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In this edition of the Latest News from Caritas:

NEW: 'Highlands and Islands Concert (see below for details):

  1. 'The Ullapool Experience hits the big screen...' Press Release dated 18th March 2008 (Next Concert Friday 18th April 2008)
  2. Trumpets dazzle with James Douglas' world Premiere of 'Highland Glory'...
  3. ''Inverness Cathedral' premiered in Inverness Cathedral, Inverness: Capital of the Highlands.
  4. The Glorious Company in Ullapool'Peace of the Highlands' causes quite a stir in Ullapool...(July 12th 2007)
  5. 10 World Premieres in Ullapool on Friday 2nd February 2007...
  6. Ullapool Success: Friday 17th November 2006: 'Autumn Serenade Concert'

NEW:

‘The Highlands and Islands Concert’ performed by ‘The Glorious Company’

Friday 18th April 2008

7.30pm

Macphail Centre, Ullapool

 

On Friday 18th April 2008, there will be a unique Concert featuring Classical Ensemble: ‘The Glorious Company’ performing at The Macphail Centre, Ullapool. Entitled: ‘The Highlands and Islands Concert,’ music will be premiered for a variety of locations throughout the Highlands and Islands, such as ‘To Loch Assynt,’ ‘To Gruinard Bay,’ ‘To The Uists,’ and ‘Scena No. 3 for 2 (Coromandel). All of these works have been specially composed by James Douglas; one of Scotland’s leading Composers, and will feature stunning performances on Trumpet (Pam Brown), Baritone (Richard Mein), Flute (George Gwilt), Soprano Saxophone (Eileen Brown), Soprano (Katharine Douglas) and Piano featuring the Composer himself: James Douglas.

The idea of this Concert is to give the audience a wonderful musical insight into these well known places and to journey around the Highlands and Islands through music. James Douglas has been inspired by the Highlands and Islands ever since he visited Ullapool on his honeymoon in 1968. And now, since moving to Ullapool in 2006, it is anticipated that this Concert will provide something for everyone.

This is an evening for all and it is hoped that a wide audience will enjoy this unique event with some wonderful music and of course refreshments served during the interval, when all the audience can meet the performers and enjoy the evening.

A Programme and refreshments are all included in the ticket price.

Tickets cost: £6 for adults, £4 for all concessions and £2.50 for school children are now available in advance from either The Macphail Centre on 01854 613 336 or The Ullapool Bookshop on 01854 612 918 or at the door on the night. For further details please visit www.caritas-music.co.uk  

Please come!

1. 'The Ullapool Experience hits the big screen...' (dated 18th March 2008)

The World Premiere of Composer James Douglas’ new work: ‘The Ullapool Experience’ Parts 1 & 2  (A Visual and Musical Tour), was received with great acclaim in March at The Macphail Theatre, Ullapool, Ross-shire. Taking place in 2 parts, James Douglas wove together a fabulous score which he performed live, entirely from memory, to accompany the premiere of his wife Helen’s photos in 2 still photographic films entitled: ‘A Visual and Musical Tour of Scotland, North West Scotland and abroad.’ Encompassing nearly 200 photos, the audience were taken on a stunning tour with photos and music linked together to describe the places on their journey. Areas visited included: ‘Ullapool,’ ‘The Journey north to Achiltibuie and Lochinver, ‘Nocturnal sunsets and evenings,’ ‘The Journey south to Gruinard Bay, Inverewe Garden, Torridon’ as well as visits to Inverness, Paris and Edinburgh before finally returning to the Peace of the Highlands. The music so cleverly woven together by the Composer, was written about all of these places and was also featured in many of his 15 CDs which are impressively now available for sale worldwide. (Available online from Caritas Music Store www.caritas-music.co.uk). The audience were thrilled to hear this Live performance by one of Scotland’s leading Composers, with such a unique way of displaying many beautiful photos entwined with his memorable music. Next Concert will be on Friday 18th April 2008 at The Macphail Centre, Ullapool. Tickets on sale from 28th March 2008

2. ‘Trumpets dazzle as ‘Highland Glory’ by James Douglas premieres in North West Scotland…’

Trumpeters Alistair Neally and Pam Brown dazzled the audience with the World Premiere of ‘Highland Glory’ by James Douglas, in North West Scotland last Saturday 3rd November, at The Macphail Centre in Ullapool. James Douglas had the unique idea of writing a piece of music dedicated to the people of the Highlands and Islands and many of them travelled from all over Scotland to hear this stunning work as well as many other exciting and triumphant works by Douglas. Other highlights included popular works ‘The Ullapool Fanfare’ (which began and ended the Concert; a new Ullapool tradition), ‘To Beinn Ghoblach’ for Solo Flute, ‘Autumn Serenade’ performed beautifully by Alistair Neally and the stunning solo performance by Richard Mein (Baritone) of ‘Wrestling Jacob,’ showing off his presence and command of the stage, with all this music by Ullapool based Composer James Douglas. During the interval James Douglas and other artists joined the audience for some refreshments and also signed copies of his new CD: ‘Peace of the Highlands,’ which received rapturous applause after its performance of the title track by father and daughter: James and Katharine Douglas and flautist George Gwilt. The evening ended leaving the audience feeling uplifted and refreshed by their evening of amazing music and all of them left feeling better for their evening out. A night not to be missed!  

3. ‘Inverness Cathedral’ premiered in Inverness Cathedral, Inverness, Capital of the Highlands (26th July 2007): Composer James Douglas (based in Ullapool), gave the World Premiere of his ‘Inverness Cathedral’ on Thursday 26th July at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Inverness. This majestic Organ work was performed as part of a Lunchtime Music Programme during The Flower Festival at The Cathedral during InvernessFest and the Highland Year of Culture 2007. James Douglas, an eminent Organist and Composer, performed the piece himself and was delighted at its reception from the Audience. The Concert began with a warm introduction from the Provost of the Cathedral: The Very Reverend Alex Gordon and he, Visitors, and members of the Congregation enjoyed a dynamic recital from this exciting Organist and Composer. James Douglas also gave the world’s first performance of ‘To the Cairngorms,’ a set of three pieces written for the people of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey. Many people commented on the superb sound of the Organ; the versatility of Douglas’ music for the Organ (it was indicated that it would be suitable for performance also by an Orchestra), and it is hoped that James Douglas and his music will return to the Cathedral very soon. At the end of the Concert, copies of his new very successful CD: ‘Peace of the Highlands’ were on sale as well as through Wesley Owen Books & Music in Castle Street, Inverness.

4. ‘Peace of the Highlands creates quite a stir in Ullapool’ (12th July 2007)

George Gwilt, James Douglas and Katharine Douglas at the Summertime Song Concert in UllapoolThe Peace of the Highlands by Ullapool based Composer James Douglas

The Music of Composer James Douglas, as featured in the BBC series ‘Sahara with Michael Palin,’ has been performed throughout Europe, Great Britain and the USA and his new CD ‘Peace of the Highlands’ has created quite a stir in Ullapool and throughout the Highlands. James and his Ensemble: ‘The Glorious Company,’ celebrated the launch of their new CD in front of a packed and delighted audience at The Macphail Centre with a superb ‘Summertime Song Concert’ on last Friday 6th July. The music was spectacular with particular solo spots for George Gwilt (Flute), Pam Brown (Trumpet) and Richard Mein (Baritone) all accompanied by James Douglas. In a recent newspaper interview, James Douglas’ music was quoted as being ‘Music inspired by the melody of the land,’ (Inverness Courier Tuesday 26th June 2007) and his new CD certainly describes that love of both melody and the beautiful North West Scotland where much of his inspiration comes from.

 He told the audience in The Macphail Centre that in particular the Highlands in Winter influenced some of his writing (A Procession of White Mountains for Flute & Piano), as well as seeing the beautiful gardens at Inverewe (To Inverewe Garden for Flute & Piano) and the immediate surroundings of local businesses, cafes and bookshops in Ullapool, all of which helped to inspire the music for his new recording.

 ‘Peace of the Highlands’ by James Douglas is now on sale throughout the Highlands and Islands or is available direct from Caritas Music Publishing www.caritas-music.co.uk (Credit Cards accepted, no charge for postage worldwide).

 5. 10 World Premieres in Ullapool, including ‘Failte: Welcome to Ullapool’ by James Douglas.

The music of James Douglas, the Ullapool-based Composer cannot be pigeonholed. There is such an overwhelming variety and abundance of his music, in particular with a recent concert which took place at The Macphail Centre, Ullapool, featuring no fewer than 10 World Premieres of his music, in a programme including many other popular works by Douglas and also other music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. One notable work was the first ever performance of ‘Failte’ Welcome to Ullapool’ by Douglas, especially written for 5 prominent local businesses. This piece for 2 Trumpets & Piano, featured diverse writing and exciting melodies, as well as skilful part writing for the performers Alistair Neally and Pam Brown, accompanied by James Douglas himself. Overall the performers made quite a presence in The Macphail Centre and were delighted to meet their audience during the interval over some refreshments. A birthday party was also held to mark the 9th birthday of Ullapool based Music Publisher: Caritas Music Publishing.

Taking part in the whole event was ‘The Glorious Company,’ the group with whom Douglas has been associated with for some years. Members of this Classical Ensemble included:

Pam Brown, Trumpet

Alistair Neally, Trumpet

Richard Mein, Baritone

James Douglas, Piano

Katharine Douglas, Soprano

Kirsty Anne and Iain Macfarlane, Accordion and Violin

A representative and enthusiastic audience from many places thoroughly enjoyed the music and are already looking forward to the next Concert by The Glorious Company on July 6th in Ullapool at The Macphail Centre, Telephone 01854 613 336 for tickets or contact:

Caritas Music Publishing / Eschenbach Editions Contact us

Email: info@caritas-music.co.uk

Fax: + 44 (0) 1854 612 938

Post: Caritas Music Publishing or Eschenbach Editions, Achmore, Moss Road
Ullapool, IV26 2TF, Ross-shire, Scotland.

 

Autumn Serenade Concert

6. Ullapool Success (Friday 17th November 2006)

A superb evening was held on Friday 17th November 2006 at The Macphail Centre, Ullapool, Ross-shire, featuring Classical ensemble: 'The Glorious Company' who made their debut in Ullapool with the World Premiere of three superb pieces by Ullapool based Composer James Douglas, as well as performances of many well known and popular works, including 'The Ceilidh Place,' 'Wee Cooper of Fife' and much more.

The new pieces were dedicated to The Ullapool Bookshop, The Frigate and one for the people of Ullapool entitled: 'The Ullapool Fanfare' and it was wonderful to see a full compliment of staff, owners and villagers at the concert. A large and enthusiastic audience welcomed the performers and applauded enormously throughout the evening. During the Interval, James Douglas' new sequence 'The Highlands and Islands Sequence' (66 works written between 1968 and 2006) was launched with a short performance by Ian and Kirsty Ann Macfarlane, with a piece written for them by the Composer.

'It was music I could listen to all evening' was one of the many favourable comments...we hope to be repeated sometime soon! James Douglas was delighted with the concert and heralded it a 'triumph,' many people were amazed to hear so many different styles of music by one Composer.

Performers included: George Gwilt (flute), James Douglas (piano), Alistair Neally (trumpet), Pam Brown (trumpet), Richard Mein (baritone) and Katharine Douglas (soprano).

THE GLORIOUS SEQUENCE

Eschenbach Editions (Ullapool, Ross-shire) is proud to announce a further sequence of 15 new works by James Douglas: 'The Glorious Sequence.'

  1. HIGHLAND GLORY (2 Trumpets / Piano)
  2. DIGITAL CAMERA ANGLES (Earth from Space) (Flute & Trumpet)
  3. THE LIGHT OF CHRIST  (to mark the Centenary of the birth of Theologian: Dietrich Bonhöffer 4th February 2006) (Baritone, Soprano, Tenor Soli, Organ, Strings and Choir-SATB) 
  4. TRUE SIMPLICITY (Flute & Trumpet)
  5. A NEW HEART (Flute)
  6. THE BEATITUDES (SATB, unacc)
  7. BRANDENBURG CONCERTO (Flute / 2 Trumpets / Piano)
  8. PERPETUA (2 Trumpets / Piano)
  9. THE GLORY OF LIGHT (Turners' Venice)
  10. THEME FROM MACCHU PICCHU (Trumpet & Piano)
  11. WRESTLING JACOB (Baritone & Piano)
  12. SYMPHONY NO. 14 (Poems by Kathleen Raine) (Soprano & Strings)
  13. THEME FROM 'THE AMBER ROOM' (Flute & Piano)
  14. CYCLE: ARIEL SINGS (Baritone & Piano)
  15. SCENA: THE SEAFARER (Baritone & Piano)

Concert Reviews:

    • 'A Classic in Ullapool (Ross-shire Journal 8th December 2006)
    • James Douglas 'The ability to conquer adversity...a constant stream of new works...striving to achieve the best that I can.' (Interview in The Edinburgh Evening News, 31st January 2006)
    • James Douglas '...Edinburgh musician going from strength to strength...through a distinguished career, his symphonies and concertos have been performed in New York, Paris and London...This is music which is approachable and full of melody, it is for ordinary people who want to enjoy some nice music...' (The Edinburgh Evening News, February 25th 2005, Front page lead story)
    • 100th Concert for Composer: 'One of Edinburgh's busiest composers: James Douglas, has his 100th Concert at Christ Church, Morningside...(The Scotsman, 14th November 2005)
    • Composer to showcase new works on birthday: 'Eminent Capital-based composer: James Douglas, is to celebrate his birthday with a concert premiering 3 of his works.' (The Evening News 4th July 2005)
    • James Douglas Gala Concert: The 100th Concert at Christ Church. With performances by flautist George Gwilt and trumpeter Andrew Kinnear.' (The List Magazine 1st December 2005)
 

Website:

'A new online service... promoting a wide range of music... fascinating glimpse...' (Classic FM Magazine, July 2000)

Composers:

'No fewer than 200 songs, 12 symphonies, 12 string quartets, three operas and a musical are just a selection of his [James Douglas] vast output' (The Edinburgh Evening News, February 2001)
    • 'The last 10 years have been the most productive of his [James Douglas] life' (The Edinburgh Evening News, February 2001)
All the music is now available for sale, from The Caritas Music Store, for more details please contact us. Press Reviews
    • 60 seconds with James Douglas: Composer (RNID Magazine: One in Seven, October 2005), As a composer: my approach is: 'Stop the world, I want to get on!' I love having my music performed anywhere that I can…I have a very deep memory of musical scores which has lasted me all my life…By the age of 10 I wanted to write music above all things…I am fascinated by melody.