Eden Court’s Under Canvas festival has opened with the world premiere of a specially commissioned Gaelic song celebrating the contribution of Highland women through history.
Gaelic group Sian performed Air an Starsaich (On the Threshold) before a sold out audience as the annual festival got underway on the banks of the River Ness.
The performance formed part of Eden Court’s 50th anniversary celebrations and officially launched eight weeks of live music in Inverness.
Commissioned by Maoin nan Ealain Gàidhlig, the new work reflects on the lives of Highland women whose influence helped shape communities and culture, even though their stories have often remained in the background.
The song draws inspiration from figures including Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, the women of the Battle of the Braes, Rona Lightfoot and the campaigners behind Skye and Kyle Against Tolls.
It also reflects Eden Court’s own journey from a private home to one of the Highlands’ leading cultural venues where Gaelic language and creativity are celebrated.
The eighth edition of Under Canvas runs until 30 August and features a programme of traditional, contemporary and international music.
Highlights still to come include a special 50th anniversary concert featuring Duncan Chisholm, Michael McGoldrick, Gerry O’Connor and Tony Byrne, alongside performances from Rachel Sermanni, Kris Drever, Cahalen Morrison, Ahmed Dickinson and Los Chichanos, the festival’s first Under Canvas Ceilidh, silent discos, a Family Fun Day and the closing Final Hoolie.
Susannah Armitage, Head of Live Performance and Producing at Eden Court, said:
“Promoting and supporting Gaelic language and culture is a priority for Eden Court and we wanted to find a moment to celebrate that as part of our 50th Anniversary.
“With support from Maoin nan Ealain Gàidhlig, we commissioned the wonderful Sian to create a new song to be played at the opening of Under Canvas.
“Sian have created a beautiful piece of work that champions the voices of Highland Women whose contribution to culture has often been more hidden.
“We are so delighted to be able to share it with audiences at the start of our Under Canvas festival.”
Rebecca Holt, Chief Executive of Eden Court, said:
“It is wonderful to open Under Canvas for its eighth year.
“The atmosphere on Eden Court’s lawn during the festival cannot be beaten, there will be eight weeks of live music, 195 musicians performing and over 8,000 audience members due to attend.
“Under Canvas has become such an important part of Inverness’s summer calendar and it is particularly special in Eden Court’s 50th anniversary year to have opened the festival with Sian’s beautiful and poignant new song.
“This year’s line-up is one of our most musically diverse yet so there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Eden Court is continuing its commitment to accessible ticket prices through its Pay What You Can scheme, alongside new child and low income ticket options for this year’s festival.
Tickets are on sale now, for more information and to explore the full line-up click here
