Ledlanet Nights
Ledlanet Nights in
History
Ledlanet Nights, described at some length in Calder's autobiography, Pursuit, developed as a general festival from modest beginnings. Many art forms were offered, among which were opera, theatre, recitals and orchestral concerts. An early, if unexpected addition, were folk evenings. As well as art exhibitions, the mix included one- or two-person shows of different types ranging from those of
In the immediate post-war period, professional opera could be found in Scotland mainly through the offerings of touring companies. Arts activity in country houses was not unknown but festivals generally were nowhere near as widespread as they have since become.[
Ledlanet Nights remained small scale; even at its peak in 1973 there were seats for only 155 people.[citation needed] Performers and audience members alike remember well the intimate atmosphere. With little support from public coffers, the Festival was heavily dependent on fundraising by regular patrons and supporters. By 1973 this was no longer sustainable. Calder attributes the sudden end of Ledlanet Nights to the financial consequences of his divorce from his second wife.[3]
References
- ^ Wilson, Conrad (13 July 2005). "Pilgrimage's Progress". The Herald.
- ^ Ledlanet, a baronial country mansion, was situated near Milnathort.
- ^ ISBN 0-7145-4313-6.[page needed]
- ^ Oliver, Cordelia (Oct 1, 1965). "Agrippina at Ledlanet". The Guardian.
- ^ OperaScotland. "Ledlanet Nights". Retrieved 23 April 2011.