Diana Gabaldon

I attended the Sir Walter Scott Conference in Wyoming and listened to Diana Gabaldon's presentation and was surprised at how funny and intelligent this lady is. Being interested in Scottish literature, I checked out the cd version of the first book in her Outlander series (her books are rather long and I thought this was the best way to approach a new author). Since way too many chapters involving intimate moments between the leading characters interrupted an interesting story, I had discounted her as a serious author. Perhaps I am mistaken. Additionally, I did meet her up close and personal. I wore my kilt to a banquet which I have considered a cultural expression beyond my Highland dance competition years. Being interested in kilted characters, she approached me and I was somewhat taken aback by this attractive celebrity approaching me. Fortunately for me, my wife came to my rescue before I could put my ghillie in my mouth.
For those interested in meeting this remarkable author online, I would suggest listening to her podcasts at http://www.dianagabaldon.com/fun/fun_podcasts.html

Walter Scott Conference

The Wild West and Sir Walter Scott are alive and well.The Ninth International Sir Walter Scott Conference starts next week in Laramie Wyoming and we will be there..Yee Hah!
http://www.uwyo.edu/scottconf2011/index.html

Scotch and Murder

The murder mystery game last night had a western theme to keep with the agenda of the International Sir Walter Scott Conference this summer in Wyoming. Shepherd's pie was served using bison burger in place of lamb for the main course.
The Speyside malts served:
Asyla-the only blended malt
Balvenie Double Wood
Cardhu
Cragganmore
Glen Kirk
Glenrothes Special Reserve-direct from Scotland courtesy of Jean
Tomintoul 16 year old

Edinburgh Grand Opera

My libretto for Frederico Ricco's 19th century opera La Prigione di Edimburgo has been sitting on my shelf for a very long time. I presumed this was another victim of the bookwraith but it seems Edinburgh's grand opera has rescued this 19th century masterpiece from oblivion. Based on what I believe to be Sir Walter Scott's finest novel, The Heart of Midlothian, this opera can be seen on Sunday, May 15th in Edinburgh. Wish I could be there.

Scotch and Murder

Tonight we sampled the Lowland and Campbeltown malts. Both are an endangered species with Springbank being the sole survivor in a region that once sported 30 distilleries and the Lowland region only supporting three out of the 17 that were active only a quarter of a century ago. For those who attended, which was your favorite:
Campbeltown:
Springbank
Longrow
Lowland:
Glenkinchie
Auchentoshan
Auchentoshan-3 wood
Hedonism
Glengoyne (geographically it is a lowland malt with highland pretensions)

The Death of Sir Walter Scott

When Sir Walter Scott died in 1832, a jubilee of dramatic performances based on his works were performed in Abbotsford and Dryburgh Abbey to celebrate his life and works. His influence is still present in the literature and culture of Scotland to this day.
In the recent past, many have passed away who have been a significant influence in our lives. My own ballet teacher- Richard Ellis, my ballet mentor and friend-Alexander Bennet and my close friend and company pianist-Wayne Simpson have left a void in my life. While dancing at the Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church on the longest night of the year to comfort those who are grieving lost ones, I found a way to celebrate the lives of those who made my life worth living more fully while offering a spirit of praise and jubilation to those present.
May you all be uplifted with tidings of comfort and joy in this season of celebration.

Jacksonville Symphony Chorus

Are the arts promoted in your schools? Many schools cut the arts because the economy. What are we missing or rather what will we miss as a result?
Beethoven was reputed to have first picked up Handel's Messiah with these words, "Here is a different fellow" and proceeded to play the most interesting looking passages. On another occasion he is said to have remarked, "Handel is the greatest composer that ever lived", and spoke of the oratorio as having "sublimity of language". The music of Messiah so permeated Beethoven's being that on his deathbed he is reputed to have quoted from The Messiah stating that if there were a physician that could help him "His name shall be called Wonderful".
Fortunately, this work will be with us forever and ever because there will always be someone to sing this music. Here is a link to a public performance with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and several local choirs at the Riverside Arts Market (I had to miss this because of a Nutcracker rehearsal, but my wife was there singing for the both of us): http://www.viddler.com/explore/jaxsymphony/videos/27/
What does this have to do with my Scottish Bookwraith? Beethoven also wrote music to some Scottish songs written by Sir Walter Scott which are excellent in quality and performed to this day saved from the bookwraith because of an abiding interest in the arts.