John Rae and the Northern Telegraph Route: Concert
Saturday, September 12th 2026 6:29pm - 8:30pm
Boat Hall, Shetland Museum & Archives
Nordic Viola and the Faroese chamber ensemble Aldubáran come together to perform four brand-new works by northern composers – inspired by Orcadian Dr John Rae’s northern telegraph survey of 1860 aboard the Fox
The composers are Stuart MacRae and Ailie Robertson (Scotland), Eli Tausen á Lava (Faroe), and Arnannguaq Gerstrøm (Greenland/Denmark). There are themes of journeying, discovery of new landscapes, communication and cultural connections, and the use of Arctic land by others for energy and resources.
The combined ensemble includes flute, clarinet, two violins, viola and cello, alongside poetry by Lesley Harrison and modern reflections from indigenous communities on land and the natural world.
Supported by Creative Scotland, The Vaughan Williams Foundation, The Hinrichsen Foundation, The Francis Routh Trust, Felagið Føroysk Tónaskøld – the Association of Faroese Composers, and Koda Kultur.
Ailie Robertson is supported by PRS Foundation’s Open Fund
Category: Film/Music
