19th February 2022

What a huge treat it was to welcome Justyna Jablonska (Polish cellist based in Edinburgh) and Jyotsna Srikanth (South Indian Carnatic violinist) on 5th February!

The improvisation workshop was incredible – none of the attendees had experienced anything like it before – and it’s certainly left me thirsting for more knowledge. Unfortunately, we needed to limit the numbers attending to a 8 – we were fully booked, then four needed to drop out at the very last minute. However, the four enjoyed even more attention and had a wonderful time (see photo below).

After an hour’s break, Justyna and Jyotsna gave us a fantastic concert of mesmeric and exotic improvisation based on Ragas and compositions. Again, (probably due to appalling weather) although we had sold out, some people couldn’t make it, But we still enjoyed good attendance and thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

 

A week later, a full house enjoyed a virtuoso, magical performance from harpist and composer Ailie Robertson. With an amazingly varied programme ranging from more standard classics and traditional music, to Ailie’s own compositions and astonishing and beautiful music from Japan, the audience was enthralled and delighted (see photo below).

We are grateful for the very friendly support (financial and practical) of Chamber Music Scotland, without which we simply couldn’t offer concerts like this in Penicuik.

 

COMING UP!

Something completely different! The Castaways will entertain us with an afternoon of song in close harmony. They’ll offer a varied programme of songs to please us all. This is a benefit concert in aid of the ongoing Arts Centre building repairs. Your support will be very welcome! Thank you Castaways for your generousity! Tickets will be on sale from the beginning of March.