Music & Song
Music has played a prominent part in the festival right from its foundation in 1998. Weaving round and interspersing readings it enhances and expands the poems with which it interacts. Specific musical performances present poetry combined with or set to music, look back at the great ballad or songwriting traditions of past centuries, or recognise its connection with contemporary song and the classics of the 20th century songbook.
Wed 16 March | 5.30-6.10pm | Festival & Exhibitions Launch
Special guest Tom Morton launches the festival with a taster of poetry and music
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Level 2 Foyer
Wed 16 March | 6.30-7.00pm | Pre-Concert Discussion
Dr. Michael Downes in conversation with Lyell Cresswell
The Younger Hall, North Street
Wed 16 March | 7.30-9.30pm | Concert
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra celebrates verse in music
The Younger Hall, North Street
Wed 16 March | 7.30-9.00pm | The Golden Hour
A lively programme of poetry and music with Ryan Van Winkle and guests.
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Bar & Bistro
Wed 16 March | 9.45-11.15pm | The Inklight Poets
Student poetry showcase
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Bar & Bistro
Thu 17 March | 2.15-3.15pm | Krikri in Performance
A performance from Ghent’s innovative polypoetry collective
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Studio Theatre
Thu 17 March | 10.00-11.30pm | Poetry Café: Jazz Night at StAnza
Music from the Byre jazz session players with a spot for the occasional poem
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Bar & Bistro
Sat 19 March | 2.15-3.15pm | The Four Quartets
T. S. Eliot's seminal work performed by Gawain Douglas, with musical interventions
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Studio Theatre
Sun 20 March | 3.30-4.45pm | Poetry in Concert
Music and poetry in this Sorley MacLean tribute event with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, soprano Lesley-Jane Rogers, soloists Alison Mitchell and Jane Atkins, the University of St Andrews Chamber Orchestra and Maoilios Caimbeul
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Auditorium
Sun 20 March | 5.15-6.00pm | The Lost Makar - Roull of Corstorphin
Music and verse with Stewart Conn and John Sampson
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Studio Theatre
Sun 20 March | 10.00-11.30pm | Festival Finale
Traditional music from Lurach
The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street – Bar & Bistro