Tonight’s brilliant concert

Lots of people on Arran can look back to the astonishing concert by the Rostov String Quartet at the Douglas Hotel, perhaps about twenty years ago. It was the first time we’d heard Russian musicians in all their phenomenal prowess, and since then, the connection has gone on. Lev Atlas, violin (and also lead viola with Scottish Opera and Head of Strings at the Conservatoire) will be at Whiting Bay Hall with Nigel Clark, the equally brilliant guitarist, playing and talking about music of every kind, from the Gypsy tradition of Russia and East Europe, Klezmer, jazz and just about everything you can imagine. Lev is wonderfully funny as well as totally on top of the game, and Nigel is one of the best guitarists in the world, joining Lev with a great richness of skill and sound. Tickets only £8 for this first concert in the McLellan week. They’re on tonight, September 1st, 7.30 at Whiting Bay Hall. Don’t miss them – these two are the most consummate artists on the bill. What’s more, if you play a guitar or stringed instrument, Lev and Nigel are running a workshop on the Tuesday morning, 2nd September, Arran High School 11:00am – 1:00pm. No charge for young people, donations welcomed from grown-ups but no fuss made. Grab this chance – it’s unique!