Concert tour with a difference to pedal its way to Unst
IT IS certainly a novel way for a musician to tour the country – on a bicycle, with an instrument strapped into the luggage carrier.
But viola de gamba player Sarah Small is doing just that in May, June and July to highlight the environmental impact musicians touring can have.
As part of the UK-wide tour the freelance musician will perform in the Viking longhouse at Haroldswick in Unst on 18 June.
“I’m really looking forward to coming to Shetland,” Small said.
“I’ve never been before and aside from my own curiosity, I am keen to show how one can reach faraway places without needing to fly, hence wanting to reach Unst to make the point even clearer.
“The damaging effects on our environment as a result of how we travel and tour as musicians aren’t talked about enough, and I can’t stand by and continue with the norm when the impact on our environment is so plain to see.”
Another factor is encouraging people to embrace the journey, as well as the destination.
She said travel inspires “so much of the music we play”, and by slowing down and experiencing everything along the way “we are enriching our practice and becoming better musicians and communicators”.
“The value in this is often overlooked as we feel the need to race from A to B as fast and cheaply as possible,” Small told Shetland News.
“By reaching Unst, and performing in a Viking longhouse, I’m hopefully going to inspire others to embrace the journey as much as the destination by showing unique experiences such as this.”
Although there are plenty of dates in the Good Again? tour itinerary, Small said the Unst concert is one she is particularly looking forward to.
Also performing at the event will be Sunita Staneslow, a harpist living in Unst.
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She is also keen to bring her viola de gamba to Shetland – an instrument which is likely to be rarely seen in the isles.
It may look similar to the cello, but it has more string and also has some frets.
“Obviously my opinion is biased, but it really is such a beautiful instrument with a unique sound that makes it the perfect communication vessel, and I’m keen to share that with communities wherever I go,” Small said.
“I’ve allowed myself more time in the schedule to explore, learn more about the heritage of the area and to see the wildlife and how the changing climate is affecting it.”
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