Eighteen months after initially planned, An Lanntair is delighted to be hosting both the performance and exhibition of Airs – a special collaboration between Scottish pianist Mhairi Hall and Landscape artist Beth Robertson Fiddes
Mhairi brings together layers of warm harmonium, synergising ambient sounds from nature, and archive recordings to present a special collection of historic Gaelic and Scottish slow airs, beautifully interpreted on the piano.
Beth Robertson Fiddes accompanied the musician throughout the development and recording of the Airs album in Crear, Argyll, listening and absorbing Mhairi’s work and drawing inspiration as she composed her evocative mixed media paintings, which so vividly complement and visualise the music.
An Lanntair Head of Visual Art & Literature, Roddy Murray, said: “This exhibition was originally scheduled to open in March 2020 just as we entered the first lockdown. So, it’s gratifying that it is now being shown nearly 18 months later! It’s a genuine collaboration: Beth’s paintings of the West Highlands are a ‘pitch-perfect’ response to Mhairi’s music, rooted in the Gaelic tradition. They have nourished each other creatively to produce something singular that belongs to them both.”
Airs was supported by Creative Scotland and was launched at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections in January 2020.
An Lanntair now welcomes Airs to its Main Gallery, with Beth Roberston Fiddes’s exhibition opening, which includes a Q&A with both creatives, taking place at 5pm on Friday 10 September; and Mhairi Hall takes to An Lanntair’s stage to perform Airs the same evening at 8pm.
FREE to enjoy, Airs exhibition opens at An Lanntair on 10 September and runs through to 16 October.