The Brunton will present a short series of autumn afternoon concerts in Musselburgh, bringing live music to Northesk Church with an explicit aim of supporting community wellbeing. The events, each starting at 1.30pm and lasting around an hour, will pair performance with a chance to socialise over a cup of tea afterwards.
Programme and performers
The series opens on Tuesday 13 October with Scottish harpist and composer Grace Stewart-Skinner, whose set will blend traditional tunes and her own compositions. Organisers say she is known for using a range of effects and techniques to create distinctive soundscapes on the harp.
The second concert, on Tuesday 10 November, brings mezzo-soprano Amy Karensa from Cornwall together with Scottish pianist Catriona MacKenzie for a recital entitled:
"Women In Love and Life"
The programme will explore women's experiences from Romantic to 20th-century song and will include works by Robert Schumann, Carl Loewe and Madeline Dring. The pair, who met at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, have performed at venues and festivals including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Wexford Festival Opera, St John's Smith Square and Kings Place.
The series concludes on Tuesday 8 December with an hour-long celebration of the songs of Irving Berlin. Mezzo-soprano Jane Monari and tenor Christian Schneeberger will perform a selection of Berlin's songs in solo and duet, accompanied by pianist Derek Clark. Jane Monari's biography notes training at Juilliard and the Royal Academy of Music and further study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; she has performed frequently in Scottish musical life.
Local impact and accessibility
Northesk Church has been chosen for its acoustics, a factor likely to enhance the listening experience for residents who prefer afternoon concerts and shorter performance durations. The format — a single hour of music followed by tea and time to chat — is designed to be welcoming for older audiences, those with caring responsibilities and anyone seeking an accessible way into live classical and traditional music.
- When: Tuesdays at 1.30pm — 13 Oct, 10 Nov, 8 Dec
- Where: Northesk Church, Musselburgh
- Format: Approximately one hour of music, then refreshments and social time
The Brunton has framed the series as part of its ongoing commitment to wellbeing, citing the recognised positive effects of live events on mental and physical health. For Musselburgh this provides an additional cultural offering in advance of the festive season and an opportunity for residents to encounter a mix of Scottish traditional, art-song and classic popular repertoire in a local setting.
Programme at a glance
| Date | Artists | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 13 October | Grace Stewart-Skinner | Scottish traditional and original harp compositions |
| 10 November | Amy Karensa & Catriona MacKenzie | Art-song recital: Romantic to 20th century ("Women In Love and Life") |
| 8 December | Jane Monari, Christian Schneeberger & Derek Clark | Hour-long concert celebrating Irving Berlin |
Local audiences and community groups often value daytime cultural events for their accessibility. The Brunton's decision to stage these concerts off its main site and in a church close to town reflects a trend among Scottish arts organisations to take performances into community spaces.
Further practical details, including ticketing and any accessibility arrangements, are being handled by The Brunton; residents interested in attending should contact The Brunton or Northesk Church for up-to-date information.
