We Are Here Scotland Makes Celtic Connections Debut

We Are Here Scotland is to debut at Celtic Connections, bringing together an extraordinary line-up of cross-cultural talent that reflects Scotland's evolving musical landscape.

The showcase features an innovative collaboration between Glasgow-based cellist Simone Seales, Scottish Borders folk artist Miwa Nagato-Apthorp, and Iranian fusion musicians Aref Ghorbani and Amir Hossein Feyzi. This unique ensemble promises to deliver a performance that bridges continents, traditions, and artistic perspectives.

Simone Seales, known for their dynamic approach to performance art, brings a distinctive blend of improvisation and social consciousness to the stage. Their work, deeply influenced by Black feminist thought, adds a powerful contemporary voice to the traditional festival setting. Meanwhile, Miwa Nagato-Apthorp contributes storytelling elements rooted in Scottish folk traditions, exploring universal themes of home, environmental consciousness, and feminine experience.

The addition of Aref Ghorbani and Amir Hossein Feyzi introduces a compelling Persian musical dimension to the performance. Their fusion of traditional Iranian melodies with contemporary styles creates a haunting soundscape that speaks to themes of migration, cultural identity, and artistic adaptation.

This collaborative performance represents more than just a concert; it's a celebration of Scotland's growing cultural diversity and the power of music to transcend boundaries. The event marks an important milestone for We Are Here Scotland and Celtic Connections, demonstrating their shared commitment to showcasing the richness of Scotland's evolving artistic community.

For Celtic Connections, long celebrated as a platform for traditional and folk music, this inclusion signals an exciting expansion of its cultural horizons, embracing new voices whilst honouring traditional roots. The performance promises to be an evening of unique musical discovery, where diverse artistic traditions meet to create something entirely new.

For tickets, please visit - Celtic Connections Website