Armada 1588 in shetland
September 2023

This theme was requested by the Fair Isle community: the project takes as stimulus the Gran Grifón, the Armada ship wrecked on Fair Isle in 1588. It co-creates new music/narrative works in mainland Shetland and Fair Isle, involving schools workshops in music, composition and performance, and open-to-all workshops, culminating in premieres by and for the communities woven into CHROMA concerts of Spanish and Renaissance music.

Armada 1588 builds on previous programmes of work. CHROMA has a relationship with the islands of Shetland and Fair Isle going back 21 years, this will be its 9th visit.  From 2002-2010 the CHROMA visits to Shetland encompassed Unst, Yell, mainland Shetland and Fair Isle. Whilst our visits since 2016 have been Fair Isle residencies, by request of the Bigton folk we will be visiting south mainland once more in 2023, going into Dunrossness Primary and Sandwick Junior schools, working with the Bigton Band, and performing at Hymhus (Bigton Kirk).

BIGTON

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to reconnect with our old friends CHROMA (we first worked with them in 2006) when they visited Bigton in September with a Spanish Armada themed project. The bairns loved taking part in the schools' workshops in Renaissance music and dancing. It was such a highlight to have Chroma join us at Bigton Band and for everyone to get the chance to listen to instruments that they rarely hear - and played so beautifully. The visitors really embraced the spirit of our 'open-to-all' group with energetic, fun and inclusive activities. It was such a memorable experience to improvise sections of Warlock’s “Mattechins” with them. They even had us all singing the Spanish song “Cabrillas Galopando” in 4 parts. The Bigton community turned out in force for the free gig in our new venue Hymhus, with Bigton Band joining CHROMA for the finale. It was the first time the venue had hosted an acoustic classical chamber group since we gained community ownership of the kirk and it was so special to hear the detail of all the instruments and appreciate the high level of musicianship, sensitivity and interplay between the performers. Special thanks to Claire for organising and for creating such a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the workshops and the concert - the personal touch makes such a difference and helps to make classical music seem all the more accessible. CHROMA made a lasting impression and helped to motivate not just the bairns but the grown up tutors too! It was very much enjoyed by all and we hope they will come back again soon. “

Alice Ritch, co-founder, the Bigton Collective

Team Armada 1588

Stuart King, clarinettist and Artistic Director of CHROMA
Claire Shovelton, CHROMA Producer, photographer
Caroline Balding, violin
Jo Turner, bassoon and textile artist Lydia Griffiths oboe and cor anglais

#armada1588
@chromaensemble

FAIR ISLE

“CHROMA visited Fair Isle in September 2023 for a wonderful week of immersive music, dance, crafts and history.  From 5 year olds in primary 1 to islanders in their 80s, all of us benefited hugely from this week of creative fun.  CHROMA are highly skilled in encouraging and engaging the children, including kids with additional support needs, and all found a happy place to write their own music and take part in the activities.  CHROMA used a local theme, the wreck of a Spanish Armada ship here in Fair Isle, and brought the story to life with music, writing, beach combing and even dance.  The children learned about music and performance in a comfortable setting and will always have that to treasure, and us adults got to join in and enjoy world-class performances, even here in the UK's remotest inhabited island.  We hope our now long-standing friendship with CHROMA continues to keep enriching our lives here in Fair Isle.”

Eileen Thomson, secretary Fair Isle Community Association

Schools feedback from 2023:
”On behalf of the staff and children, I would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone on the CHROMA team for a fantastic week of creativity and fun! The children fully immersed themselves in every activity and the whole community were extremely proud of their performance on Saturday night. The concert was beautiful and we were mesmerised by the musical pieces. We are very grateful and look forward to next time! “
Gillian Maxwell, Head Teacher, Fair Isle School

“The bairns really enjoyed the day, and I cannot believe how it all came together. Two of my bairns are in the school, one was part of the musical group and one in the dance group. Both have raved about Friday and really enjoyed it.”
Louise Leslie, Acting Head, Dunrossness Primary