The Sound of Scotland Comes to Vancouver
VANCOUVER - The rich heritage of Scottish entertainment in its many facets thrilled a capacity and appreciative audience at the United Scottish Cultural Centre in Vancouver on April 29.
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MIKE PAUL with Allan Robertson of the Royal Scottish Country Dancers at the Sounds of Scotland concert.
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Titled “The Sounds of Scotland,” this concert featured champion Scottish fiddler Paul Anderson from Tarland, Aberdeeenshire; pianist and entertainer George Donald from Perth, Scotland; Scottish lyric soprano Wilma Paton; and a team of Scottish country dancers under the direction of Simon Scott.
The tone of the evening was set by the dancers with their carefully choreographed demonstrations of several Scottish country dances. The portrayal of these lively and graceful dances was a delight to watch.
Paul Anderson's foot-tapping selection of jigs, Strathspeys, marches and reels included several of his own compositions. He showed a mastery of musicianship and displayed the depth and feeling of both Celtic and classical music throughout his brilliant performance. One of the highlights of Paul's performance was his own humourous and skilful composition entitled The Hot Canary.
George Donald, in addition to being an internationally acclaimed classical pianist, is also a fine Scottish entertainer in his own right. George provided the humour on the show with his amusing songs and stories and it was no surprise that he had the audience mopping up tears of laughter.
His hilarious account of an Aberdeenshire farmer's first and only visit to a performance of The Messiah will long be remembered. George's artistry as an accomplished accompanist enhanced the performances of the other solo artistes.
Wilma Paton, or “Scottish Wilma” as she is affectionately known in Canada, proved once again why she is Vancouver's favourite Scottish songstress.
Wilma's affinity for the works of Robert Burns and her passion for performing the haunting melodies and melancholy airs of her native land were evident in her performance. The audience were spellbound with her rendition of the ancient Highland air The Bens of Jura which she performed as a tribute to the late Archie Mackay.
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