Culture Fund Open Pot Case Study 2025-2026: Orkney Camerata

We paid for Michael Bawtree to fly up to Orkney on three separate weekends – all of his flights landed on time so there was no disruption to rehearsals, which went ahead as planned. Our guest oboist came across from Caithness for two of these weekends allowing us to rehearse with our full wind section. We had to add an extra rehearsal on May 4 because our flute soloist had a concert in Aberdeen the night before, but again her flight was on time and the rehearsal went ahead. Michael Bawtree delivered a very successful harpsichord workshop to about a dozen local keyboard players on 3 May but it was not possible to include a session with our junior players because most of the more advanced ones had exams. Michael quickly established a high standard of playing which lifted many of us out of our comfort zones. The anniversary concert itself was well advertised and attracted an audience of 173, which was exceptional. Feedback from the audience included:

“What an absolutely splendid concert - Camerata and Michael Bawtree on sparkling form, lovely programming and atmosphere electric. Huge congratulations to all”

“I think it was a remarkable achievement on our behalf and I enjoyed having been part of it.   That's why we keep coming back for more!”

“The celebration concert for 30 years of Orkney Camerata provided a feast of music in the gracious surroundings of St Magnus Cathedral on Sunday. The programme was varied, including locally inspired pieces from Peter Maxwell Davies all the way to the grand courtly music of The Brandenburg Concerto. It was a treat to hear the harpsichord played by Michael Bawtree brightly filling the space. As well as conducting Michael has given a number of informal and welcoming workshop sessions on organ and harpsichord during past months providing inspiration to local musicians - young and seasoned alike. Orkney Camerata invites local players to become part of a group that works towards an excellent standard of performance. Stand out pieces in the concert for me were the Grieg Vãren from Two Elegiac Melodies which sang sweetly around the pillared, red stones. and the final Haydn piece Distratto was played with skill, humour and enthusiasm - which rather sums up what Camerata is all about."

The experience will have given Camerata players a boost to their orchestral technique and to their confidence. Michael Bawtree’s rigorous approach to rehearsing certainly stretched us and brought out the best in us. It will also have kick-started us on our exploration of the early classical repertoire, which we intend to continue. Michael also gave some local keyboard players useful guidance and encouragement on playing the harpsichord.