Amplify (2020)
In this series of creative music sessions, participants learned composition and song-writing. The project culminated in a performance of new songs, written by the participants and performed by the Nevis Ensemble. You can watch recordings of each song below!
Amplify
Amplify
Nevis Ensemble | Amplify | 1. Future, Past, Present
Nevis Ensemble | Amplify | 2. Love Yourself First My Love - Jo Beth Gray
Nevis Ensemble | Amplify | 3. Men & Beasts & Beings
Nevis Ensemble | Amplify | 4. Beautiful Company (H.O.P.E.)
Songs in order of appearance:
1. 'Future, Past, Present' is performed by the Nevis Ensemble and Claire Hastings. The lyrics were written by Michelle Meech, the original tune was composed by Rebecca Caswell, and the piece was arranged for ensemble by Aileen Sweeney.
2. 'Love Yourself First My Love' is performed by the Nevis Ensemble, Claire Hastings, and Rebecca Caswell. The lyrics and original tune were written by Jo Beth Gray and the piece was arranged for ensemble by Aileen Sweeney.
3. 'Men & Beasts & Beings' is performed by the Nevis Ensemble and Claire Hastings. The lyrics and original tune were written by Whitney Nielson and the piece was arranged for ensemble by Aileen Sweeney.
4. 'Beautiful Company (H.O.P.E.)' is performed by the Nevis Ensemble, Rebecca Caswell and Claire Hastings. The lyrics and original tune were written by Rebecca Caswell and the piece was arranged for ensemble by Aileen Sweeney.
Our Collaborators
In this project, participants learned new ways to tell stories through music and song. In online workshops, a small number of participants learned composition and song-writing skills with composer Aileen Sweeney and singer Claire Hastings. These workshops resulted in four new songs, written by the participants and recorded by the Nevis Ensemble. A trained support worker was present throughout.
These songs were performed by the Nevis Ensemble, singer Claire Hastings, and one project participant, Rebecca Caswell. A public performance is planned for Autumn 2021.
The Nevis Ensemble is dedicated to removing barriers to accessing orchestral music, with the vision that ‘music is for everyone, everywhere.’ They combine pop-up performances with participatory music workshops for a variety of different participants. You can read more about their work here.
Aileen Sweeney is a composer and accordion player based in Glasgow. She is on the LPO Young Composers Scheme, and has had her work performed by groups including the Hebrides, Red Note and Psappha ensembles. You can find out more about her work here.
Claire Hastings is a Scottish folk singer and songwriter. In 2015 she earned the prestigious title of BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and has since delighted audiences at home and abroad with her ‘natural, effortless Scots voice.’ (FRUK). You can find out more about her work here.