Members of Còisir Ghàidhlig Ìle, Islay's senior Gaelic choir, are excited about the release of their recording Sruth air a' Charraig. The title chosen, Sruth air a' Charraig, is a metaphor for Islay; withstanding the flow of tide and current, enduring and steadfast. It is a glimpse into Islay's story, is a heartfelt tribute sung with love and with pride, according to Fergus Muir, president of the choir.

Praise is due to all these involved for keeping production of the recording as "local" as possible: as Fergus pointed out. "We recorded it at Smaull up near Gruinart and our producer, sound engineer and mixer was Giles Perring who runs a music label called Sound of Jura based in ...well.....Jura! The graphic design was done by a graphic artist, Deborah Bryce, who also lives on Jura. Raymond Lafferty produced the images for the cover and he's from Bowmore. We only had to go ‘off-Islay/Jura' to have the CDs printed and packaged. Pretty good, I reckon." Continue reading....

Arlene McKerrell, Còisir Ghàidhlig Ìle's conductor since 2013, thinks that this is a really exciting achievement by the choir. "It demonstrates the choir's outstanding ability to deal with a wide range of material of different moods and tempos," she said. "Many of the songs were winners for the choir at National Mòds over the past few years, and I hope that we will build on those successes in the years to come."

Iseabail Mactaggart, who conducted the choir from 2007 through 2013, said: "Còisir Ghàidhlig Ìle can rightly be very proud of this recording. It showcases some of Islay's most magnificent Gaelic songs, as well as two fabulous sets of puirt-a-beul. As well as capturing the island's rich heritage and the skills of the very talented arrangers featured on the recording, it also captures the sheer talent, pride and passion of all the choir's members."

Fergus Muir, President of Còisir Ghàidhlig Ìle said, "This is the first CD that the choir has produced and we are very excited about it and very proud of it. The choice of songs very much reflects Islay and Islay's rich history and cultural heritage. The choir are already anticipating a follow-up, which will reflect the musical journey they will be taking with Arlene conducting, and with Libby Morris as the choir's Gaelic Reader."

"The choir welcomes new members. Singing in the choir is a really fulfilling experience," said Fergus. "Anyone who is interested in singing in the choir, regardless of whether they already read music or have Gaelic, is always welcome to come along any Thursday evening to a choir practice in Bowmore Hall."

The new recording is available as download on iTunes and Amazon and can also be bought as hard copy through the Choir website for £12.99

Tag: gaelic choir