Atomaig Piseag celebrates a 'purr-fect' 21st
Atomaig Piseag, Argyll Ladies Centennial Choir turned the air pink at the Royal National Mòd as it celebrated 21 years of singing together.
In fact, it felt as though it really was the group’s year as they won the Esme Smythe Trophy at the recent Royal National Mòd in Oban, along with the prize for Gaelic and music in area choirs ladies singing.
To top it all, Atomaig Piseag (the Gaelic translation of the girl group Atomic Kitten) even released their second album, Direach Purr-fect (Just Purr-fect).
Atomaig Piseag was formed on a late, Drambuie-filled night two decades ago, when leading singers from choirs across Argyll decided they would like to compete for one year at the 100th anniversary of the Royal National Mòd in Oban.
Under the banner Argyll Ladies Centennial Choir, the plan was to ask female singers to meet once a month and because of the knowledge singers would bring with them, they would meet in smaller groups over the rest of the month - and would be word perfect from the February.
Atomaig Piseag chairwoman Mhairi Renton, from Campbeltown, said: “The last part has not worked out so well.
“The focus was on singing arrangements by largely, contemporary composers, on themes that touch the souls of other women - producing a wonderful new catalogue of songs.
"And we have done that, and we still want to push the button and do more.”
She explained: “There are a few rules that are sacrosanct to Na Piseagan (a friendly title formed to describe choristers).
“One is that members must live, or have a substantive connection to Argyll and its islands, another is you must be willing to put in the hard work yourself to learn your part and your Gaelic, and lastly, members must be willing to have lots of fun while making music together.
“There is also a rather tribal initiation ceremony, but what happens in Na Piseagan, stays in Na Piseaga.”
The choir meets in Oban, but members come from across the nation and beyond - including the Borders, Callanish and London.
From the outset the choir looked for someone brave enough to take on the role of conductor.
Mrs Renton continued: “We found Raymond Bremner. He was possibly ’one over the eight’ when he agreed, but he has certainly managed to get the best from us ever since.
“He drives all the way from Thrumster in the far north to Oban once a month (a 12-hour round trip) and takes charge of bringing our singing to life.
“He has done fairly well so far, with many accolades under our belt. We will keep him!”
But of course, behind every great man is undoubtedly a great woman, and the choir’s Gaelic tutors have helped lead the way.
Mr Bremner said: “Our first tutor was Janet MacDonald of Mull and when she retired Joy Dunlop from Connel took over the reins.
“Over the years we have enjoyed compositions from some of the foremost composers in Gaeldom.
“We do a lovely pom pom squeely death stare and we have even known to have a touch of synchronised movement - those low altos and top sopranos are particularly brave with the highs and lows.
“Our choir is like family. We have loved and lost. We have triumphed and failed. We have laughed and cried. We have enjoyed every moment of our time together, and every time we part we can not wait to be together again.”
He added: “And yes, we are named after an early millennial pop band - and with more than 50 competition wins, we think we’ve made the name our own!”
Gaelic tutor and soprano Joy Dunlop from Connel said: ‘Being able to celebrate 21 years of the choir, whilst also launching our new CD and winning at the National Mòd in our home home was truly special.
“Our Gaelic choral heritage is truly unique, and it’s something that we love to explore and expand through new and innovative arrangements.
“We’re known as a choir who take risks when it comes to choosing songs, and it’s truly special to be able to share these songs through our CD - it does feel like the perfect combination of old and new.”
Direach Purr-fect can be ordered from choir members or online.
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Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
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Latest News
JOBS
Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
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