Folk Hero Joins Time and Tides Programme
31 Jan 2024
News Story
Photo: Genevieve Stevenson
Aidan O’Rourke, from folk band Lau, joins the Time and Tides programme in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with visionary Finnish violinist, Pekka Kuusisto*.
Aidan will perform a joyful jam session with Pekka, using as its starting point some of the folk tunes that inspired Anna Clyne's 'Time and Times' work.
Aidan, said:
“It’s a special joy to explore this material with Pekka, who brings such a bright and generous open spirit to everything he does.
Lau came together in 2006 and have ventured a new sound in progressive, politically-charged folk music, releasing five studio albums, multiple live albums and EPs, winning Best Group at the BBC 2 Folk Awards an unprecedented four times.
In life outside Lau, Aidan has joined numerous projects including The Caledonia Ramblers aged 14, the duo Tabache with Claire Mann in 1994 and became a member of Blazin’ Fiddles in 1998 to name a few.
Aidan also frequently works on solo material and collaborations such as with Brìghde Chaimbeul, Kit Downes, and now Pekka Kussisto in this SCO programme.
In the tunes we’ve been finding shared words and appreciating each other’s accents. Maybe most interesting is the space in between: that’s where the improvisation starts taking off.
The wonders of the natural world combine with folk in this elemental programme directed by Pekka.
After the session, Pekka gives the first UK performance of Clyne's 'Time and Tides' and immerses us in Finland’s haunting birdsong courtesy of Rautavaara’s moving tribute to nature.
Elsewhere in the programme is the sweeping magnificence of Estonian composer Erkki-Sven Tüür’s ‘Lighthouse’ and Scottish composer Helen Grime’s lyrical welcoming of ‘It Will Be Spring Soon’ (another UK Premiere).
In the foyer Dolphin Boy is also a new addition and will set the mood with tunes inspired by the onstage musical action.
*Please note: Aidan O’Rourke and DJ Dolphin Boy will not be joining the Time and Tides programme in St Andrews on 13 March.
This concert is commissioned by Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Swedish Chamber Orchestra.
