Pianist Amy Laurenson to enter the world stage

Amy Laurenson.
Photo: Euan Robertson/PR Gloo

Amy Laurenson.
Photo: Euan Robertson/PR Gloo

LOCAL pianist Amy Laurenson will represent Scotland on the Horizon Stage at this year’s WOMEX music festival in Manchester, it has been confirmed.

She will join eight other artists from Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland as part of a partnership to celebrate the diverse music of Britain and help homegrown artists gain international recognition on the world stage.

Recognised as the largest gathering of the global music industry, WOMEX – short for Worldwide Music Expo – was founded in 1994 and annually hosts a major festival in a European city. This year it will be held in Manchester from 23 to 27 October.

Part of WOMEX, the Horizon Stage is the result of a partnership of various art s funding agencies from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and was founded 10 years ago.

The nine artists playing on the Horizon Stage are:

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• Amy Laurenson (Scotland),
• Balimaya Project (England),
• Cerys Hafana (Wales),
• Córas Trio (Northern Ireland),
• Gnoss (Scotland),
• Gwenifer Raymond (England),
• N’famady Kouyaté (Wales),
• Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet (Manchester),
• Strange Boy (Ireland).

Amy, who last year won the BBC Radio Scotland young traditional musician of the year award, expertly weaves together traditional and folk music from Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia with traditional, classical and jazz soundscapes, commanding the piano as a solo instrument.

After releasing her debut album Strands in February this year, she has been touring the UK with her band appearing at festivals, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, as well as at the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase my music at WOMEX, an event that bears a huge significance in the international music scene,” she said.

“Alongside Gnoss, it’s a huge privilege to be representing Scotland at this year’s showcase and I can’t wait to bring my music to the Horizons Stage with Miguel Girão (guitar), Gregor Black (percussion) and Rhona MacDonald (double bass).”