbara Dymock, and on 5th December Sheena Wellington will be appearing.

Admission is free; there will be a collection to support the work of the Friends in preserving and making accessible this hidden musical treasure in the heart of Dundee.

For more information contact
www.friendsofwighton.com
07792 336804
secretary@friendsofwighton.com

2007-09-03T11:40:00.000+01:00

The Friends of Wighton are restarting their weekly music classes in the Wighton Centre, upstairs in Dundee's Central Library in the Wellgate Centre. Please note that the class times have changed since last term!

After the success of last term's classes, tuition is being offered again in fiddle, whistle, historical Scottish harp and Scots song. The classes are suitable for beginners and are an ideal opportunity to discover local musical traditions and investigate the musical treasures locked away in the old books kept in the city's Wighton Collection.

Fiddle classes are taught by the wonderful Fife fiddle expert Karen Hannah Reid, and run from 11am to 12.30pm every Saturday.

Tin whistle classes are given by Helen Forbes from Dundee, one of the best whistle players in Scotland, and run from 12.30 to 2pm on Saturdays.

The harp classes are led by Simon Chadwick, from St Andrews, who is one of only a handful of people worldwide playing historical Scottish and Irish harp music using replica medieval and renaissance instruments. They are on Saturdays from 2 to 3.30pm.

Scots song classes are tutored by the famous Dundee singer Maureen Jelks, and are held every Tuesday from 2 to 3.30pm

Instrument classes cost £4 per week (£2.50 concessions) and the song classes are £2 (£1 concessions). For the instrument classes, tin whistles are available to buy cheaply; fiddles made by a Fife violin maker can be borrowed and replica medieval harps with brass, sterling silver and gold strings are available to rent.

2007-08-01T20:51:00.000+01:00

Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas in concert in the Wighton Centre today (above)
Alasdair leads the fiddle and cello masterclass in the Steps Theater. (below)

2007-07-16T12:21:00.000+01:00

Fiddle star Alasdair Fraser together with cello virtuoso Natalie Hass will be stopping off on their Scottish summer tour to play a recital in Dundee's Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in the Central Library, Wellgate, DD1 1DB.

The duo will perform a lunchtime recital on Wednesday 1st August at 1pm, followed at 2.15pm by a masterclass.

The recital is a great chance to hear scottish fiddle music with cello accompaniment, as it was usually played in the 18th century. The Wighton collection holds hundreds of Scottish music books from the 17th, 18th and 19th century, many of them written for fiddle and cello, but the music is hardly ever played like that nowadays.

But this is not stuffy antiquarianism - Natalie's cello provides driving bass rythyms perfectly complementing Alasdair's high-powered fiddle playing.

The masterclass afterwards is another unusual opportunity for traditional music fans, aspiring fiddlers, cellists and people who just enjoy going to watch clever people being taught things by even cleverer people. Open to the public, this is a rare chance to watch while Alasdair and Natalie, acknowledged experts in their fields, explain some of the secrets of their trade to local up-and-coming fiddle and cello players. It will be held in the Library's Steps Theater, so there is no shortage of space for an interested audience.

Tickets are selling out fast. The cost is £5 (£4 concessions and Friends) for the recital and also £5 (£4 concessions and friends) for the masterclass. Contact secretary@friendsofwighton.com or 01334 474263 for tickets and further information.

Friends of Wighton: http://www.friendsofwighton.com
Alasdair Fraser: http://www.alasdairfraser.com
Natalie Haas: http://www.nataliehaas.com

2007-07-16T12:20:00.000+01:00

The Friends of Wighton's successful series of traditional music classes have come to a close for the summer but will be starting up again in September.

Held in the exciting surrounds of the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library, the first event will be a 'come and try' day on Saturday 1st September with free admittance.

Every Tuesday will be song workshops with Maureen Jelks; every Saturday will be whistle classes with Helen Forbes, harp with Simon Chadwick and fiddle with Karen Hannah Read.

2007-07-16T11:12:00.000+01:00

Photo of Diversimode in performance at the Maryatt Hall, 21/07/07

On Saturday 21st July 2007, the Friends of Wighton are hosting a Cappuccino Concert at the Maryatt Hall, Dundee. Come along on Saturday morning, have a cup of coffee, read the morning papers and be delighted and inspired by ravcishing baroque ensemble music!

This month's performers are the early music ensemble Diversimode - four young professional musicians with a common passion for music of the Baroque. The name translates as "in various ways", reflecting the diversity of their musical interests.

Ceridwen Heaney plays 'natural' trumpet (i.e. without valves); Catherine Strachan plays baroque cello; Allan Wright plays harpsichord and Louise Eekelaar sings. Their instruments are all 'baroque instruments', which though looking superficially similar to a modern trumpet, cello and piano, produce a much more delicate, alive sound that is perfect for playing 18th century music.

The programme is titled 'Why should I be sad on my wedding day' and will compare and contrast English and Scottish music from around the time of the Act of Union in 1707 - three hundred years ago. Classical compositions by Handel, Carissimi and Geminiani sit alongside traditional Scots tunes and variations by Bremner.

The Friends of Wighton are delighted to host this unusual concert, as much of the repertory is preserved in the old Scottish music books in the Wighton Collection in Dundee Central Library. Brought together in the 1850s by Dundee merchant Andrew Wighton, the collection of over 700 old books was bequeathed to the city after his death and is now kept in a beautiful purpose-built space in the Wellgate library.

Admission is £4 which includes Coffee and newspapers served from 10.30am; the music starts at 11am. Tickets should be purchased from the Caird Hall box Office.

Friends of Wighton: http://www.friendsofwighton.com
Diversimode: http://diversimode.co.uk
Caird Hall box Office: 01382 434030, http://www.cairdhall.co.uk

2007-06-20T14:46:00.000+01:00

On Saturday 23rd June 2007, there will be a Cappuccino Concert in Dundee's Maryatt Hall, organised by the Friends of Wighton. The event starts at 10.30am when coffee and newspapers will be available, with music from 11am till 12 noon.

The performers will be Palaver, three of the most exciting singers in Scotland. Aileen Carr, Barbara Dymock and Chris Miles are all highly regarded solo singers of a wide range of songs. Their collective repertoire is enormous and varied. Still strongly rooted in traditional song, they will also sing anything else that takes their fancy. Their stage presence is powerful, and their enjoyment in singing together is infectious. They will sing a lively programme of Acapella Songs, Traditional and Contemporary.

Admission is £4 which includes coffee & newspapers.

2007-06-05T11:20:00.000+01:00

Dundee singer Maureen Jelks is giving this month's Wednesday lunchtime recital in the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library.

Held on the first Wednesday of each month, the lunchtime recitals are an excellent opportunity to take a break from the busy week and listen to the finest talent from Dundee, Fife, Angus and occasionally further afield. And admission is completely free!

The recitals are held in the wonderful space of the Wighton Centre - a purpose-built performance and study space, which holds the superb collection of old Scottish music books bequeathed to the city by the 19th century merchant Andrew Wighton.

Maureen Jelks is also giving weekly song workshops in the Wighton Centre, every Tuesday at 2pm. There are also weekly instrument classes on Saturdays from 11am, in fiddle, whistle and harp.

Future dates are as follows:

Wednesday 6th June 2007, 1.15 - 1.45pm
Maureen Jelks
Dundee traditional singer

Wednesday 4th July 2007, 1.15 - 1.45pm
Sara Grey
American ballad singer

Wednesday 1st August 2007, 1.15 - 1.45pm
TBC

Wednesday 5th September 2007, 1.15 - 1.45pm
Graeme Stevenson
harpsichord

Wighton Heritage Centre
Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB

2007-05-26T10:55:00.000+01:00

Weekly classes continue at the Wighton Centre in Dundee Central Library. As well as whistle with Helen Forbes (illustrated) on Saturdays from 11 to 12.30am, there are classes in harp with Simon Chadwick (Saturdays 12.30-2pm), fiddle with Karen Hannah Reid (Saturdays 2 - 3.30pm) and song with Maureen Jelks (Tuesdays 2-3.30pm)

Come along and try something new!

2007-05-21T11:53:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday the Samuel Chorus will be performing in the Wighton Centre in Dundee Central Library, Wellgate, DD1 1DB, from 1.15 to 1.45 pm.

The Samuel Chorus, ias conducted by Raj Samuel. Based in Lochee, it began as a small group of friends singing Carols for Christmas in 2004, and has grown to over 30 voices. They have performed Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ with instrumental accompaniment, but often sing unaccompanied. Their repertoire includes madrigals, part-songs and sacred music spanning 5 centuries

Other events coming up at the Wighton Centre include Dundee traditional singer Maureen Jelks on Wednesday, June 06, 2007. Maureen is now back running the Wighton's weekly Scots song workshop every Tuesday , 2-3.30pm. there are also classes in fiddle, harp and whistle every Saturday.

2007-05-11T19:10:00.000+01:00

Elisabeth Flett performing at the Wighton Centre on 2nd May 2007

2007-04-25T17:20:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday 2nd May 2007 from 1.15 to 1.45 is the monthly Lunchtime Recital organised by the Friends of Wighton, and held in the Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee Central Library, Wellgate Centre, Dundee, DD1 1DB.

This recital will be by Elisabeth Flett, an up and coming young fiddle player from Fife.

Born into a house full of musical instruments, Elisabeth Flett has been working her way round them since she started playing the fiddle at the age of 4. In September 2006 she started at RSAMD Junior Academy studying piano and viola, but fiddle looks certain to remain her first love! Elisabeth enjoys making music with other folk, and is a member of a diverse range of ensembles including Dundee Symphony Orchestra, Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra and Ferryport Fiddlers.

Being home educated gives her plenty of time to practice, although Elisabeth would like to point out that she has a life apart from music, and enjoys dancing, reading and drawing in her spare time.

Other events in the Wighton Centre include a special Wednesday lunchtime recital by the Samuel Chorus on 23rd May at 1.15pm, and weekly classes in song, whistle, harp and fiddle.

2007-04-20T19:33:00.000+01:00

I'm sorry to have to announce a change in our plans. Due to other commitments we have had to postpone the AGM from April to May.

The Friends of Wighton AGM will now be held at 3.30pm on Saturday 12th May 2007, in the Wighton Centre. Refreshments will be provided. All members are warmly invited to come along and help us keep the Friends going. Nominations are very welcome for people who would like to stand for committee posts - we are actively seeking new committee members. Please get in touch if you'd like more information.

Our monthly Wednesday Lunchtime recital (first Wednesday of every month) on Wednesday 2nd May, 1.15-1.45 is Elisabeth Flett, a young fiddle player, and we have a special Wednesday lunchtime recital by the Samuel Chorus on 23rd May, 1.15pm.

2007-04-16T20:43:00.000+01:00

The Friends of Wighton have started running weekly music classes in the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library every Saturday. The tutors are Helen Forbes (whistle), Simon Chadwick (early clàrsach) and Karen Hannah (fiddle)

There was a free "Come and Try" day on Saturday 14th April; Helen, Simon and Karen welcomed interested visitors of all ages who were encouraged to sit down and have a go.

Classes start on Saturday 21st April; the cost is £4 per session or £2.50 for concessions. Instruments are available - tin whistles are for sale, fiddles built by a Fife violin maker are available for loan, and replicas of medieval and baroque Irish and Scottish harps can be rented.

Helen Forbes is from Dundee and has been described as "Scotland's finest whistle player". Fife fiddler Karen Hannah is one of the best exponents of the traditional East Coast fiddle tradition, and has performed at a number of events organised by the Friends of Wighton. She is a member of bands including Randan and has toured extensively in Europe and as far afield as New Zealand. Simon Chadwick is one of the leading specialists in the historical harp traditions of Scotland and Ireland, running the annual summer school of early Irish harp in Kilkenny. He plays a "stunning" new decorated replica of the medieval Scottish "Queen Mary" harp.

The Friends of Wighton are delighted that their successful and popular weekly song workshops have now been joined by instrument classes - and they hope that if these classes are successful, other instruments and tutors can be added to the selection.

Friends of Wighton Weekly music classes

Song with Maureen Jelks
every Tuesday, 2 - 3.30pm
£2/£1 concessions

Whistle with Helen Forbes
every Saturday, 11am - 12.30pm
Early clàrsach with Simon Chadwick
every Saturday, 12.30 - 2pm
Fiddle with Karen Hannah
every Saturday, 2 - 3.30pm
£4/£2.50 concessions

tel. 01334 474263
www.friendsofwighton.com
Wighton Heritage Centre
Dundee Central Library
Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB

2007-04-16T20:39:00.000+01:00

Simon Chadwick with his new replica of the medieval Queen Mary harp, which made its debut at a Friends of Wighton Outreach event in Falkland, Fife, on 12th April.

2007-04-03T20:18:00.000+01:00

Simon Chadwick's Wighton Harp Day - the final event in his six-month residency - was held on Saturday 24th March. The series of two recitals, two talks and a hands on session were extremely well recieved with over 40 people attending. The interest generated by the hands on session was such that early clàrsach has been added to the Friends of Wighton's forthcoming weekly instrumental tuition. The photo shows eager students learning the first tune of the old harpers' curriculum, with replicas of historical Irish and Scottish harps.

Forthcoming events:

Wed 11th April, 1.15-1.45pm - Euan Crabb, trumpet, in the Steps Theater, Dundee Central Library

Sat 14th April, 11am-3pm - Come and try day, for Instrument Tuition. Classes in fiddle with Karen Hannah, whistle with Helen Forbes and early clàrsach with Simon Chadwick will be held every Saturday in the Wighton Centre. Song workshops with maureen Jelks continue every Tuesday, 2-3.30pm

Sat 21st April, 1pm - AGM, in the Wighton Centre.

2007-03-17T17:35:00.000Z

David Vernon at the Wighton Center on Saturday 17th March 2007, with one of his fiddles and an intruiging array of violin-making tools and equipment.

2007-03-13T10:39:00.000Z

This month's talk is an unusual opportunity to find out about how fiddles are made, and to hear locally-made instruments being played.

David Vernon is an experienced maker of violins as well as violas, cellos and classical guitars. He started working in Manchester but moved to Angus 18 years ago, leaving his violin business to spend more time making instruments.

David will talk about the art of the violin maker, and will bring several partly-built instruments to show how they are constructed. Some of his fiddles will also be demonstrated by Gordon Penman.

The Wighton Centre in Dundee Central Library holds the collection of old Scottish music books bequeathed to the City by Dundee merchant Andrew Wighton in the 19th century. The collection includes much fine old fiddle music from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Admission to the talk will be £5, or £3 for members of "Friends of Wighton". It is on Saturday 17th March 2007 at 2pm in the Wighton Centre, Dundee Central Library

2007-03-11T11:39:00.000Z

On Wednesday lunchtime 7th March the Friends of Wighton lunchtime concet was given by smallpipe maker and player Ian Kinnear, accompanied by guitarist Nigel Jelks. They played a lively selection of traditional Scottish dance music and slow airs, delighting the audience.

Forthcoming events in the Wighton Centre include Violin maker David Vernon on Saturday 17th march at 2pm, talkinag about his fiddles (and showing some part-made examples). The fiddles will be demonstrated by Gordon Penman.

Wighton Harpist Simon Chadwick is presenting a whoile day of early clàrsach events on on Saturday 24th March, including recitals at 11am and 3.30pm, and talks at 12 and 2.45pm, and a hands on session at 1.30.

The April lunchtime concert is in the Steps Theater in Dundee Central Library, by trumpeter Euan Crabb on Wednesday 11th April at 1.15pm

2007-02-16T20:37:00.000Z

Early clàrsach specialist Simon Chadwick from St Andrews will be showing off a new instrument in Dundee on Wednesday 21st February - a brand new replica of the famous medieval Lamont harp, with strings of brass and silver wire.

The new harp is the latest in a series of replica Gaelic harps that are being made by master luthier David Kortier, of Minnesota, for the Historical Harp Society of Ireland. David visited museums in Scotland and Ireland in 1999 and 2000, to measure and photograph the ancient Gaelic harps. Since 2005 the HHSI, of which Simon is Honorary Secretary, has been commissioning replicas of these fascinating ancient relics. The harps are used by students at the annual summer school, Scoil na gCláirseach, and are also important research tools to help understand how the old instruments were strung and played.

The instruments have been carefully designed by David Kortier, so that although they are simplified in construction and assembled with machine tools for economy and speed, they preserve all of the unusual proportions, measurements and ergonomics of the original. "None of the old harps is in good enough condition to play" says Simon; "they are too old and fragile. Accurate replicas are the only way to hear the original sound of these instruments. Though we would love to give each student a hand-crafted, carved and sculpted facsimile replica, these simplified but accurate Student replicas are the next best thing".

The original Lamont harp was made in Argyll in the 1400s; it was taken to Atholl in Perthshire by Lilias Lamont in 1460 and was preserved there until it was moved to the National Museum in Edinburgh in the late 1800s. The new replica is a rare chance to see and hear how it must have been when it was new.

Students at the Summer School in Ireland have been delighted and impressed with the Student replicas of the Trinity College harp - Ireland's national emblem, and famous from its appearance on Guinness labels - that David Kortier made for the HHSI. Perhaps the new Lamont replica will create as much interest and excitement in Scotland!

Simon's recital - demonstration, which runs from 1.15 to 1.45 pm in the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Central Library, will showcase historical music from Ireland and Scotland, played on replica harps: as well as the new Lamont harp, Simon will be playing his replica of the Queen Mary clàrsach which has gold strings.

The new replica Lamont harp is available for rental now to anyone who would like to learn the medieval harp playing techniques, and orders can be placed with the Historical Harp Society for instruments from the next batch.

For more information about Simon's workshops in Dundee visit
http://www.simonchadwick.net/wighton

For more information about the HHSI Student Harps (including the Student Lamont harp) please visit
http://www.irishharp.org/shop

Wednesday 21st February 2007, 1.15 to 1.45 pm
Wighton harpist series
Early clàrsach demonstration-recital
Simon Chadwick
Wighton Centre, Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB
Admission free
tel 01334 474263

2007-02-14T11:45:00.000Z

The sound of fighting will echo through Dundee Central Library on Saturday 17th February, as Tom Spiers tells the story of Scottish Soldiers over 600 years through Traditional Songs and Ballads.

Starting at 2pm, the Saturday Talk, hosted by the Friends of Wighton, will be an exciting and colourful look at how military adventures are celebrated and commemorated in music and verse.

The Wighton Centre holds an amazing collection of old Scottish music books, many dating from the 18th century. The Friends of Wighton were formed last year to help bring its treasures to the people of Angus, Fife and Dundee through a range of musical events.

Forthcoming events:

Saturday 17th February, 2pm
Tom Spiers, The Fighting Scot
Wighton Centre, Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB
Admission £5 / £3 members

Wednesday 21st February 2007, 1.15 to 1.45 pm
Wighton harpist series
Simon Chadwick, Early clàrsach demonstration-recital
Wighton Centre, Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB
Admission Free!

Wednesday 7th March, 1.15pm -1.45pm
Lunchtime Recital
Ian Kinnear, Scottish Smallpipes
Wighton Centre, Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee, DD1 1DB
Admission Free!

For more info telephone the Friends of Wighton secretary on 01334 474263

2007-01-31T15:42:00.000Z

On Wednesday 7th February, 1.15-1.45pm, the Wighton Centre in Dundee Central Library is hosting a free lunchtime concert with the traditional singer Barbara Dymock.

Barbara, who is a doctor, learned traditional Scots songs at her grandparents knees, and has been performing since the 1970s. She sings in duos with the likes of Christine Kydd, or Maureen Jelks and in the a capella group Palaver, but Wednesday's recital will see her performing solo, innovative airings of traditional songs. Merging dynamism, power and grace, delivered with fun, passion, pedigree, Barbara is a fresh veteran of the Scottish music world!

Forthcoming events at the Wighton Centre, Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee DD1 1DB:

Wednesday 7th February, 1.15-1.45pm
Friends of Wighton Lunchtime Concert
Barbara Dymock - Traditional Scots Song

Saturday 17th February, 2pm
Friends of Wighton Saturday talk
TBC

Wednesday 21st February, 1.15-1.45
Wighton Harpist Lunchtime Series
Demonstration-recital with early clàrsach, by Simon Chadwick

2007-01-21T10:46:00.000Z

Gaelic Singer Anne Lorne Gillies's presentation on Saturday afternoon in the Steps Theater, Dundee, was a great success. Ann spoke and sang for an hour and a half, delighting the audience with her huge repertory of songs and her personal reminiscences of the great singers she learned them from. She spoke at length about the different types of Gaelic song, and the different places and times when they were sung, illustrating every other sentence with a verse or a few lines of powerful, beautiful singing. She also showed some very interesting photographs from her personal collection and from the Shaw Smith collection on Canna.

After the presentation was over there was an enthusiastic queue to buy copies of her book "Songs of Gaelic Scotland", which Ann was happy to sign and discuss with each person.

The Friends of Wighton would like to thank Ann for a wonderful presentation, and also many thanks to Kevin Bree and David Kett for their work setting up in the theater.

There will be another Saturday Talk next month, 2pm on 17th February. And the Wighton Lunchtime Concert on Wednesday 7th February at 1.15pm will be given by the singer Barbara Dymock.

2007-01-12T16:46:00.000Z

The famous singer Anne Lorne Gillies is coming to Dundee next Saturday to talk about Gaelic songs, sign copies of her book and maybe even sing a wee song or two!

The event, part of the Friends of Wighton Saturday Talks Series, will be held in Dundee Central Library at 2pm. Tickets will be available on the door for £5 (or £3 for Friends of Wighton members)

Anne is a Scottish singer, songwriter, broadcaster, author and academic. In a musical career spanning more than thirty years she has sung throughout the world and made many albums, radio and television series.

Her book "Songs of Gaelic Scotland" gives words, translations, musical transcriptions of over 150 songs, all placed within their musical, literary, social and historical contexts. Though meticulously researched, the book is written in an unpretentious, accessible and entertaining style which reflects not only Anne’s life-time as a professional singer and communicator, but also the informal, supportive atmosphere of the many master-classes and workshops in which she has passed on Gaelic songs to the next generation of singers during her long and distinguished career.