Three different harps, a Moog Voyager, Ableton and various FX modules: composer Graham Fitkin and harpist Ruth Wall join forces for Harpland

FitkinWall: Harpland

Migration is not new. It’s been going on for millennia. The reasons for migration may be geological, climate based, oppressive, work related or voluntary. A new programme from harp and electronica duo FitkinWall follows threads of migration, loss and longing in their new show Harpland. This performance focuses on one small aspect of migration, the eviction and subsequent migration of farmers and crofters from the Scottish highlands during the Clearances. FitkinWall, consisting of  Scottish harpist Ruth Wall and composer Graham Fitkin, have produced a new work using Scottish melodies from this time, remoulded and recomposed, and interspersing interviews from recent migrants in to Scotland.

Ruth Wall performs on three different harps - Gaelic wire-strung, Bray and Electro harps. Graham Fitkin uses a Moog Voyager, Ableton and various FX modules. And they perform captivating new versions of old Gaelic songs and Highland tunes conjuring up mesmerising sound worlds and the concert tour also features a specially commissioned light installation from acclaimed artist Peter Freeman.

There is a Summer tour from 5 May to 11 June, in Ashburton, Leeds, Stirling, Edinburgh, Inverness, Shetland, York, Wavendon, Nottingham and Basingstoke, with more dates to come in the Autumn. Full details from the FitkinWall website.

Uist from Graham Fitkin on Vimeo.