Name: FitkinWall: Harpland
Start: 2024-11-30T20:00:00+00:00
Location: 21 Kingland Road, BH15 1UG Poole, United Kingdom

FitkinWall follow threads of migration, loss and longing in their new show, inspired by the stories of the Highland Clearances.
Ruth Wall’s explorations into Gaelic song, fiddle and pipe tunes and history of the Scottish Highlands where she grew up, are at the heart of the music. Composer Graham Fitkin has created enigmatic and mesmerising new versions of these tunes for Ruth’s three harps – the sitar-like Renaissance bray harp, the beautiful medieval Gaelic wire harp (clàrsach) and the Scottish lever harp.
The movement of people during the Highland Clearances is brought into modern-day focus: Ruth spoke to people who’ve recently migrated to Scotland and she has incorporated their voices at times in the music. FitkinWall have created something beautiful and at times disturbing. Dark, fragmented folk moods transform into soaring fast-paced music in this memorable show.
The stage is lit by a specially-commissioned installation by light artist Peter Freeman.
Ruth Wall
Ruth Wall was brought up in Sutherland, in the far north of Scotland, immersed in the songs and tunes of the Highlands. She has performed on stages around the world – the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Berlin Philharmonic, Gucci 75th celebrations in Rome and Florence, Radio City New York, and the London Olympic Celebrations. Ruth has featured as a soloist with the London Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra and toured extensively with Goldfrapp, The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble, Kathryn Tickell, Ockham’s Razor and her partner, composer Graham Fitkin.
Read more: biography – RUTH WALL
Graham Fitkin
Composer Graham Fitkin has worked with Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, New York City Ballet. He has won three BASCA composer awards and the Royal Philharmonic Society Composer Award 2015.
Read more: About – Graham Fitkin
Title image: Courtesy of Graham Tanner