Singer and broadcaster, Fiona Kennedy, is bringing a live version of her Kitchen Concert show to Camphill School Aberdeen in September.
A long-time supporter of Camphill School Aberdeen, a charity that provides day and residential care to children and young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs, Fiona will be donating proceeds from the concert to the charity.
Fiona’s Kitchen Concerts, which started during lockdown, are usually virtual and have attracted a huge following. Thousands of people from all over the world tune in every week to enjoy her performances with her musician friends.
The live version will see Fiona joined on stage by Calum MacColl and Nils Elders who have both written a number of songs alongside the songstress and are successful musicians in their own right. Calum (son of Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl) is an award-winning singer and songwriter and Nils is a local musician and producer. This will be the first time all three will perform together live.
The fundraising concert will take place on Thursday, September 26 in Camphill Hall, at Murtle Estate, North Deeside Road, near Bieldside.
Fiona Kennedy and Alex Busch alongside Camphill School Aberdeen staff and young people
Alex Busch, executive director at Camphill School Aberdeen, said: “Fiona Kennedy has been a valued supporter of Camphill School Aberdeen for many years. When she approached us with the idea to bring her Kitchen Concert tour to our estate, we jumped at the chance.
“Proceeds from the concert will go towards our Building Futures, Transforming Lives campaign which is currently in its first phase. This appeal aims to raise £10 million over 10 years, helping us open our doors to more young people and their families who are in need of our support.”
Fiona Kennedy, said: "Camphill School Aberdeen is a magical place that I’ve had the privilege to spend a lot of time at over the years. I’m delighted to be able to donate the proceeds from ticket sales to their wonderful cause.”
Earlier in the day, Fiona, Calum, and Nils will also be performing exclusively for Camphill School Aberdeen’s young people and staff. The set will be acoustic to reduce the volume of the music which will help prevent sensory overload. Music also has many therapeutic benefits such as lowering stress, helping memory retention, and emotional expression.
Camphill Hall, where the concert will take place, was designed by architect Gabor Tallo and officially opened in 1962. An opening festival marked the occasion and the Lord Provost at the time, John M Graham, made a speech and hundreds of people from across the world attended. Since its opening, the hall has become central to the Camphill community and has hosted numerous plays, meetings, conferences, community celebrations, and training courses.
Fiona added: “As much as I love doing my virtual Kitchen Concerts, performing in front of a live audience that I can see and engage with is always really special. It will be an evening of lovely songs, music and close harmonies with a bit of banter thrown in too!”
Fiona’s Kitchen Concert tour will also be stopping off at various locations across Scotland throughout September and October, including The Tivoli Theatre Aberdeen, Peterhead, Keith, Earlsferry in Fife, Braemar, Inverness, and Edinburgh.
Tickets to the Camphill School Aberdeen show can be purchased here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fiona-kennedy-friends-tickets-940242720287?aff=oddtdtcreator