Bringing the sounds of Orkney to the Highlands
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10 minutes with...Jennifer Wrigley, who is appearing as part of Croy Live.
Q What are you and Laurence planning playing at Croy Live – will it be a mix of things? Have you got your set already worked out or do you like to be spontaneous?
A Specially included in our programme for Croy will be some new pieces from Catch The Rhythmic Orkney Tide And Ride which was recently premiered at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow as part of my current role as RCS Associate Artist.
This major work was the culmination of an 18-month project supported by Sound and Music in London, which brought together internationally acclaimed artists Tim Edey (a familiar face in Croy), singer Alyth McCormack (singer in the Chieftains), Luke Daniels (box player from Riverdance and De-Dannan) and Harris Playfair (accompanist with Shetland fiddler Jenna Reid). Alongside RCS traditional music degree students, this celebration of Orkney traditional music and dance included a brand new choreographed dance piece by Jane Douglas performed by the Feis Lochaber Step Dancers and supported by the Friends of Inverness Music.
This will be the first time these pieces have been aired since the premiere and the first time ever played by a duo. We will also be performing my prize-winning composition awarded by the National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs, An Orkney Tribute To Dr Edvard Kobal.
Q What are you most looking forward to about being back in Scotland when you head north to the Croy Live date?
A We’re really excited about performing in Croy. Alison Mackenzie has been doing a great job bringing world-class artists to the stage in these fantastic concerts. It’s an honour to be asked! It should be a very special event especially given that it has been so many years since I last appeared there. As well as travelling the beautiful and familiar journey across the Highlands once again we’re both really looking forward to catching up with old friends. Inverness is a place close to both our hearts as a familiar stepping stone heading to and from Orkney. Please spread the word – we’re hoping for a great crowd and a fantastic Inverness/Croy welcome!
Q When did you last play this area and was it with Laurence, your sister Hazel or another line-up?
A It has been far too long a time since I’ve performed near Inverness, it must be at least 20 or 25 years – possibly as a guest for the Inverness Fiddlers Rally. This will be Laurence’s first performance in Inverness and he’s very much looking forward to it. I’m really excited to come back and see friends again – albeit older ones!
Q Your musical life seems steeped in Orcadian music – has it been hard to move away to Malvern or have you simply taken the music with you?
A We both very much miss the Orkney music scene but it’s always good to be inspired by meeting new people and hearing their music. Many of the local musicians here in Malvern are already familiar with some Orkney music owing to Laurence being here for many years, but there is certainly a noticeable increase in the Orkney music repertoire at the sessions here. It’s lovely to be able to continue spreading Orkney music further afield and introduce new tunes and styles to the musicians in the area.
Q What is the music life of Malvern like, talking of your new home? Is the traditional English music scene rich around you?
A Malvern has a fantastic music scene and it has been great to get involved locally in it. English composer Edward Elgar was based here and the world-famous violinist Nigel Kennedy also made it his home for a time. As well as the vibrant classical music scene there is also a rich folk scene as well as many blues, jazz, rock, choral and orchestral groups.
Find tickets for Croy Live on Saturday, May 20 here
