The Gemstone Arias
French Institute, 13/1/2026
Anna Michels piano, Rose Lavery soprano, Jay Capperauld composer, Niall Campbell writer
This was an absolute gem of a concert. Both Niall Campbell's poem and Jay Capperauld's music "explore the specific colours, textures, metaphors, symbolism and characteristics" associated with quartz (white), peridot (green), garnet (red), amethyst (purple) and lapis lazuli (blue).
Piano and voice are a favourite musical partnership of mine and Rose Lavery and Anna Michels were magnificent. Friends since childhood, they have collaborated on and performed music in a variety of settings for a number of years now. Their performance of ‘The Gemstone Arias’ - giving expression and meaning to Niall Campbell's poetry and achieving an authentic interpretation of Jay Capperauld's music - was gripping from the outset, with the performers illuminated by the appropriate colour for each piece. Anna was a delight to watch on the piano and Rose's magnificent soprano filled the room.
‘The Gemstone Arias’ were followed by an onstage conversation with the four artists, which considered such issues as composition, collaboration, interpretation and authenticity of performance, both in general and with particular reference to this work. A great deal was covered in this extremely rich and revelatory conversation. Niall Campbell spoke of the ways in which his poetry draws on the associations for him of material objects. I particularly liked his explanation of the role of the librettist as being one who writes a private letter to the composer. Jay in turn spoke of his experience of synaesthesia. Although familiar with the concept through a knowledge of Wassily Kandinsky, I had not heard of its role in the creation of music where I think it is probably most appropriately applied. He described himself as "ruminating in the sound world" in his aim of shining a light on the words of the lyricist.
Just when we all thought the evening could not possibly get any better, we were treated to a repeat performance! From my conversations with other audience members over bubbly and nibbles afterwards, it was generally agreed that the intermediate conversation added so much to our enjoyment of the music second time around. To have attended the World Premiere of ‘The Gemstone Arias’ was a treat indeed!
The French Institute is a welcoming venue, and it’s worth looking up their programme of events. What's On - Institut français · Écosse
Anna and Rose are members of the Bubblyjock Collective which you can hear at the Royal Conservatoire, Glasgow on 5th March in ‘QUINES,’ poems by Gerda Stevenson set by Lisa Robertson, with work by four 20th century Scottish female composers. There’s a free ‘teaser’ for the programme at Greyfriars Kirk on 19th February.