A' Chearc - Fionnlagh Mac A Phiocair

A' Chearc - Fionnlagh Mac A Phiocair

From Simon Thoumire Make Good Art by Simon Thoumire

October 16, 2025 · 10 min

About this episode

Simon Thoumire announces the premiere of his latest work, Ceilearadh, which features three Highland Bagpipe Sonatas inspired by Gaelic poetry about birds.

I’m delighted to announce the premiere of my latest work, Ceilearadh, at the Piping Live Festival on Thursday 14th August at 1:30pm in the Bothy tent. This collection of three Highland Bagpipe Sonatas represents something genuinely new in the piping repertoire – extended compositions that bridge traditional and contemporary approaches whilst drawing deeply from our Gaelic heritage. Special Thanks I must begin by expressing my gratitude to Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig (the Gaelic Arts Fund) whose generous support made this project possible. Their funding allowed me to undertake essential research in South Uist, working alongside Gaelic speakers and tradition bearers to ensure these compositions are rooted in authentic cultural understanding. My thanks also go to Mairi MacMillan, whose knowledge of traditional Gaelic culture and bird lore proved invaluable. Coming from an indigenous Gaelic family where birds were integral to daily life – marking seasons, protecting animals, and indicating appropriate times for harvesting around nesting patterns – Mairi shared not just the poetry itself, but the lived cultural context that gave these verses their meaning. About Ceilearadh Each sonata…

Topics covered

  • Highland Bagpipe
  • Gaelic Culture
  • Contemporary Music
  • Traditional Music
  • Cultural Heritage

Keywords

  • Ceilearadh
  • Piping Live Festival
  • Highland Bagpipe Sonatas
  • Gaelic Arts Fund
  • Mairi MacMillan
  • traditional Gaelic culture
  • bird lore
  • cultural understanding
  • Scottish literary traditions
  • contemporary musical expression

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Ceilearadh, An Trìlleachan san Tràigh

Places: South Uist, Scotland, Highland

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