Listening to ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’, by my desk at Liberty House and writing this blog on the last days here in Scotland, makes me ponder how the last two weeks passed by so quickly! Scokendia has been an absolutely amazing experience. It has been incredibly fascinating to perform every single concert with wonderful people from Scotland, Kenya and India. Every concert and venue had its own charm. It was overwhelming to see everyone energised after all the concerts. Performing at the main stage at Glasgow Green to churches, cafes, nursing homes and even the streets, I looked forward to every concert. It was a very special moment for me to play ‘Danny Boy’ with everyone singing along at day care centres for the Live Music Now concerts.
Who says cellists need to sit and play? The folk music is much more enjoyable to stand, dance and play; especially with a fabulous desk partner from Kenya who always has her groove on! Music is all about communicating, connecting and sharing. This is precisely what we achieved at Scokendia. We shared music from three countries with each other as well as the audience. Our music reached different kinds of audiences in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
The experience of being a part of Culture 2014, Commonwealth Games and the Aberdeen International Youth Festival has been phenomenal. The opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony, concerts, opera, watching street artists perform, ceilidh dancing and watching the sun set at 11pm everyday has been a truly amazing experience.
Scokendia 