Yatra (meaning, Journey) is a new and specially commissioned musical score by lead musician and composer Dalbir Singh Rattan. It is the first new creative work to come in response to the Mackenzie Collection.
Inspired by the journey of Colin Mackenzie, from the Isle of Lewis to India in 1783. The resulting piece saw a diverse collective of musicians come together to perform the score. Charting a course through traditional Gaelic vocal traditions and Indian Raag mirroring Mackenzie’s own journey through islander’s songs of travel and seafaring, through to the traditional Indian raag and folk music which Mackenzie would have experienced and encountered during his life of travel and exploration in India.
The group of musicians came from all across the Uk– each representing different aspects of that history and heritage from the Western Isles – to Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester and Leeds with roots coming from India, Pakistan and East Africa.
Yatra also tells a wider story of the history and heritage between India and the UK, and what that connection has come to mean and embody today. A historical story made alive and present through artists working now, representing these traditions in a progressive and innovative way.
Participating Artists:
Dalbir Singh Rattan – Lead composer and Tabla
Ceitlin LR Smith – Vocals
Mary Smith – Narration
Anna Murray – Vocals
Kathleen Maciness – Vocals
Aziz Ibrahim – Guitar
Kaviraj Singh – Vocals and Santoor
Jane Hepburn – Violin
Neil Johnstone – Cello
Rhona Johnstone – Violin
John Macdonald – Visuals
Mike Adkins – Sound and Light
