Join us at the Elmendorph Inn at 3 PM on Sunday, August 6, for James Ruff’s performance of early Scottish music composed, collected, or inspired by women. This concert is being presented and produced by the Hudson River Consort as a benefit for Historic Red Hook.
The Highland Oral Tradition encompasses an impressive range of poetry and music. Though officially excluded from the bardic orders, women increasingly became important bearers of tradition in Scotland as harpers and singers, and as poets and composers of song—fully employing the intricate bardic poetic forms. In recent centuries, women proved important collectors of traditional song. In this performance, James will explore the rich Highland repertoire of the 16th to 18th centuries—composed, collected, or inspired by women. Come experience these songs, in Gaelic and Scots, where women lament their dead husbands, brothers, and kinsmen, nobly celebrate their clan chiefs, and even beautifully bid farewell to the “Music of the Clarsach.” Interspersed with haunting early harp repertoire from Scottish lute manuscripts, this rarely heard repertoire is sure to transport you.
$20 admission - Benefit for Historic Red Hook