Triumph In Adversity for Gaelic Choir
Despite fierce competition from several other top choirs, the Aberfeldy and District Gaelic Choir won the coveted Provost Archibald Brown Cup at the Dalriada Mod in Lochgilphead on Saturday 22 September.
It was a poignant win for the Aberfeldy Choir (pictured below), as just three weeks ago they lost their conductor of many years, Frances McCallum, who has left the area. With very little time before October’s National Mod in Fort William, the choir was faced with the unenviable task of finding a new conductor, preferably one with roots in Gaelic music and language.
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Choir President Lou Oppenheim contacted Isobel Rutter, on sabbatical from the Cumbernauld Gaelic Choir, and much to the delight of the choir members, Isobel agreed to coach them and conduct them at Lochgilphead, and in the National Mod.
“Isobel is an extraordinary woman,” said Lou. “Despite leading a very busy life in Glasgow, she stepped into the breach without hesitation as soon as she heard of the choir’s plight. It’s very typical of her warm and generous nature, and every choir member is deeply grateful to her for following up on Frances’ excellent work, and enabling us to compete in Fort William.”
Herself a native Gaelic speaker from Tiree, Isobel Rutter also praised the choir. “They are a lovely, warm group of people who have worked very hard to prepare their pieces for the National Mod” she said. “Our success at the Dalriada Mod is a wonderful reflection of their effort and commitment – it was a well-deserved win, a real boost to us all – I’m thrilled to bits!”
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