Welcome to North East of Scotland Performing Arts
Home of Aberdeen and NE of Scotland Music Festival, Aberdeen's oldest annual festival, and a highlight of the city's cultural calander.
2023 should be the 100th Festival since the Charity's inception. However, due to lack of volunteers this is seriously under threat. If you can help or just want more information please contact info@nespa.scot immediately.
The 99th Festival of Music, Speech & Drama took place in the week commencing Monday 13th June. Given the continuing uncertainties over Covid and the impact of various factors on teaching, consideration was given to the most appropriate format. A short survey confirmed that on balance, we should go ahead with a competitive festival. The results of the survey are summarised in our Blog/News.
NESPA, 4th floor, H1 Building, Hill of Rubislaw, Anderson Drive, Aberdeen AB15 6XL
We are delighted to welcome you back – live - to Aberdeen’s oldest Festival, the unique annual celebration of the Performing Arts.
We hope that, irrespective of the challenging situation with teaching over the past couple of years, all will feel welcome to come along and share the joy of live performance, alone, together with friends, and in any combination of instruments and genres. Whilst this is primarily a competitive festival, and research has told us that most participants relish competition, in this year more than any other we would encourage all to take part, it is so important to return to live performance. If anyone is not ready for competition, any class can be entered on a non-competitive basis. See below for changes to syllabus and the exciting Together Again Section.
We are returning to our main venue at Mannofield Church and are excited that choir day will be held at the Music Hall. The Festival is open to the public and all are welcome to provide a supportive audience to participants. Audience members are asked to pay for admission to finance the running costs of the week. Tickets will be available online.
Syllabus 2022
There are a few tweaks to the syllabus, mainly with a view to improving consistency between the sections. Please check the details of each class carefully for small differences.
The most exciting addition, retained from our Covid Creative last year, is the all encompassing “Together Again” section where there is much to inspire. In addition, a new Dance Drama has been introduced to the Speech & Drama section.
Details of events/classes and any updates, errata or further information will be announced in the Festival Blog and Social Media.
Performers are reminded that they are welcome to take part in any class on a non-competitive basis.
There is something for everyone.
2021 Challenge Singers
It was a delight to hear our vocal finalists live in September last year. The audience were treated to a fantastic display of talent. The overall winner was Carys Taylor and all performers were greatly praised. Two or our instrumental finalists joined us via video, and the overall winners were Elizabeth McCall on recorder and Alain Marie on piano. Both gave striking performances, ones to remember.
Photograph Julian Maunder Photo-Portraiture