Classical review: Concert for the Dalai Lama, Usher Hall, Edinburgh

By SSUAN NICKALLS
Published on 25/06/2012 00:00

AS A curtain-raiser to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s address to mark the 20th anniversary of the Edinburgh Lectures, the audience packing the Usher Hall was treated to a variety of musical entertainment.

One of the highlights was Scottish tenor Martin Aelred, backed by a choir from St George’s School for Girls, singing Canto Della Terra (Song to the Earth), and other material from the World Opera for World Peace. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an opera fan and Aelred and the choir did not disappoint with their polished performance. However, due to his hectic schedule in Edinburgh, His Holiness missed the majority of the acts.

This was a pity, as he would have been impressed with the high octane energy of the Tinderbox Orchestra, a group of around 40 young instrumentalists and singers. The brass-driven Bethany Lane and emotive The Colour of Conflict, composed by the ensemble, were accompanied by some stunning video images produced by the Hidden Door Arts Project.

His Holiness then spoke on Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World, before engaging in a lively Q&A session with Edinburgh pupils who asked a variety of questions including: what was more powerful than war? With his characteristic humour and a ready twinkle in his eye, the Dalai Lama urged the next generation to make this a happier and more peaceful century.

Whether his spirit went on to reside in heaven or hell, he promised: “I’ll be watching you.”

Rating: ****