Gemma McGregor is a freelance composer, performer and curator from Orkney, whose music has been described as polystylistic, whilst crossing the boundaries of musical genres. Gemma has been writing music with a sense of place either by referencing sounds from the environment, history or dialect poetry. Gemma plays Orkney traditional music and has researched its links with Norwegian music. Much of her music contains references to speech rhythms and a strong connection to Norn, the lost language of Orkney.

In this episode we chat about Gemma's collaboration with Nordic Viola on their Sagas and Seascapes, as well as previous instrumental and vocal works.

With special thanks to performers:

A Slaughter of Ravens

Jože Kotar and Luca Ferrini

Carry His Relics

Katherine Wren and Gemma McGregor

Love Was His Meaning

Godolphin School Girls Choir and Katie Salomon (Harp)

Ear to the Ground keeps you in the loop with interviews and gig alerts from Scotland’s top-notch composers.

Hosted by Aileen Sweeney and Ben Eames.

Sound edited by Mia Eames.

Website Links:

https://www.eartothegroundscotland.com/

https://gemmamcgregor.com/