Arts / A weekend of isles culture to descend on Aberdeen
“I HOPE it’s going to be a mixture of thought-provoking art and culture, but in a really relaxed way with room to have a lot of fun.”
It is fair to say Shetland fiddler Chris Stout probably had a tough job on his hands when he was asked to curate Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Delve programme next year.
The task was to shine a light on the culture of Shetland and Orkney through different art forms – a thankless task no doubt, given the huge breadth of talent in the Northern Isles.
The result is a weekend of music, film and spoken word which aims to give Aberdeen a taste of island life.
The line-up features a number of leading lights from the islands – almost too many to mention.
In terms of music, Shetland is represented through Inge Thomson, Catriona Macdonald, Norman Willmore, Ross and Ryan Couper, Kevin Henderson, Anya Johnston and Stout himself, while Catriona McKay is also set to perform.
Shetland writers Christie Williamson and Jen Stout will also be in conversation.
From Orkney there will be Kris Drever, The Chair, Haverin, Jenny Keldie and Brian Cromarty.
Oh, and some Shetland bannocks will also make an appearance over the weekend too.
Stout said he is “delighted” to have been asked to curate Delve next year, which will take place in Aberdeen between 6 to 8 February at the Lemon Tree venue.
“It’s a short space of time to represent not just music but as many art forms as possible from across all of Shetland and Orkney,” he told Shetland News.
“I think it’s a good, broad representation, but when I look at it, I think ‘oh my goodness, there’s so many people not there’, as well as the talent that is there.
“It’s really designed to get underneath the skin, literally to delve underneath the surface of what Orkney and Shetland have to offer.”
The fiddler, who now lives south, said fellow Shetlander Inge Thomson has also curated Delve in the past.
Last year the task was placed on Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni, who has made many trips to Shetland in the recent past.
Stout is hoping that people might travel down from Shetland and Orkney to enjoy a bit of isles culture in the Granite City.
“I know it’s in February and there’s stuff on with Up Helly Aa’s, but I’m hoping that the warmth of it all, the excitement of it all, [that people might come down].”
Amid the high-class artistry there will no doubt be some sprees going on too as island friends and acquaintances descend on Aberdeen.
Stout said, however, that all the musicians are performing “very heartfelt music” – something which the audiences should connect with.
“I think that’s what maybe will bridge the gap between how I feel about music and what will inspire audiences as well, because when people are authentic, genuine and honest in their delivery of what they care about, then it comes across to an audience,” he said.
“That’s what I look for in music, because I just know when people are honest about themselves and are willing to take risks, then that’s very inspiring for people to listen to and experience.
“That’s probably the backbone of the festival to me.”
Tickets are now available for the various Delve events online.
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