Alasdair White: The Heart of Beyond

An Lanntair’s programme of events for Heb Celt week opens with a very special commissioned concert led by local artist Alasdair White.

‘We do not live in the back of beyond, we live in the very heart of beyond …’

This concert takes its name from a passage in The Stornoway Way, a novel by Hebridean author Kevin MacNeill.

Alasdair explains, “One of the meanings I ascribe to this is that sometimes remote places can be mistaken as parochial or of little importance to a wider cultural landscape. However, those very places are driving forces behind heritage and identity on a global scale. Growing up in Lewis gave me the benefit of perspective because this island is, by nature, outward-looking. I also think that Lewis and its music are of singular importance to Scotland’s musical heritage and my belief in this has only been reinforced by a lifetime of travel. Indeed, I wouldn’t have a career without my ties to Lewis and in many ways I have spent my playing life trying to, in a small way, contribute to the musical tradition of my home. This concert is therefore a rare opportunity to share some original compositions in my hometown venue and I’m delighted to be joined by my illustrious longtime musical friends Aaron Jones (Bouzouki), Ewan MacPherson (Guitar/ Mandolin), and James MacKenzie (Pipes/ Flute).”