A RARE collection of Highland music is set to grace the stage at the Blas Festival this September – and it’s thought to be the oldest-ever selection of unpublished tunes,
Dr Angus MacDonald, Gaelic song group Sian, and fiddler Ronan Martin will perform a selection of songs from the Eliza Ross collection during the Blas Festival, which runs from September 2 to September 10 at venues across the Highlands and Islands.
The collection, published by Taigh na Teud and compiled by Dr Angus MacDonald, features the Highland tunes and songs collected by Elizabeth (Eliza) Jane Ross, a niece of James MacLeod, one-time laird of the Isle of Raasay.
It was left behind in the library of Raasay House when Eliza Ross left in 1813 to travel with her sister to India.
It was discovered and bought for the School of Scottish Studies by folklorist and collector, Francis Collinson in 1954 and its 150 airs – 100 vocal airs and the others instrumental dance tunes or slow airs – are thought to comprise the oldest collection of unpublished Highland music.
The first of the unique performances will take place at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the Isle of Skye at 7.30pm, September 6, and will be swiftly followed by a show at Raasay Community Hall at 7.30pm the next day, September 7.
The concert will also be accompanied on both nights by an opening set from up-and-coming five-piece folk band Falasgair, from the Isle of Skye.
MacDonald said: “Of the 150 tunes Eliza Ross collected in Raasay, many of the airs have been paired with their Gaelic songs. In addition, 59 tunes have been written out in pipe music – some of these unknown elsewhere. This is a fascinating and valuable resource for anyone interested in Highland music and we will hear many of the highlights at this year’s Blas festival.”
Christine Martin, director of Taigh na Teud, said: “We are looking forward to hearing these old tunes from the Eliza Ross Collection played live on Skye and Raasay during Blas Festival.”
The Blas Festival, which is organised by Fèisean nan Gaidheal in partnership with The Highland Council, showcases Gaelic culture and the thriving Scottish traditional music scene over nine days of events in venues across the Highlands and Islands.
It will host 40 concerts and ceilidhs this year, with an extensive education and communities programme and an online offering which will include workshops and livestreamed concerts.
On top of the new performances of the Eliza Ross collection, other artists performing this year include Mary Ann Kennedy, Julie Fowlis, Emma MacLeod, Paul McKenna, Gillebride MacMillan, Kim Carnie, Martainn Skene, Norrie MacIver, Allan Henderson and Bruce MacGregor.
Performances will cover all manner of topics, from love, loss and mental health to food and drink.
Calum Alex Macmillan, from Blas Festival organisers Feisean nan Gaidheal, said: “We are delighted to be able to showcase this important Highland music collection during Blas Festival this year.
“This year’s festival really will showcase old and brand-new Highland music with concerts like The Eliza Ross Collection and Chloe Bryce’s commission, The Summer Walkers.”
The full programme of events can be found at www.blas.scot along with details of how to purchase tickets.
