Burns in Harmony - a celebration of the Robert Burns in words, music and song

The reason for this collection was simply to honour Robert Burns on the occasion of his 250th Anniversary in January 2009. I wanted several different charities to benefit from the proceeds of the recording, in particular the Aloysian Association and Marie Curie Cancer Care, together with various other charities. The year 2009 is also an important year for St Aloysius' College (where my son Matthew is a pupil) as it celebrates its 150th Anniversary, and it has been great to have the involvement of pupils from the school, as well as staff both past and present in the making of the CD.

The whole experience of creating this CD has been wonderful, making new friends along the way and catching up with "auld acquaintances". I hope you enjoy it - we certainly enjoyed making it for you!

Music & Song
To record this CD, I would have to find musicians. Fortunately, I had previously worked with a wonderful violinist, Mark Duncan, many years ago. I had no hesitation in contacting him, and he equally had no hesitation in accepting this mission - impossible? - absolutely not!

Mark studied violin at the RSAMD and Guildhall School of Music and played with many of the major British orchestras before settling at Scottish Opera. At age 27, he was appointed a violin professor at the RSAMD and also at Douglas Academy Music School (where incidentally, he taught Matt Harvey, the producer of this CD!). He was previously Director of the National Youth String Orchestra of Scotland and is currently Head of Strings at the High School of Glasgow. He also organises and directs the main String Chamber Music Course in Scotland. My grateful thanks to you Mark for your beautiful playing.

Mark also introduced me to one of his colleagues, Elspeth Carnall, who has been an inspiration and has written the most beautiful arrangements for the CD. Elspeth studied at Aberystwyth University and subsequently piano accompaniment at the RSAMD, and is currently Head of Music at the High School of Glasgow Junior School. My grateful thanks to you also, Elspeth, for your wonderful playing, advice and support. It's been a pleasure.

Poetry
A chance discussion with Ellen Hughes, who for many years has been a truly inspirational English teacher at St Aloysius' College, led to the inclusion of Burns' poetry on the CD. Ellen also directs the public speaking team at the College, and I am extremely grateful to her for her assistance in co-ordinating the poetry sessions and giving her time and energy to the project.

Ronnie Renton's love of Scottish literature has touched so many children over his time at St Aloysius' College, from where he recently retired after 40 years' service, serving the last 20 years as Depute Head. He is associated with the ASLS (Association for Scottish Literary Studies) organising Scottish literature conferences for teachers.

Francesca Ruddy and John Perry are current pupils at the College. Francesca is school captain and has been a key member of the Public Speaking Club for several years. Her team recently won the Rotary Youth Speaks National Final and she is the current Glasgow Speakers' Club winner.

John is in fifth year and his love of Burns began when he was only four years of age when he started competing in Burns poetry competitions. Since then, he has been in great demand performing at Burns Suppers all over Scotland. In 2008, he won the coveted Ellis Trophy at the Glasgow Music Festival for his Burns poetry recitals.

My most sincere thanks for all their contributions to this project.

Recording and producing
For the recording of the CD, I was fortunate to call upon the services of Matt Harvey at Maybank Studios in Glasgow. Considering the limited budget of time and money, Matt has done a truly marvellous job, giving us all encouragement, advice and support. He has also kindly given his services freely in producing the CD booklet. Many thanks Matt.

Others
Personally, 2009 is also a special year as my husband Jim and I celebrate our silver wedding. I should like to dedicate "John Anderson My Jo" to you Jim. Much love.

To our son Matthew, thank you for designing the front cover of the CD and for being you (never complaining about me constantly harmonising against anything I hear on the car radio!). To my extended family, I thank you for your support and especially to mum and dad, Henry and Betty Graham and my in-laws Michael and Mary Kerr.

Finally, I would like to dedicate the CD to the memory of Thelma, a dear friend who passed away in October 2006. Thelma, memories filled with love and laughter.