Internationally renowned harp and electronica duo FitkinWall follow threads of migration, loss and longing in their new show. Ruth Wall’s explorations into Gaelic song, fiddle and pipe tunes and the history of the Scottish Highlands where she grew up have a particular focus on migration and the Highland Clearances. Graham Fitkin has created enigmatic and mesmerising new versions of these tunes for Ruth’s three harps - the sitar-like Renaissance bray harp, the beautiful medieval Gaelic wire harp (clàrsach) and the Scottish lever harp. Ruth’s passion for the highly ornamented Scottish pibroch piping technique informs her playing style and inspires the sound world of this fascinating and unique concert. In this show FitkinWall combine ancient aural sources with modern technology, conjuring up captivating and intricate patterns on these unique instruments. The performance will feature a beautiful choreographed light installation by acclaimed light artist Peter Freeman.
The music for Harpland was recorded last year at Real World Studios and this new FitkinWall album is called UIST. It has been released by NXN (Naxos).
FitkinWall have performed around the world – from the Royal Albert Hall, BBC Proms, Aldeburgh and Glastonbury Festivals to Spiral Hall Tokyo, Aula Magna Rome and tours in Iceland, Sweden and Italy.
'Virtuosic'
The Guardian
'It’s a haunting blend of Gaelic melodies and timeless electronica soundscapes that get right inside your head, and your heart.’ Mark Kermode, Observer on UIST (the 2024 album from the Harpland show)
Ruth Wall was brought up in Sutherland, immersed in the songs and tunes of the Highlands. She has performed on her many ancient and modern harps on stages around the world – Sydney Opera House, Berlin Philharmonic, Gucci 75th celebrations in Rome and Florence, Radio City New York, and the London Olympic Celebrations. Ruth has featured as a soloist with the London Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra and toured extensively with Goldfrapp, The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble, Kathryn Tickell, Ockham's Razor. She works with artists and composers including Adrian Utley, Kneehigh Theatre, Saconni Quartet, Jeremy Holland Smith and Clint Mansell.
Composer Graham Fitkin has worked with Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, New York City Ballet. He has won three BASCA composer awards and the Royal Philharmonic Society Composer Award 2015.
Tickets £18.50
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Most of our shows use ‘cabaret-style’ seating. This means that your seats will be unreserved, which allows you to decide where to sit when you arrive.
The stalls (downstairs) are set up informally, with chairs around small tables, for a sociable, relaxed atmosphere, and somewhere to put your drink. Cabaret seating also allows space for dancing, which is highly encouraged at Victoria Hall!
For those who prefer a more ‘traditional’ theatre experience, the balcony seats are laid out in rows and raked, ensuring all seats have an excellent view.
For parties of six or more, tables in the stalls can be reserved- contact us to reserve a table. If you have reserved a table, we ask that at least one of your party turn up at least 30 minutes before the performance start time, in order to secure your table.
We can always reserve seating or wheelchair spaces in the stalls for those unable to use the stairs- just let us know when you book your tickets.
Please note, online bookings are subject to a booking fee. Tickets can also be bought by phone on 01729 825718, or in person at our box office. Opening hours are 10am-2pm, Monday-Friday.
Show end times given are an estimate only. Doors open 45 minutes before show start times.
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Tickets are non-refundable, except in the case that the event or date has been changed by Settle Victoria Hall.
