On Sunday 14 August 2022 we were delighted to welcome back Finlay Hay (guitar) and his Taproot ensemble of young musicians: Mari-Carmen Morris, violin, from Spain Can Aristoy, keyboard, from Turkey – pronounced Jan in Turkish, and Hattie MacGregor, cello, from the Black Isle.
They treated a full house in the Museum Room to a varied and absorbing programme starting with Vivaldi, and followed by Piazolla, Martinu, Malcolm Arnold, Arensky and de Falla – all full of verve and enthusiasm. The ensemble playing was superb. Pressed for an encore, Finlay and Hattie played the heart-breaking Dowland duet – familiar to Lismore audiences, who have heard our island choir tackle “Weep oh my Heart”. The audience showed their appreciation with generous donations in support of the musicians’ expenses
Can Aristoy, keyboard, Findlay Hay, guitar, Mari-Carmen Morris, violin, Hattie MacGregor, cello,
It was a privilege to hear a group on the brink of their professional musical careers. Can and Mari-Carmen will continue to study in London and Glasgow, while Hattie moves to The Hague and Finlay to Berlin. Haste ye back to Lismore!
Special thanks to Davy Maddock for providing the keyboard.