Breton Film: Celtic Arts, Clarsach Artistry

Folk Film Gathering : Screening of Chanson d'Armor

Chanson d'Armor

Edinburgh Filmhouse
Thursday 4th May
5.45pm

Jean Epstein  |  1934  |  Brittany  |  PG

This is the opportunity to watch a historic Breton film, with the added attraction of a live clarsach recital:-

In 1935, the Scottish composer and clarsach player Heloise Russell-Ferguson traveled to Brittany to perform a set of Gaelic songs at this film’s premiere – the first Breton language film. Based on a Breton folk tale, Chanson is a lyrical and mythic portrayal of forbidden love within a fishing community. Join a recreation of the event, with Scots Trad Awards Instrumentalist of the Year winner Rachel Newton, in celebration of one of Scotland’s most significant and unique female composers.

Jean Epstein (Wikipedia)

Followed by a "Question and Answer" session with Rachel and Edinburgh University’s Dr Stuart Eydmann on the significance of Russell-Ferguson’s contribution to Scotland’s musical culture, and womens’ experience in the Scottish traditional arts today.