Inksters sponsors Scottish Ensemble mini-residency to Shetland

Over four days the Scottish Ensemble will be involved in a number of community events on the islands. This will include collaborating today with the Shetland Community Orchestra in Sandwick, followed by an event called Musical Feast.

The musicians will cook dinner for the local community in Sandwick’s Carnegie Hall under the supervision of food writer Marian Armitage, before treating attendees to an evening of food and music.

Thursday will see the ensemble split into multiple small groups, touring around Shetland for “pop-up shows” in various locations, including the north isles, schools and care centres.

On the Friday, the musicians will be holding a number of school workshops, where young musicians will be able to play with and learn from these experienced and world-class professionals.

On Saturday afternoon Harmony Quest will be performed. This is a play aimed at three to nine year olds, specially written for the ensemble by Scottish playwright Isabel Wright.

The culmination of the residency will be En Rêve on Saturday evening; the main performance of the residency featuring music by Ravel, Debussy,Fauré and Barshai.

Inksters first sponsored the 2013 mini residency to Shetland for which the partnership between Inksters and Scottish Ensemble was awarded the 2014 Arts & Business Scotland Placemaking Award. A series of three smaller concerts by duos or quintets from Scottish Ensemble during 2015/16 was also sponsored by Inksters.

Brian Inkster said: “I am delighted that Inksters are continuing to support Scottish Ensemble in Shetland by sponsoring the mini residency this month. The first mini residency was a great success and very well received. I have been given a number of nice comments from people in Shetland regarding our support of the recent run of three smaller concerts. It is a privilege to be involved with Scottish Ensemble and to assist in ensuring that Shetlanders can experience their music.”