The Story of the Mary Queen of Scots Project

The Story of the Mary Queen of Scots Project

 

From knowing only the playground song, ‘Mary Queen of Scots got her head hopped off’ a few years ago to giving a post-performance talk at Oxford Lieder Festival is a huge leap. Inspired by working with renowned pianist, Malcolm Martineau OBE, on the ‘Maria Stuart Songs’, I wanted to learn more, to communicate Mary’s character.

Librarian Betty at Glasgow’s Mitchell Library uncovered an old wooden card index in the basement of Glasgow’s Mitchell Library. I set about reading volumes of Mary’s letters and poetry, coming to the conclusion that her passion, intelligence, wit, tenderness and faith were worthy of new works by significant British composers.

The project has grown and involves a whole community, from performers , composers and technical team to friends, family and supporters who donated to our first Fringe Fundraiser. We aim to develop an educational project and to set up as a registered project and charity within the coming months.