15 June 2012

'The Big Music' set to inspire pupils

Literature, music, film and art will come together at Madras College next week during an event organised by novelist Kirsty Gunn, Professor of Creative Writing, and Dr Gail Low, Senior Lecturer in English, from the University of Dundee.

Professor Gunn will visit the St Andrews school on Monday, June 18th along with Gary Gowans, a filmmaker and senior lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, part of the University, and artist Merran Gunn. They will host a hands-on workshop focussed around ‘The Big Music’, Professor Gunn’s latest novel.

'The Big Music' tells the story of John Sutherland of 'The Grey House', a world-famous piper who has come to the end of his life and is writing one final tune that tells us the story of his family and history – one that is full of secrets and stories that up until now have always been kept closely guarded.

“I am sure the pupils will gain from this event and learn about writing, art and film, and we are very excited about meeting them and taking part in the day,” explained Professor Gunn.

The event will take place from 2-4.45pm, and be divided into two sessions. The first part will consist of a series of presentations from the visiting artists. Professor Gunn will read from the book, before Gary Gowans delivers a film presentation inspired by its setting, and Merran Gunn presents art work inspired by the novel.

The pupils will then respond to the presentations by choosing to take part in either a creative writing, art or film session.

Students of English, Art, Graphics, Photography and Media Studies at Higher and Advanced Higher levels will be participating in the day’s events. The event will be filmed and will form part of the on-going archive of The Big Music at the University of Dundee

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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