Fraser Fifield and Dave Milligan, In Concert: Music from the Eliza Ross Manuscripts

Join us for a reinterpretation of the Eliza Ross Manuscript, collected on the Isle of Raasay in 1812, with Fraser Fifield and Dave Milligan.

The Elizabeth Ross Manuscript was compiled on the Isle of Rassay in 1812 and is the earliest known manuscript of Highland music. In 1954, the collection was secured by the School of Scottish Studies and subsequently published by Musica Scotia.

In his role as Traditional Artist in Residence at University of Edinburgh, Fraser Fifield first became aware of the manuscript. The collection struck a chord, and together with acclaimed pianist Dave Milligan, he re-presents the music in exciting contemporary settings, which disguises the music’s ancient roots.

Elizabeth Ross was a competent transcriber and her settings represent the wide range of Hebridean music known to the islanders and in Raasay House, home of James MacLeod, laird of Raasay - Elizabeth’s uncle and guardian.

The manuscript, including detailed commentary and translations, is freely available as a PDF on the University of Edinburgh's website.

Fraser Fifield plays saxophone, bagpipes and whistle, with Dave Milligan on piano.