Inksters brings classical music concert to Skye

Thanks to a partnership starting in 2013, Inksters sponsorship allowed Scottish Ensemble to present a range of concerts, community events and education opportunities on Shetland, and both organisations were delighted when the partnership won a prestigious Arts & Business Scotland award in 2014 in the category of Placemaking – a particularly significant recognition given the meaningful new relationships which were forged on the result of the group’s time on the island.

As well as continuing this support until as recently as June 2016, Inksters is now supporting Scottish Ensemble’s first concert on Skye for five years.

Brian Inkster, founder of Inksters Solicitors, said: “After the success of the series of concerts in Shetland over the past three years I am now delighted to bring Scottish Ensemble to another island community that Inksters has an office in.”

Performing across Scotland, as well as honouring a growing number of prestigious UK-wide and international dates each season, the group are particularly committed to bringing music to places with less provision, and this concert on Skye represents another opportunity for them to share their sound even further across the Highlands and Islands.

Jonathan Morton, artistic director of Scottish Ensemble, said: “Playing standing up, and offering creative programmes which place unexpected pieces and styles next to each other, Scottish Ensemble is known for its dynamic and energetic style. We can’t wait to bring this back to Skye, thanks to our happy partnership with Inksters Solicitors – and the continuing generosity of Brian Inkster.”

Taking place at Aros, the concert celebrates the string sextet – a more rarely-performed type of piece than the more usual quartet. Six musicians from the group will play a varied selection of well-known pieces by Strauss, Brahms and Schoenberg, including the elegant opening to Strauss opera Capriccio and Schoenberg’s famously atmospheric work, Verklärte Nacht (which translates as Transfigured Night).

Scottish Ensemble perform at Aros, Portree, on Friday 22 July. Tickets are available on the door at £12 or call the venue in advance on 01478 613 750.