Nairn Book & Arts Festival set to host “cosmic” experience with work of renowned Interstellar organist Roger Sayer handpicked by Hans Zimmer
As anticipation builds for the full programme launch of the 2025 Nairn Book & Arts Festival on Friday June 20, organisers have announced two major music events to give audiences a tantalising preview of what’s to come.
The first is a “cosmic” experience in the form of a “breathtaking” live performance by Roger Sayer – the internationally celebrated organist handpicked by Hans Zimmer to perform the organ score for Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi masterpiece, Interstellar.
Sayer was director of music at London’s historic Temple Church when he was chosen to record Zimmer’s now-legendary soundtrack.
The recordings, made at Temple Church in 2014, became central to the film’s emotional and cinematic power and marked the beginning of Sayer’s extraordinary journey as 'The Interstellar Organist'.
Now he commemorates the 10th anniversary of Interstellar's global release with his signature event, 'Interstellar 10' - a performance only he can give.
In a performance at St Ninian's Church in Nairn on the evening of Saturday September 6, Sayer will share behind-the-scenes insights into working with Zimmer and Nolan before delivering his own virtuosic interpretation of the score.
The programme will also include other space-related music including movements from Gustav Holst’s The Planets.
Complementing this will be a celebration of Scotland’s thriving folk tradition on Wednesday September 3 at Nairn Community & Arts Centre, with a double bill of Assynt and Hannah Rarity - two of the brightest stars in the country’s contemporary folk scene.
Award-winning trio Assynt bring their bold blend of Highland tradition and contemporary flair.
With BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year finalists Graham Mackenzie (fiddle) and David Shedden (pipes/whistles), and BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner Pablo Lafuente (guitar), their “refreshingly contemporary” offering is rooted in Scotland’s rich traditions.
In a separate set, Hannah Rarity will showcase her exceptional voice and dynamic stage presence.
A leading figure in the Scottish folk scene, the former BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year has collaborated with Blazin’ Fiddles, Rura, and Cherish the Ladies, and is a familiar face at Celtic Connections, where she hosts the popular Late Night Sessions.
She’ll be joined by one of Scotland’s most sought-after accompanists, Innes White.
Tickets are available now at nairnfestival.co.uk.
