The Cowdray Hall will reverberate with the sounds of music and discussion over the coming months, to celebrate 100 years of the much-loved concert venue at the heart of Aberdeen Art Gallery.
The Cowdray Hall was gifted to the people of Aberdeen by Annie, Viscountess, Cowdray, to encourage “a taste for art and music in the city of Aberdeen.” Designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, architect of the Art Gallery and the facade of Marischal College, the Cowdray Hall was opened on 25 September 1925, by King George V and Queen Mary. The 2019 redevelopment of the Art Gallery placed the Cowdray Hall at the heart of the complex, celebrating the inspiring power of art and music.
The Cowdray Hall is renowned for its exceptional acoustic and many notable artists have performed here, including celebrated solo percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, opera singer Lisa Milne, poet and performer Ivor Cutler and dancer Michael Clarke.
Lunchbreak Concert at the Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen Art Gallery
The centenary programme, which runs from September until June, launches on Saturday 13 September with a special panel discussion - Celebrating Centenary Connections - to mark 100 years of both the Cowdray Hall and the National Library of Scotland. To mark this shared milestone, an early edition of secular music will be on display at the Art Gallery, on loan from the National Library’s collection as part of their OUTWITH programme. Songs and Fancies is Scotland’s first printed book of non-religious music, published in Aberdeen by John Forbes in 1682. The panel discussion will be chaired by writer and presenter Alistair Heather, with Alison Stevenson, Director of Collections, Access and Research at the National Library of Scotland, Phil Astley from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives, and Shane Strachan, writer, lecturer and former Scots Scriever. The panel will consider the book’s fascinating history, how these two institutions have evolved over the past century and explore how historic collections can inspire new creativity and collaborations.
The Big Birthday Bash takes place on Saturday 27 September, with a free programme of music and entertainment featuring local talent in the Cowdray Hall and at Union Square shopping mall.
A special in conversation event in March with Dame Evelyn Glennie and journalist Fiona Stalker is one of many programme highlights. Dame Evelyn will discuss her fascinating career as the world’s premier solo percussionist, a double GRAMMY award winner, founder of The Evelyn Glennie Foundation and curator of The Evelyn Glennie Collection. The event is supported by The Wood Foundation.
Dame Evelyn Glennie © Caroline Purday
Dame Evelyn said: “The Cowdray Hall has always held a special place in my heart, not just for its wonderful acoustics, but for the sense of history and community it brings to every event. It's a cornerstone of Aberdeen's cultural life, and I feel incredibly proud to be associated with a venue that continues to inspire both artists and audiences alike."
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said, “For many Aberdonians the Cowdray Hall will evoke memories of learning to waltz, foxtrot and tango under the watchful eye of characterful dance teacher ‘Madame’ Isabel Murray. Today, the Cowdray Hall is home to a vibrant concert, lecture and events programme.
“We are delighted to share our centenary programme which includes highlight events by internationally-recognised artists and performers such as Evelyn Glennie and the Dunedin Consort, alongside celebrations of North East culture and heritage with Fiona Kennedy and Joyce Falconer. The hugely popular weekly Lunchbreak Concerts series resumes on Thursday 11 September and will be the golden thread which runs throughout the centenary programme. These celebrations help to ensure that the Cowdray Hall remains a vibrant performance space for the enjoyment of music and the arts."
For full programme details visit aagm.co.uk