Karen rises for Phoenix

Karen Matheson and her band will make a special guest appearance at the Glasgow Phoenix choir’s 2015 Spring concert.

Perhaps better known as the compelling vocals of Celtic super-group Capercaillie, she was voted Best Gaelic singer at the inaugural Scottish folk awards, among her many awards and royal honours.

The choir is conducted by Marilyn J Smith MBE, as the Phoenix returns to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Iona, The Soul of Scotland, to coincide with the release of two CDs that were recorded before a live audience in the ethereal Iona Abbey.

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Postcard from Iona features five songs, including the haunting Iona Boat Song and the Iona Carol.

The second release, Sacred Isle, is the choir’s take on Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem.

The stormy weather raging outside adds to the unique atmospheric quality of a memorable Sunday afternoon as the howling wind can be heard throughout the fabric of the building.

Visiting one of the holiest places in Scotland on the wildest edge of Europe, this Diamond Jubilee recording marks 110 years of choral excellence — 60 years of the Glasgow Phoenix Choir and 50 years of its predecessor, the Glasgow Orpheus Choir.

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A spokeswoman for Phoenix said: “Both recordings were made possible thanks to the sponsorship of The Co-operative Funeralcare and the Vivien Angus bequest.”

She added: “We’re always looking for new members to join the choir.”

Anyone wishing to enquire about becoming part of the Glasgow Phoenix choir can find out more on their website, phoenixchoir.org.

Friday, April 24. 7.30pm. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium. Tickets: £10-£17.

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