Sunday 8th February: Nordic Viola – Concert with Art Workshop

Art Workshop 2pm; Concert 3.30pm 

Art Workshop 2pm to 3.15pm, Cathedral Hall

‘Drawing Sound: Responding to Music Through Art’ led by artist Orla Stevens

What if you could see sound? What shapes, colours, textures, or stories might appear on the page?

This relaxed, family-friendly drawing workshop invites people of all ages to explore responding to the music of ‘The Pilgrims Path’ through drawing and mark-making, with the inspirations behind the music guiding creative responses. Using a recording of the music by Nordic Viola, we’ll listen for elements such as sea and landscape atmospheres, birdsong, ancient chant, and the ringing of church bells, noticing the feelings, images and stories they evoke. These will be the starting points for both abstract marks and more recognisable imagery.

This workshop* is open to all ages and stages of artists. No experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to have a go! All materials are provided.                                                                                 

*Maximum 20 – phone 01786 825448 to book a place. Admission by donation.

You can hear the music performed live after the workshop, in the Cathedral at 3.30pm.

Concert 3.30pm to 4.30pm, Cathedral

The Pilgrims Path

Gemma McGregor, flute     Katherine Wren, viola    Colin Renwick, narrator

Gemma McGregor has created a new work based around the story of St Magnus. It follows points on the Magnus Way – a pilgrimage route in Orkney which leads to St Magnus Cathedral and where the relics of Magnus are to be found. The sounds heard on this 58-mile path across Orkney, walked by pilgrims in the 12th century, are the inspiration for this suite of six pieces, premiered at the 2025 St. Magnus Festival. The titles of the pieces are inspired by Orcadian poet George Mackay Brown and the music is interspersed with the spoken word.    Admission by donation.