The Society are holding their annual conference in Perth from March 28-30. There are four illustrated talks on the Saturday (March 29). These are:
‘Gems from the PS Archive’ – Dr Jack Taylor
‘Life, Times and Music of John Macdonald, Inverness’ – Robert Wallace
‘Memorising the Great Music’ – Dr Peter McCalister
‘Skye: Language, Heritage and the Silver Chanter’ – Dr J Decker Forrest
The formal events are followed by a piobaireachd ceilidh and then a black tie dinner. Three young up and coming pipers have been invited to play for the Society after the dinner. Pictured above, they are Kyle Cameron, Fraser Hamilton, and Liam Nicolson (Australia).
The Conference is open to all, and school pupils are allowed in free with a complimentary lunch if accompanied by their tutor.
Fees: £120 for a twin room per night B&B, and £85 for a single per night B&B. Saturday lunch is £13 and three-course evening dinner is £32. There is no conference fee for resident attendees. Book by calling the hotel direct on +44 (0)1738 624455 or emailing reception@theroyalgeorgehotel.co.uk. Please quote ‘The Piobaireachd Society Weekend’ when booking.
Day visitors pay £20. This includes lunch and will be collected by the Treasurer on the day.
PS Archive
Music Editor Jack Taylor has recently added the following tunes to the Society’s considerable audio archive: His Father’s Lament for Donald MacKenzie – Duncan Watson; A Flame of Wrath for Squinting Patrick – John Burgess; MacNeill of Barra’s March – Arthur Gillies; Mary’s Praise – Donald MacPherson; Lament for Patrick Og MacCrimmon – Donald MacLeod; Lament for MacLeod of Colbeck – Iain MacFadyen; Lament for the Children, ground – Iain MacFadyen; Lament for the Duke of Hamilton – John MacDougall; Ronald MacDonald of Morar’s Lament – Donald MacPherson; Lament for Alasdair Dearg – John MacFadyen.
If any reader has recordings they think may be suitable for the Society’s archive, or interesting manuscripts or books on ceol mor, please contact president@piobaireachd.co.uk
MacArthur-MacGregor Book
Long out of print, this book was first published in hard copy in 2001. A digital edition is now available from the PS web shop. The book is a critical edition of a manuscript noted down by John MacGregor from the singing of Angus MacArthur, one of the last pipers to MacDonald of Sleat, Skye. The book contains facsimiles of the original MS, a musicological analysis and performing text of the 30 tunes. Priced £8, it is available here.
Talk Piobaireachd
This continues on February 19 when Jack Lee, British Columbia, will discuss Munro’s Salute and Lament for Ronald MacDonald of Morar.
Next talks:
Mar 19 – Alan Forbes: Chisholm’s Salute, MacLeans’ March
Apr 23 – Robert Wallace: Salute to Donald, Prince’s Salute
All presentations are recorded for future study. Catch up here. NB: You must be a member of the Society to attend these sessions or to access previously recorded talks. Join the Society here.
