Tickets
Old Town School of Folk Music
(4544 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago IL)
June 1 // 7:30PM
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
(939 Hinman Ave., Evanston IL)
June 6 // 7:00PM
Kirk and a Sesh
Do you remember in 2016 when the BBE (re)premiered Scotland's first opera, The Gentle Shepherd? The music was such a unique foot-stomping mixture of Scottish folk and fiddle tunes and Italian music style. We laughed and cried together as we told the story of the star-crossed shepherds Patie and Peggy, and of the cat-and-mouse relationship of Roger and Jenny. Also, there were sheep. There were lots and lots of sheep!
We remember that, too, and well... we just can't get enough of the Scots! So, the BBE is teaming up with Chicago's premier professional chamber choir, Bella Voce, and the Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers to get back into that Scottish swing we love so much. In this program, we do it a little differently, though, as we explore the sacred (Kirk, or church) and profane (a Sesh, or a night out at the pub) music of Scotland.
You'll begin the night listening to the reverent ethereal sacred music of Scotland found in collections like the Scottish Musical Psalter (1635) and the Scots Musical Museum (1787-1803). And, like any good Scotsman, once we're done with church we'll head to the pub. :) For the second half, we'll jam to tunes by the famous Robert Burns and James Oswald, as well as the music found in the Tea Table Miscellany - written by The Gentle Shepherd librettist Allan Ramsay!
Where in Chicago will you find all the beauty and ruckus of Scotland wrapped up in one night? Only with us! ;)
Performers
Collaborators
Bella Voce
Bella Voce, a Chicago-based professional choral ensemble, brings to life a broad range of the one living tradition of choral music, rooted in historical and cultural context. Our unique sound enriches and enlightens audiences, conveying new insights into each composer’s voice. We create a shared experience of beauty, delight, and inspiration between artists and audience.
Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers
The Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers were founded in 1981 and have been carrying on the rich tradition of Scottish Highland Dancing locally, nationally and internationally. The group has been participating in Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry as well as many other local events.