Breathtaking concert

It was an absolute privilege to attend the concert given by Quintet +1 in the Town Hall on Monday. Six young women presented an evening of music and singing that was quite breathtaking in its quality. Two equally good guest performers joined them on stage.

We were informed that a number of them are going on to study music and performance, and have been accepted into highly prestigious colleges such as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama.

There could be no better measure of appropriate teaching that has reached the very highest levels of excellence, and Deidre Hayward along with her husband Nigel should be congratulated.

The brilliant concert helped to focus my mind on the development of music in Shetland, and everything that’s been achieved in the past.

This is one area in which we lead the world; and, along with the development work of Davie Gardner and Shetland Arts Trust, it has been achieved through the hard work, dedication and love of our excellent music teachers and instructors.

Shetland Islands Council should therefore give this matter serious consideration to ensure that its long-term strategy for music, particularly music tuition, achieves the best outcomes of Shetland.

Music, and culture in general, must be part of our international marketing plan, and should be an investment in the way we communicate the spirit of our Islands to the wider world.

Arthur Watt
Water Lane,
Lerwick.