Compose the Environment

In December, we held our Compose the Environment concert, during which pupils from Lochnorris Primary School performed music that they had composed themselves with the help of Sir James MacMillan and music education specialist Naheed Cruickshank. 

The pupils were inspired by a visit to Crawick Multiverse, a major land restoration project at the site of a former open cast coal mine which has now been transformed into a spectacular artland, based around space, astronomy and cosmology. These influences came through in the lyrics written by the pupils, and the project aimed to deepen their understanding of the surrounding land and climate change while developing their creative potential.  

They performed alongside a trio of professional musicians including violinist Gordon Bragg, cellist Christian Elliott, and flautist Lee Holland, all led by Sir James MacMillan. It was an incredible performance and so fantastic to celebrate the talents of the Lochnorris pupils. 

The project was a collaboration between The Cumnock Tryst, Crawick Multiverse, and the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership, and supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.