Sinfonia tunes up at ‘Abirneithi’ for Strathspey special
Nethy Bridge goes classical this weekend, with two concerts in the Community Centre ranging from solo recital to full orchestra.
It’s a major outing for Strathspey’s celebrated Abirneithi Sinfonia, whose name salutes the village’s emergence in 1461. For centuries it remained Abirneithi until the arrival of the railway and the creation of “Nethy Bridge Station”, distinguishing the village from the Abernethy south of Perth.
As orchestra spokesman Bruce Davies explained: “The Abirneithi Sinfonia was formed in 2018 with the intention of providing an opportunity for classical musicians from all over Scotland to gather and play music together and raise money for worthy causes at the same time.”
Saturday’s opener at 1pm, will present percussionist and conductor Steven Meikle’s virtuosity on vibraphone, snare drum and multi-percussion sets as well as unconventional percussive elements.
He will mix South American Latin flare from Astor Piazzolla with moments of calm reflection. Favourite pieces transcribed for the vibraphone will be featured alongside new percussion compositions.
On some he will be accompanied by pianist and keyboards specialist Aileen Anderson.
The event is set to prove the perfect overture to Sunday’s orchestral extravaganza with Abirneithi Sinfonia, where Mr Meikle will conduct and mezzo soprano Rachael Liddell will solo in a programme including the delights of Thunder and Lightning Polka, Libertango, Cease, Ruler of the Day, Farewell to Stromness, Allegretto Symphony no 7, Amor, How to Train your Dragon, Gabriel’s Oboe, Scots Song and Lord of the Rings’ Concerning the Hobbits and In Dreams
Entry is free but donations will be welcomed to boost the funds of “Where 2 Today”, the strath’s vital social service provided by Badenoch and Strathspey Community ConnXions.
