Mod Phaislig 2013 & Voices in Paisley weave their musical thread

Mòd Phàislig & Voices in Paisley are offering an exciting opportunity to compose the tune ‘Paisley welcomes the Royal National Mod 2013’which will celebrate the historic visit of the renowned Gaelic festival to the town in 2013. As their contribution to Weaving Musical Threads, the arts extravaganza which takes place across Renfrewshire on 3 & 4 March, the Mòd Phàislig 2013 team have combined with Voices in Paisley to host this competition, with the winner being unveiled on Saturday 3 March when a number of Gaelic choirs will perform in the town as part of the celebrations.

In order to enter the competition email or post a manuscript of your composition to the Mòd Phàislig team. Do not put your name on the manuscript as the judging will be anonymous. It would be useful if entrants could also submit some audio of the tune being played, although this is not essential. In addition to the manuscript, a covering letter is required with full contact details, as well as any information you feel is necessary. E-mail entries to modphaislig2013@yahoo.co.uk or post to Mòd Phàislig 2013, 12 Ben Nevis Road, Paisley, PA27LA by 8 February. If you have any queries contact Ealasaid MacDonald on 07535514385

In addition to having the honour of their tune being the soundtrack to the Mòd Phàislig celebrations, the winner will receive a cheque for £150. Judging the competition to the final two are three stalwarts of traditional music, Duncan Nicholson, Pipe Major of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, Brian Laurie of the Brian Laurie Accordion Music School and Andrew Gifford of the renowned band Fiddlers Bid. It will be the audience at the Gaelic Choirs event on 3 March that will make the final decision.

Jim Drennan, Chair of Voices in Paisley said:

‘We are delighted to be working with Mòd Phàislig 2013 as our contribution to Weaving Musical Threads. The tune will provide a lovely soundtrack to the preparations for the Mòd, and will be a lasting legacy. We hope composers from Renfrewshire and afar take the opportunity to be part of two exciting events.’

Ealasaid MacDonald, Convenor of Mòd Phàislig 2013, said

‘This is an excellent opportunity for people to be at the centre of the Mòd Phàislig celebrations. The tune will be central at all events as we prepare for the Mòd and also while it is here in the town. We are grateful to our judges for giving their time to judge and I know they are looking forward to seeing the different interpretations of ‘Paisley welcomes the Royal National Mòd 2013’.

For press queries contact Ealasaid (Liz) MacDonald on 07535514385 or email liz.macdonald-ce@renfrewshire.gov.uk