Projects
Songs from the Last Page
Songs from the Last Page is a brilliant new song-writing and live performance project run by Chamber Music Scotland and composer Gareth Williams. Supported by EventScotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig as part of Scotland's vibrant Year of Stories, the project celebrates fantastic storytelling and storytellers through song.
Working with local communities, writers, and musicians, the project is composing original chamber-pop music songs that transform iconic moments from beloved books into inspiring songs for new audiences to enjoy. Including original songs in both Gaelic and Scots, the project reflects the history and diversity of Scotland’s stories.
The project is currently delivering a special programme of song-writing workshops and live performances at book festivals, libraries, and community groups across the length and breadth of Scotland during 2022. Each event is unique, with guest musicians, writers, and local communities involved in the workshops and performances.
Songs From the Last Page’s national tour dates have now been announced! See listings below for events in your area.
By focusing on the last lines, we are right where the story has almost run its course - and all that remains is one last beat - and those beats are often tragic or poignant or wistful, or romantic, joyous and exhilarating. I set myself the challenge as a song-writer to try and hold on to these final moments for just a few extra minutes, to try and sustain the spell that they cast.
Songs from the Last Page is grateful for the support of EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, and George and Daphne Burnett.
Year of Stories 2022
From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland's Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events, and explore the places, people, and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.
Join the conversation at #YS2022 and #TalesOfScotland.
Past Events
Festival Finale: Songs from the Last Page at Paisley Book Festival
26.02.22
A heart-warming musical celebration of Scottish writers and the world of stories to end Paisley Book Festival 2022.
Song writing workshop: Songs from the Last Page at Paisley Book Festival
26.02.22
In this interactive workshop, composer Gareth Williams will work with aspiring songwriters to create brand new songs of their own. No previous experience is required.
Song writing workshop: Songs from the Last Page at Wigtown Book Festival
26.03.22
In this entertaining workshop for aspiring songwriters working in all genres, Gareth Williams will be exploring using literary inspiration to create original songs.
Songs from the Last Page: Live Music Performance at Aye Write Festival, Glasgow
13.05.22
In this special, chamber-pop performance for Aye Write, Gareth will be teaming with award-winning cellist Justyna Jablonska and violinist Stewart Webster to bring great works of Scottish and international fiction to life.
Songwriting masterclass with Songs from the Last Page at Aye Write Festival, Glasgow
14.05.22
Gareth Williams leads a practical and entertaining workshop for aspiring songwriters working in all genres.
Songs from the Last Page with special guest at Borders Book Festival
19.06.22
Featuring a special live performance of "Flowers of the Forest" as featured in Lewis Grassic Gibbon's classic novel Sunset Song, by leading Scots folk singer, Lori Watson.
Songwriting Masterclass: Songs from the Last Page at Borders Book Festival
19.06.22
A companion event to the live performance, this interactive workshop from composer and songwriter Gareth Williams will focus on exploring how we make songs from our own stories and the stories we read. No prior songwriting experience is necessary.
The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen City: Songs from the Last Page
21.09.2022
Featuring a performance from 2020 Young Trad Musician of the Year finalist, Cameron Nixon, and a host of Northeast writers and spoken word performers: Sahar Abdulla, Sheena Blackhall, Jo Gilbert and Shane Strachan.
Wigtown Book Festival: Songs from the Last Page
24.09.2022
Join composer and songwriter Gareth Williams in Wigtown for an evening of music and conversation specially commissioned for Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.
Songs from the Last Page at Portobello Book Festival
30.09.2022
A free evening of live music from Gareth Williams, who will be joined by Scots singer Lori Watson as a special guest to perform a brand-new Song from the Last Page written especially for Portobello Book Festival.
Findhorn Bay Arts Festival: Songs from the Last Page
02.10.2022
Join Gareth Williams at Findhorn Bay Arts Festival as he celebrates Scottish writers and the world of stories in a witty and heart-warning show about the nation's favourite books.
BookMark Festival: Songs from the Last Page
09.10.2022
In this special performance for BookMark, composer and pianist Gareth Williams, cellist Justyna Jablonska and violinist Aisling O'Dea for an entertaining afternoon of song and conversation.
Songs from the Last Page at Lyth Arts
15.10.2022
Gareth Williams presents an afternoon of brand-new chamber-pop songs commissioned especially for Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.
Songs from the Last Page at Cromarty Arts Trust
16.10.2022
Part of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022, this evening of live music features a brand-new collection of songs by acclaimed composer Gareth Williams, accompanied by piano, violin and cello.
Songs from the Last Page with Deirdre Graham
03.11.2022
This special performance at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (Talla Dhonaidh Chaimbeul) brings composer Gareth Williams together with cellist Justyna Jablonska, violinist Aisling O’Dea, and Skye Gaelic singer Deirdre Graham for a special evening of literary-inspired songs specially commissioned for the Year of Stories 2022.
Songs from the Last Page for Book Week Scotland
14.11.2022-15.11.2022
Four free performances of our heart-warming musical celebration of Scottish writers and the world of stories at Dunblane Library, Alloa Speirs Centre, Lasswade Library, and Penicuik Library especially for Book Week Scotland!
Songs from the Last Page for Music at the Green (Glasgow)
18.12.2022
Join us in Glasgow for our last event of YS2022! Composer Gareth Williams will be with Skye Gaelic singer Deirdre Graham, cellist Justyna Jablonska, and SCO violinist Aisling O’Dea to perform twelve original chamber music songs about Scottish writers and the world of stories.