… bringing the world’s greatest music and Scotland’s brightest musicians to Britain’s loveliest island
Skye Chamber Music (formerly Skye Arts Guild, founded close to 70 years ago) is the Isle of Skye’s only established chamber music society promoting both classical music and jazz. We offer a varied programme of six or seven live performances by highly gifted professional musicians every year, the majority of whom are conservatoire trained. Our seasons extend from the Autumn to the following Spring.
The performances range from early music to contemporary, and the performers from solo instrumentalists to small chamber orchestras and choral groups.
We have an enviable record of attracting exciting new musicians to Skye, often before they become famous. Our close links with two of our sponsors, Tunnell Trust and Chamber Music Scotland, help us identify and invite prize-winners from the various Scottish music competitions.
Each year, we include one less formal event, usually a jazz evening at a local
hotel, which is preceded by an optional buffet supper.
Concerts are held in Portree at a variety of venues including the Fingal Centre in Portree High School where the Bechstein piano that we acquired for the community is kept. Most are in the evening, beginning at 7.30 pm, but in the depths of winter we try to arrange at least 2 weekend afternoon concerts at 2.30pm.
Membership costs are modest; this year £50 for a full season of concerts (and the opportunity to bring a guest free of charge). Non-members are welcome and may pay at the door, which costs £12 per concert for adults, with full-time students admitted free.
Skye Chamber Music’s membership has fluctuated between 35 and 65 Season Ticket holders. Those paying at the door usually boost audiences to somewhere between between 40 and 70, although post Covid the number is closer to 40.