St Cecilia’s Hall is the oldest purpose-built concert hall in Scotland and hosts one of the world'
St Cecilia's Hall museum brings together one of the world's most important collections of historic musical instruments.
Some pictures of last night's Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories performance. Thank you to our wonderful performers Marie Fielding and Beverley Bryant, our warm and receptive audience, and of course support from our funders National Lottery Heritage Fund
Pictures by Lori Watson
As part of our Year of Stories 2022 event series 'Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories', in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today the final Binnorie Woman in our series is Alicia Anne Spottiswoode, who inspired William Marshall's tune 'Lady John Scott'. Alicia was a prolific historian and the author of many famous ballads, including 'Annie Lawrie', 'Durisdeer' and 'Think on Me'. Her work 'Annie Lawrie' had words set to it by a 17th-century poet, William Douglas. She was also a champion of traditional Scots language, history and culture, her motto being "Haud [hold] fast by the past".
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Please note that we'll be opening late today. We look forward to welcoming you from 2pm!
As part of our event series Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories, in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today's penultimate Binnorie Woman is Lady Rachael Russell, the inspiration behind William Marshall's Lady Rachael Russell, Strathspey'. Rachael was a successful writer, publishing the novels 'Jessie Cameron: a Highland Story' in 1857 and 'The Prophecy' in 1863. Some of her works received praise from prominent literary critics of the day, being described as simple stories full of deep emotion and meaning that far outweighed many fashionable novels of the day when it came to quality. Some of her books can still be found in print today.
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
National Lottery Heritage Fund
It is such a pleasure to host talented musicians when they perform in our hall. Thank you for sharing your music with us.
As part of our event series 'Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories', in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today's Binnorie Woman is Cathie MacDonald. Little is known about Cathie and, unlike the other women in our series, she does not, to our knowledge, have a piece of music dedicated to her. Instead, an image of her (pictured below) survives in the Angus Archives' James Scott Skinner collection. It is likely that Skinner developed a friendship of some kind with Cathie during the several years that she toured with him in his concert party as a highland dancer.
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
Photo courtesy of Angus Archives
National Lottery Heritage Fund
One of the most beautiful venues I have performed in - St Cecilia's Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum at Edinburgh!
Such a gorgeous setting, lovely ambience, lovely audience and the most beautiful acoustic hall ever! Thanks to the organisers for taking care of us so well and organizing it so beautifully!:)
As part of our event series Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories, in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today's Binnorie Woman is Jean Cameron of Glendessary, the inspiration behind William Marshall's 'Miss Cameron's Reel- Banff'. Jean was a member of the Scottish peerage and a Jacobite. When her brothers went abroad, they left her as the appointed factor of the family estates. In this role she may have been at Glenfinnan when Charles raised his standard and at the Jacobite Court in Edinburgh. She is not known to have been further involved in rebellion, despite much propaganda that sought to frame her as an active military leader or as a fallen woman who became Charles's mistress. One such propaganda image of her is pictured here. In reality, she was known as a beautiful and intelligent woman with an incredible presence about her, who, though a supporter of the cause, took no active role in the 1745 rebellion.
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
Calling all our programme kicks off tomorrow with a fiddle music workshop led by Marie Fielding. Suitable for all ages and abilities. A few spots are still available!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/binnorie-fiddle-music-workshop-tickets-393556456957
Our annual celebration of local and community music is back for 2022! Confirmed acts include a saxophone quartet, clarinet and guitar duo, African and shamanic music and much more. Drop in between 12pm - 5pm. FREE. Secure your spot for an afternoon of eclectic music making on our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-cecilias-big-celebration-day-2022-tickets-426111189037
As part of our event series 'Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories', in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today's Binnorie Woman is Susan Gordon, Duchess of Manchester, who inspired William Marshall's 'Lady Susan Gordon's Reel'. Susan can be seen depicted as the middle of the three ladies in the background of this satirical print. In it she is seen wearing men's breeches labelled 'Manchester silk', symbolising her perceived control over her husband. Later in life she was embroiled in scandal when she left her husband for a footman, a daring move and one seen as highly inappropriate for a woman of this period. This meant that she died an exile from "polite" society. Whether she remained with the footman is unknown.
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
National Lottery Heritage Fund
As part of our event series Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories, in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today's Binnorie Woman is Jean Skinner, James Scott Skinner's first wife. Jean supported her husband's art and dancing school business until the family experienced bankruptcy due to the payment for one of his publications. This financial hardship took such a toll on Jean that she suffered extreme mental distress, causing her to be admitted to Elgin Asylum. Skinner wrote the tune 'Gane is My Jean' in memory of his beloved wife after she passed away during her time as an asylum patient.
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Join us for an event full of family fun with a screening of the film Yoyo & The Little Auk, followed by a child-friendly tour led by museum curators. In partnership with RSNO and the Family Learning Festival 2022.
For children aged 3-6. In addition to the live concert experience, digital learning resources are available for free at www.rsno.org.uk/project/yoyo
19th and 21st of October 2022, 14:00-15:00
Book now for a day of family fun via our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoyo-the-little-auk-screening-and-childrens-tour-tickets-433474482847?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Worried about missing out on a brilliant night of music, performances and community? Don't panic, there's still tickets available for tomorrow's LGBTQ+ Museum Late event on our Eventbrite page. 🥳
Book your ticket now at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lgbtq-music-museum-late-st-cecilias-hall-tickets-408046647507?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
As part of our event series 'Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories', in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today's Binnorie Woman is Madame Frederick who inspired the tune 'Madame Frederick' by the composer William Marshall (pictured here). She was a popular dancer on the Edinburgh stage during Marshall's time. Famously, in 1799 she was invited to dance at the Highland Society of London's piping competition. Here she danced jigs, strathspeys and reels for the delighted onlookers so it seems only appropriate that such a famed dancer would have inspired Marshall's work.
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
National Lottery Heritage Fund
As part of our event series 'Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories', in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today's Binnorie Woman is Georgiana Russell, Duchess of Bedford, the inspiration behind William Marshall's 'Lady Georgian Russell's Reel'. Georgiana was known for her kindness and intelligence when it came to seeing to her husband's tenants and his estates. She was also famed for her social gatherings, especially those she held in her London apartments once her husband passed away. These parties were so famous that she eventually had a street in Kensington named after her.
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
National Lottery Heritage Fund
We hope you are looking forward to our LGBTQ+ event series as much as we are! 🌈🥳
Tickets are almost sold out for the zine workshops and running out quickly for the Museum Late, get your tickets now for these unmissable (and completely free) events below!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
As part of our Year of Stories 2022 event series 'Binnorie: Fiddles and Women's Stories', in the lead up to the final event in the series we will be regularly posting about some of the interesting women we have discovered over the course of this project.
Today's Binnorie Woman is Madame Finart de Lenglee. Daughter to a French General, Madam de Lenglee assisted James Scott Skinner and his adopted daughter, Jeannie Meldrum, with the dancing school that they ran. This help will have been especially appreciated as it came at a time when Jean, Skinner's wife, was sadly in an asylum due to mental strife. Gratitude for such kind help in their hour of need is likely why Skinner chose to write a song dedicated to Madame Finart de Lenglee.
If you're interested in hearing more about the amazing women who inspired composers like James Scott Skinner and William Marshall, then take a look at our Binnorie event series on our Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-cecilias-hall-the-university-of-edinburgh-6281103087
Image: MIMEd 2453, fiddle owned by James Scott Skinner.
National Lottery Heritage Fund
St Cecilia's Hall welcomes the + community and allies to our upcoming event series; enjoy zine making workshops and our museum late this October 2022.
All events are free of charge, please book tickets via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/415834290557
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/408046647507
PLEASE NOTE: Due to unexpected circumstances, we will be closed for the rest of the afternoon. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. We will be open as normal from 10am tomorrow.
Thinking about celebrating the Autumn Equinox this week? Then perhaps the Free 'Voices of the Soul' Concert taking place in our Concert Room this Saturday is for you. Relax to the beautiful sacred sounds of shamanic drums, Tibetan bowls, rain sticks, Kalimba Thumb Piano, voice channelling and many other instruments. Find out more and book your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shamanic-songs-voices-of-the-soul-concert-autumn-equinox-celebration-tickets-394756375947 (Please note, this event features sound healing which is safe and beneficial for most people but may not be advised for individuals with certain health conditions: please see Eventbrite page for more information)
50 Niddry Street
Edinburgh
EH11LG
| Tuesday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 4:30pm |
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We got a new toy this week! The Chordette is a gem of #midcenturydesign and was made by Excelsior in the 1950s. This keyboard is a 'chord organ' and was advertised to amateurs as a way of playing an instrument without the "drudgery of learning music". 😂 We absolutely love it! Centre for Research Collections, University of Edinburgh Midcentury Modern Homes American Musical Instrument Society
Shake off those #bluemonday blues with a bit of #oldtimey #jazz featuring instruments from our collection. The Copper Cats recorded this piece "Monday Date" as part of our Can't Stop the Music project in 2021. It is the perfect tune to get those toes tapping. Centre for Research Collections, University of Edinburgh UMIS Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Edinburgh University Jazz Society
The invention of the keyed #bugle paved the way for amateur musicians to play brass instruments. This help lead to the development of the brass band and concert band. John Wallace from The Wallace Collection Ensemble demonstrates a Greenhill keyed bugle made around 1835. UoE University Museums Historic Brass Society
Biblioteca Nacional de Escocia
SelkirkCamera Obscura and World of Illusions
The Royal MileMuseum of Scottish Fire Heritage
Dryden Terrace
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
The Royal Mile
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
Dryden Terrace
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