Shoppers at Aberdeen’s Union Square are set to enjoy a day of free live music by local musicians and dancers as part of the Cowdray Hall’s centenary celebrations on Saturday 25 September.
Big Birthday Bash performances will take place in both venues throughout the day.
Gifted to the people of Aberdeen by Annie, Viscountess, Cowdray, to encourage “a taste for art and music in the city of Aberdeen”, the Cowdray Hall was opened with great ceremony by King George V and Queen Mary 100 years ago this week. 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.
Now a fantastic array of local performers will raise the roofs of both the Cowdray Hall and Union Square to mark 100 years of this much-loved concert venue. The Big Birthday Bash programme spotlights performers from the Cowdray Hall’s centenary programme, launched earlier this month and continuing until June 2026.
The day opens with 100 Primary 4 pupils from Kaimhill, Gilcomston and Abbotswell schools performing Our Aberdeen. Composed by Debra (Debbie) Baxter, the song was commissioned by Aberdeen City Council in 2006 and explores what the city means to its young people and their hopes and dreams for a future Aberdeen.
Fusion Youth Dance
There will also be performances by Music 4 U, which Debbie established in the city in 2003, to offer inclusive performing arts classes, enabling young people in to explore a tailored learning experience in a supportive, uplifting and inspiring environment. Their performance promises to be a powerful celebration of youth, community and music.
Dancers from Fusion, Citymoves Dance Agency's flagship pre-professional Youth Dance Company, will perform a selection of their latest work. In the afternoon, performers from the Confucius Institute of the University of Aberdeen will share a selection of traditional Chinese music.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said: “The Big Birthday Bash is set to be a joyful celebration of music and dance in two city-centre locations. I hope that shoppers will enjoy the performances at Union Square and be inspired to visit the Art Gallery to enjoy the power of live music in the wonderful surroundings of the Cowdray Hall. The centenary programme runs from now until next June and there are lots of events for music lovers of all ages, some free, some paid-for, all .”
Cowdray Hall Programme
10:15 Aberdeen Anthem
10:45 North East Scotland Music School
11:30 Nova Quartet (strings)
12:15 To be confirmed
13:00 Music 4 U (group)
13:45 Fusion Youth Dance Company
14:30 University of Aberdeen Confucius Institute
15:15 Albacappella (choir)
16:00 Aberdeen City Music School
Union Square Programme
10:30 Aberdeen City Music School
11:30 Aberdeen Anthem
12:15 North East Scotland Music School
13:00 Nova Quartet (strings)
13:45 To be confirmed
14:30 Music 4 U (group)
15:15 Fusion Youth Dance Company
16:00 University of Aberdeen Confucius Institute
16:45 Albacappella (choir)