CAPTION – (L–R) – David Murdoch and Alex Cairncross (Methven Castle); Kenneth McIver, Maureen Rutherford, Liam Bonthrone and Maggie Adamson; with Annette Welch (YMPA) and Henry Neill (PKMF).
Two local music charities were the beneficiaries of last Sunday’s concert in Methven Castle. Making a breath-taking appearance was the award winning Shetland fiddler, Maggie Adamson.
Henry Neil reports, “Maggie arrived in Perth on a flight from Lerwick with only minutes to spare. But then a magical pocket of Shetland air seemed to fill the stately drawing room and she played her programme of strathspeys, reels and marches. She also demonstrated ably that a fiddler could also be a violinist as she turned next to some well-known classics including Czardas by Monti. Her technique was breathtaking.”
“Tenor Liam Bonthrone and baritone Kenneth McIver’s well-balanced programme of Scottish, classical and light music provided the ideal complement to Maggie’s airs.”
At the piano, Maureen Rutherford turned from Shetland air to Mozart aria and from Gilbert and Sullivan to Robert Wilson as she accompanied the young musicians.
Liam Bonthrone’s accompanied himself in a personal medley of songs, as tribute to the late Perthshire musician George Donald who had composed the music for ‘Scotland the What’. To everyone’s great delight, host David Murdoch drew attention to the fact that the piano stool had been George Donald’s own one.
Maggie Adamson’s recent tour to Germany with Runrig’s former lead singer, Donnie Munro, led to production of a CD – ‘Sweet Surrender’. Liam and Kenneth are no strangers to the recording studio either. Liam is currently studying at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire in Glasgow and Kenneth is preparing to do the same.
The sell-out event was coordinated by Neil Copland, with the generous backing of David Murdoch and Alex Cairncross, whose home at the castle proved to be the perfect setting. Over £1000 was raised.
Speaking on behalf of both the Perth and Kinross Music Foundation and the Young Musicians Parents Association, Mr Andrew Mitchell praised the trio of young artists. “Our charities exist to support tuition fees and other expenses involved in learning music. We are grateful to David and Alex at Methven Castle for their continued support for our work. We rely a great deal on the generous goodwill of the wider community and it is especially moving to witness how our most talented young musicians are prepared to give their time and talent in support of others.”
A massive effort to raise fund for Perth and Kinross Music Foundation led the charity’s chairperson, Mhairi MacKinnon, to form a team of abseilers, to descend from the top of the Forth Rail Bridge raising over £4751.50.
Please show your support for this worthy cause by donating through Mhairi’s JustGiving page – if you are a tax payer please remember to include Gift Aid to your donation. 
