2012 “Pipes” Concerts Will Feature World Premiere of New Compositions
Clan Currie Commissions New Tributes to Commemorate the Diamond Jubilee and the Passing of American Astronaut Neil Armstrong
Audience members at the 2012 edition of the Pipes of Christmas will be the first to experience two world premieres of new music from Scottish composers. “Balmoral Snow,” composed by Steve Gibb, originally from Inverness, Scotland, will commemorate HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee marking her 60 anniversary of her Accession to the Throne.
Clan Currie has commissioned a new work in memory of Neil Armstrong
Sea of Tranquility” is a new composition by James Ross of Wick, Scotland. The haunting tune will mark the passing of astronaut Neil Armstrong – an American proud of his Scottish decent – who passed away in August of 2012.
“The commissioning of new musical works is an important element of the Clan Currie Society’s mission in the arts,” said Robert Currie, president of the Society and Executive Producer of the popular Christmas concert.
“The Pipes of Christmas” have premiered a number of important works over the years including “Lament for the Lost” – a bagpipe lament composed in 2001 to mark the loss of all involved in the 9/11 terror attacks – and “Salute to Elizabeth, the Queen Mother” at the time of her passing in 2004 at the age of 100.
Proceeds from the concerts support a music scholarship program which includes annual gifts to the National Piping Centre and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (both located in Glasgow,) the Gaelic College of Nova Scotia and Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas. The Clan Currie Society is also the Title Sponsor of the US National Scottish Harp Championship.
Clan Currie will mark the Diamond Jubilee at their Pipes of Christmas concerts
Commenting on the Society’s music scholarship program, stage and screen star Alan Cumming said, “I am delighted that proceeds from the Pipes of Christmas will result in these important gifts which ensure that the future of Scottish culture is safer with these generous scholarships.”
Named one of New York City’s “Top Ten” holiday events, the 2012 concerts are made possible by generous gifts from Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland, Mercedes-Benz USA, the Classic Malts of Scotland, the Grand Summit Hotel, home of the popular Hat Tavern.