An exhibition showcasing traditional forms of sacred singing traditions of the West Highlands and Western Isles is on the move with a tour of Hebridean communities.
‘Seinn Spioradail’ explores the incredible wealth of sights, sounds and memories of spiritual singing and song writing in everyday life in Highland and Island communities.
Gaelic psalm singing, which has been integral to church and community life in the Hebrides for centuries, is a particular focus in the exhibition.
The exhibition moves to Kinloch Historical Society in Balallan, Lewis, for two months from this weekend following a spell at Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway since January. Future destinations include Portree, Lionacleit and Ness.
Visitors can learn more about sacred song traditions of Skye and the Western Isles and explore sound recordings, film, objects, and a digital archive.
Dr Frances Wilkins, senior lecturer in ethnomusicology at Aberdeen University , has researched and recorded spiritual singing including hymnody, Gaelic psalmody and spiritual bàrdachd for the past six years.
Dr Wilkins said: “We are excited to be bringing the exhibition to Balallan, considering the village’s central importance in the development of this tradition over the years.’
“One of the contributors, who features in the exhibition, is Margaret MacInnes, who was raised in Balallan and taught at the school here for a number of years before moving to North Uist and laterally Inverness.
“Her beautiful handwritten personal hymnbooks feature in the exhibition, which she compiled in her teenage years, copying the down from local singers and composers.’
Magaidh Smith, vice chairperson of Kinloch Historical Society, said: “I am looking forward to seeing the response of the Kinloch community when their own culture is reflected back to them.”
Many of the sound recordings, photographs and videos made during the project form the basis of a website and online digital archive at www.seinn.org developed in partnership with the Open Virtual Worlds team at St Andrews University. A CD and book publication showcasing some of the sound recordings will be released later this year.
Dr Wilkins said: “While the contexts for singing are currently in decline, the music continues to be a soundscape to a way of life for many people.
“The purpose of this exhibition is to explore how sacred singing was, and continues to be, integral to many aspects of community life, and to highlight the wealth of hymns, psalms and spiritual songs being sung in the region today.”
She adds: “Language is a way to express culture. The deep spiritual connection it has with its people and the role which music plays in this, must be recognised and supported into the future if we are to keep some of the most precious aspects of Gaelic culture alive.”
Undertaking the research in the Hebrides was an “incredible experience” and she encountered many “inspiring people” along the way.
“I and am very grateful to everyone who has been involved and helped me with the project. I am pleased that my research and its publication is playing a part in the preservation of these unique song traditions.”
Co-curator Ronan Martin remarked: “It’s been a privilege to work with the material
collected by Dr Wilkins and learn more about this remarkable tradition, which plays
such an important part in many people’s daily lives.”
“We will be at the opening in Balallan and look forward to returning to Lewis and meeting some of the project’s contributors again. It will be wonderful to have singers who were involved in the project at the exhibition opening.”
The opening event takes place this Friday from 5pm to 7pm at Kinloch Historical Society, Balallan. Entry is free with refreshments provided.
Traditional spiritual singing exhibition on tour
17 April 2024
