OGHAM-CHRAOBH WORKSHOP WITH SUSANNAH STARK

Explore an ancient link between trees and language; learning Gaelic names for trees and looking at the beith-luis-nin, a form of the early medieval Ogham alphabet as a prompt for creating improvised music.

During this workshop, participants will get to know the variety of Ogham inscriptions in Scotland, learn the names of different trees in the surrounding area in Gaelic and Ogham, and work with field recordings, acoustic and electronic instruments and your voices, responding to improvisation prompts and creating visual scores for improvising together. This workshop is a space to experiment and build on music composition and group improvisation skills, while deepening connection to place through the lens of Gaelic and the beith-luis-nin.

Musicians of any background and level of experience are welcome who are willing to improvise, try vocal practices, and open to group working. Prior experience with electronic and/or acoustic instruments and/or sound recording is welcome but not essential, guidance will be available.

Susannah Stark’s longstanding interest in the art of song and multi-lingual expression inspires a songwriting process by which she aims to give voice to intangible moments of everyday life and creative inspiration in their raw form.

This workshop is in two parts, on Saturday 2 and Saturday 9 May.

At the Scottish Storytelling Centre

Tickets: £40 (for both sessions)

Event starts: 2pm