FOR THE LOVE OF TREES

This year’s special commission is by the legendary harpist, singer and composer Mary Macmaster.

Where would we be without the mighty oak, the weeping willow or the lonesome pine? Trees provide the air we breathe, conserve the water we drink, and enrich the food we eat. They give us shade and shelter, and protect us from extreme weather. Trees communicate with their neighbours and support each other in times of need. They have the power to heal the earth and its inhabitants. 

For our 2025 special commission Mary Macmaster has put together a brand new  show celebrating our arboreal protectors. With songs and tunes, old and new, Mary will lead a specially configured band of some of Scotland’s very best musicians.

About Mary Macmaster

Mary is one of Scotland’s foremost traditional musicians, a harpist, singer and composer whose main instruments are the clàrsach and electroharp. Always in demand, she has worked with a who’s who of traditional (and some not so traditional) stars. They include Sting, Kathryn Tickell, and Norma Waterson.

Mary is a founder member of The Poozies (still going strong after 35 years), Macmaster/Hay with Donald Hay, Shine with Alyth McCormack and Corinna Hewat, and Sìleas with Patsy Seddon. In 2013, she and Seddon were inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame.

Joining Mary for this special performance are:

Amy Macdougall (vocals)
Donald Hay (percussion)
Mairearad Green (accordion, pipes)
Pete Harvey (‘cello)
Ciaran Ryan (banjo/fiddle)

With special guest: FIONA SOE PAING

Fiona Soe Paing’s innovative brew of electro alt-folk melds her Scottish/Burmese heritage, electronic music background and fascination with the darker side of Northeast Scotland’s balladry tradition with a delicately blended palette of silvery electronic textures and traditional Scottish sounds. Described by Songlines Magazine as “.. that rarest of treats - a sublimely powerful and lingering experience”, and recommended by Iggy Pop on BBC 6 Music "Wow, that's advanced and beautiful!" , re-imaginings of ancient stories and songs conjure a compelling blend of tradition and innovation.  Her set will comprise excerpts from the audio-visual show "SAND, SILT, FLINT" , with visuals from Isla Goldie. 

In Traverse One

Tickets: £17.50/£14 each

Doors open: 8pm | Music starts: 8.15pm