Homecoming concert
All enjoyed a feast of choral music at the Homecoming 2009 concert organised by Iomairt Chille Chomain in the Bowmore village hall on Saturday. Making a 'homecoming' appearance was the celebrated Glasgow Islay Gaelic Choir, conducted by Kirsteen Grant who also provided the piano accompaniments throughout the evening. They were joined by Coisir Ghaidlig Ile, led by Iseabail Mactaggart, and all got off to a rousing start with the combined choirs' spirited rendering of 'Suas Leis a' Ghaidhlig'.
The Black Bottle Islay Pipe Band under Pipe-Major Nigel Morris, who won the title "Champion of Champions" in both band and drumming sections of Grade 4A in 2008, upped the tempo as did the input from the island choir which included a reprise of the ladies National Mod-winning performance of 'Maraiche nan Cuantan'. The visiting choir's ability and range was evident in choral works which stretched from a haunting lullaby to sprightly puirt-a-beul. Lord Robertson of Port Ellen was the guest chairman and the former politician and General Secretary of NATO proved an amiable fear an taighe whose introductions were laced with often self deprecating humour which greatly amused the large audience and set the performers at ease. Solo performers from the home front were Iseabail Mactaggart, Robert Forrest, Andrew McCowan and the duet singing sisters Helen Gillies and Janey Torrance. Visiting entertainers from the Glasgow choral ranks were Elizabeth Campbell, Doreen Smith, Ian MacLean and the veteran duettists Fiona Rae and Irene MacGilp.
The choral finale featured both choirs in Islay bard Duncan Johnston's Sine Bhan' and Runrig's 'Cearcall a' Chuain'. This was followed by an impressive performance of Psalm 65 to Joseph Mainzer's arrangement of
the tune'French', with Robert Forrest as the precentor, and the curtain came down on the Gael's song of farewell 'Soraidh leibh'. Area councillor and Iomairt Chille Chomain development officer Robin Currie saw to the introductions and extolled the chairman's contribution to the success of
the evening.
Rounding off a memorable event was the ensuing ceilidh where the Islay Accordion and Fiddle band keep all on their toes until the early birds began their worm search!
Hugh Smith
