The beautiful psalms and hymns of the Gaelic-speaking Hebrides will make a rare appearance at the British Academy in London on Thursday 22 May 2025 – and will be live-streamed to audiences around the world.
Ethnomusicologist Dr Frances Wilkins, who is a senior lecturer at the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, will be travelling to London with the celebrated Gaelic singer, Kristine Kennedy, from Lewis, to take part in a special event at the British Academy, titled ‘Memory Through Music: Celebrating Sung Histories’.
Dr Wilkins, who lives on Skye, said: “Musical storytelling has for centuries been used as a means of preserving cultural knowledge and experience across the globe, in a way that is often overlooked in written records.
“This event aims to bring these histories to life, through a combined exploration of Breton ballads, Gaelic spiritual singing, UK rap and grime, and Islamic singing from the Balkans. ‘Memory Through Music’ will bring academics and performers together to explore the enduring impact of these traditions on our cultural heritage and understanding.”
Dr Frances Wilkins
During the event, Dr Frances Wilkins, will provide an overview of the little-researched sacred song repertoires in Hebridean communities. This will include the iconic Gaelic psalm singing tradition and songs from the rich bardic tradition of the islands. Kristine Kennedy will be singing some of the most iconic songs from the tradition.
Dr Wilkins added: “It is a privilege to be taking part in this event, which celebrates the some of the most important aspects of Scotland’s cultural heritage.
“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to speak about this topic alongside Kristine Kennedy, one of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singers.”
Kristine Kennedy
Highlands-based Kristine Kennedy said: “It's been a real joy to collaborate with Frances who has really embraced our precious Gaelic spiritual songs which hold such a special place in my heart. I look forward to sharing them with a wider audience.”
Dr Wilkins has been researching the sacred song traditions of the West Highlands and Hebridean communites since 2018. She has conducted extensive research and produced an archive of over 300 song recordings (found at www.seinn.org), touring exhibition, and numerous publications. The exhibition, ‘Seinn Spioradail: Sacred Soundscapes of Highland and Island Communities’, has been touring Hebridean communities since January 2024. It is currently on display at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis in Ness (Island of Lewis) until November 2025.
The Memory Through Music: Celebrating Sung Histories’ event, which starts at 18:30, will be held at the British Academy in Carlton House Terrace, London.
It is free to attend but booking is required. It will be live-streamed to allow people to watch it from anywhere in the world.
For more details visit Memory through melody: celebrating sung histories | The British Academy.
Further details on Dr Wilkins’ research can be found at www.franceswilkins.com