AN iconic Scottish music venue is using its new virtual concert series to showcase the building like people have never seen before.
Edinburgh’s Usher Hall has hosted concerts since it first opened 110 years ago in 1914 and continues to cement its position as a musical institution today.
Its latest innovation – Tremolo – is a new virtual concert series which helps to bring the magic of the hall into people’s homes as well as champion the work of up and coming artists.
Those featured already include Scottish jazz musician Fergus McCreadie as well as Glaswegian singer Lizzie Reid (below).
A number of concerts already took place throughout August although there are still three to come in September.
The project is directed and produced by Ellen De Faux, who has previously worked on Harry Styles’ Grammy-nominated music video for Adore You.
“It was an idea that came to me via the Usher Hall and there was a want to celebrate the venue in a way that matches us up with Scottish musicians and the opportunity to present it to audiences in a way they’ve not seen before,” she told The National.
“How can we look at the building or have performances in unique spaces and so something intimate that will strike a chord with people while sharing the musicianship of Scottish artists.”
Rather than just taking in the main stage then, the videos take people behind the scenes of the hall, celebrating the building in its entirety in the process.
De Faux added: “It’s interesting actually, just on why we chose the different areas. Our motivation was to give that behind the scenes insight, what it’s like back of house and the lifeblood of the venue.
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“We had one of the performances in the dressing room and that felt very intimate. If you’ve worked in a venue before a concert, there’s a hallowed energy and I wanted to convey that with some of the films.”
A new performance featuring SILVI - who has become known for her alternative pop/rock songs since the 2020 lockdown – will be available on September 6.
This will be followed by a film featuring Hamish Hawk – two-time nominee for the Scottish Album of the Year award – on September 20.
The final video will promote the work of Anna B Savage after the release of her second album in|FLUX.
Speaking to The National, general manager of the Usher Hall Karl Chapman commented: “This is a hugely important series and Ellen picked up on the intimacy of it because it gives people the experience of live music, which we’ve done for 110 years, but in a different way.
“The building is important to us and to the city and this is a fabulous way of presenting things.
“It offers a different platform. I think being able to complement musicians on the way up is just as valid as a big concert for audiences.”
De Faux, despite having worked with some of the biggest names in music, echoes Chapman’s thoughts.
“I’m honoured to have worked on this. The history and the legacy the building has for the arts is incredible.
“To use this opportunity to champion lesser known artists drew me to the project because you can bring audiences to people who haven’t been discovered.”
Click HERE to view the videos which have been made available so far.
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