This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Search for song writing talent
24/01/2007
The Gathering, a nationwide search for songwriting talent to commemorate the spirit and legacy of Robert Burns will be launched tonight.
Through The Gathering, Burnsong invites budding songwriters of all ages to submit songs to see if they have what it takes to follow in the tradition of thenational Bard.
Burnsong was first launched in 2005 by Culutre Minister Patricia Ferguson, and it is planned to take place on a two year cycle leading up to a major celebration in 2009 to mark the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns.
The winners of this year's competition will be invited to perform their work at a Burnsong Live festival in November.
Ms Ferguson said:
"Burns is a cultural icon and this song search demonstrates that his work still has the power to inspire new generations of Scots.
"Initiatives like this go a long way towards showcasing Scottish talent in Scotland to the rest of the world. This event will go on to provide a new focal event which can be marketed in future years especially as we draw ever closer to the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth in 2009."
Jenny Wilson, Director of Burnsong, said:
"With Burns himself being a prolific songwriter, Burns-related themes are wide ranging - whether it be love, nationality, politics or social commentary. Entries from all ages and styles of music will be considered, no matter whether it is folk, pop, jazz, rock, country, emo or indie.
"We need to put song back into the hands and lives of everyday folk, not just the right to sing, but the right to write, which is about empowering people to find their voices, and use them to celebrate, to campaign, to tell tales, as a lullaby or panacea, or to mark the passing of something or someone.
Top Scots music man and Burnsong judge Ronnie Gurr said:
"In my 30 years of being in the music business this is the project I'm most proud of and excited about. This is a direct invitation to the people of Scotland to write more songs in 2007 and we will do so again 2009, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth."
The Burnsong project is supported by the Scottish Arts Council (SAC). SAC Head of Music Ian Smith commented:
"The Burnsong project uniquely celebrates the art of song and in 2005, we were absolutely amazed at the response to the challenge, resulting in a wide array of songs and lyrics of such an incredibly high standard.
"The Gathering is the catalyst that inspires people to write songs and we fully expect the public's response to Burnsong 2007 to be both challenging and stimulating. We look forward again to celebrating the work and incredible legacy of Robert Burns who was himself, such a great song-writer and in Burnsong, we have the ideal vehicle to ensure that legacy is kept alive."
One of the 2005 winners Ali Burns said:
"I think the most significant thing of all is that I've had a new logo and website designed this year and the logo reads: Alison Burns - Songwriter. I think this is hugely significant as it was winning Burnsong last year that has given me the confidence to actually call myself a songwriter. I just wouldn't have been able to live with that title a year ago even though I'd written many songs."
In 2005 The Gathering had more than 800 entries from which 16 winners were chosen. Amateur songwriters including a schoolgirl, an ambulance driver and a relative of Robert Burns all had their songs broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland.
Closing date for entries is May 15.