Skye Chamber Music (formerly Skye Arts Guild, founded over 70 years ago) is the Isle of Skye’s only established chamber music society promoting both classical music and jazz. We offer a varied programme of up to 8 live performances by highly gifted professional musicians every year, the majority of whom are conservatoire trained. Our season is October to May.
The performances range from early music to contemporary with musicians from solo instrumentalists to small chamber orchestras and choral groups.
We have an enviable record of attracting exciting new musicians to Skye, often before they become famous. Our close links with two of our sponsors, Tunnell Trust and Chamber Music Scotland, help us identify and invite prize-winners from the various Scottish music competitions. We have a strategic partnership with Live Music Now (Scotland) which allows us, with funding from the Pear Tree foundation, to reach out with our visiting musicians to every school on the island, and to the elderly in homes and drop in centres.
Each year, we include one less formal event, jazz at Gasta Port Righ where food and wine is served throughout the evening. We also encourage local musicians to form Chamber groups to play at a "Glyndebourne on Skye" event bringing your own supper where the local talent of individuals, chamber groups and choirs is shining brightly.
Concerts are generally held in Portree at a variety of venues including St Columba's Church, Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh and the Fingal Centre where the Bechstein piano that we acquired for the community is kept. Most are in the evening, beginning at 7.30 pm, but in the depths of winter we try to arrange at least 2 weekend afternoon concerts at 2.30pm.
Membership costs are modest; this year £60 for a full season of concerts (and the opportunity to bring a guest free of charge to one event). Non-members are welcome and may pay at the door, which costs £15 per concert for adults, with full-time students admitted free.
We are open to all and warmly invite you to come along and enjoy an evening of culture and magnificent music on the Isle of Skye.