Arts / Multi-cultural music project set to launch with three concerts
A NEW music project which draws inspiration from Scottish folk and Mediterranean, North African and Middle Eastern influences is set to launch in Shetland this coming weekend.
The Eyland Project brings together Maltese percussionist Renzo Spiteri, Shetland cellist Sophie Wishart and Scottish guitarist David Boyter.
They have been fusing their diverse heritage, experiences and musical influences to create a melting pot of original music that sits at the intersection between folk and world music.
The music project will take to the stage for three launch performances in Brae, Lerwick and Bigton from Friday, 31 March to 2 April.
Spiteri said: “We hope that these launch performances will be the beginning of The Eyland Project’s musical journey and our ambition is to share our work with a wider audience through our UK and European network of theatres and festivals.”
Cellist Wishart said: “I feel privileged to be part of such an exciting and unique project, and working alongside such talented musicians makes the entire experience so enjoyable.”
“It’s great to be involved in developing music with this trio,” added Boyter. “The combination of instruments and musical influences has created something we are really looking forward to sharing with people.”
Multi-percussionist, improviser and composer Renzo Spiteri, based in Shetland, is a full-time musician who has been active on the international arts circuit for over 30 years working in the jazz, world, folk, improv and classical fields.
David Boyter, a freelance musician also now based in Shetland, plays guitar, banjo and mandolin, and draws heavily on Scottish, Irish and American folk traditions in his acoustic playing.
Local musician Sophie Wishart has performed across the UK and Europe as part of National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, Marischal Chamber Orchestra and Edinburgh Tattoo.
The Eyland Project launch performances are a Shetland Arts Performing Arts commission.
Tickets at £10 (concessions £8) are available through Shetland Arts booking office (01595 745500) and online at the Shetland Box office here.
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