Caledonian MacBrayne and Children’s Classic Concerts are delighted to announce a new Arts and Business partnership.  The details will be launched at a photo opportunity on the MV Jupiter sailing between WemyssBay and Rothesay on Saturday 13^th September 2003.

Caledonian MacBrayne is supporting “Magic and Monsters”, a Children’s Classic Concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday 4^th October 2003.  The highlight of the concert will be the World Premiere of Misterstourworm – the Kelpie’s Gift, an exciting full-scale orchestral work for children by Scottish composer Savourna Stevenson.  As the piece tells the Scottish folktale of the creation of the Western Isles, it provided the inspiration for the collaboration between the two companies.

Scottish theatre and film script writer Stuart Paterson has written the narrative for Misterstourworm which will be performed by popular actor Billy Boyd – “the Scottish Hobbit”.  Billy will be flying home for the concert from New York where he will by publicising the third Lord of the Rings film.

CalMac’s Sales and Marketing Manager Julie Keough said: “Through our support, Children’s Classic Concerts will be working with Savourna Stevenson on related education projects in schools and with young people.  CalMac were delighted to welcome Savourna to perform a clarsach recital of her original music recently at the Gourock Ferry Terminal waiting room, to raise awareness of the project amongst staff and passengers. Although a surprising choice of venue, the afternoon went down very well with both staff and passengers alike.”

On Saturday 13^th September 2003, Children’s Classic Concerts are travelling to Bute to launch the first part of an education programme linked to the concert and made possible with the support of Caledonian MacBrayne.  Savourna Stevenson and three musicians from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra will present a workshop based on Misterstourworm to 50 children from the award-winning organisation Achievement Bute.

Ends

Background information:

Press launch and photo call: Saturday 13^th September 2003, aboard the 0930 sailing from WemyssBay to Rothesay.   Breakfast will be served.

Please call Karen Moreland at Caledonian MacBrayne on 01475 650246 to confirm ferry tickets for Saturday.

For further information on Children’s Classic Concerts, please call Jane Gordon at Children’s Classic Concerts on 0141 334 8500

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne.

Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Issued:  Thursday, September 11, 2003