Since moving to the area we haven’t really had the time or opportunity to go to the theatre or do something more cultural so an evening with Anda Union & Breabach at Perth Concert Hall sounded just the ticket. This was the first of three Celtic Sessions dates and promised to be a cracking night out.

Perth Concert Hall

From the outside the Concert Hall looks rather grand and inviting with the full glass front you can see people already starting to gather in the foyer. Collecting my tickets was easy and I explained to the young man on the desk that I had not been to any performances before at the venue he was more than happy to explain where our seats were and how to get to them, the location of the toilets and the bar facilities. Great first impressions.

It was great to find that it was just the stall seats for this performance making it very personal affair. Unlike some other venues we have been to we found the seats comfortable for the whole show, which is always a bonus. One of the things I did like was that to the side of the bar there were jugs of iced water and cups for you to help yourself and take to your seat. Really nice touch.

AnDa Union

AnDa Union are musicians of different ethnic backgrounds who perform new music inspired by old and forgotten songs from across inner and outer Mongolia. Their mission is re-engage young people to learn some of the many traditions and songs that may be lost in the near future.

Their performance on stage was breath taking, heart warming and very touching. Amazing how easy it is to convey feelings through music even if, like me, you have no idea of the words. Songs about leaving family or being a child, something we all relate to.

My favourite song I think would be Galloping Horses. Why? Well these talented musicians made the sound of galloping and whinnying horses on their instruments. Fast paced and you could actually imagine wild horses running across plains.

After watching them it has made me want to go travelling again. If you get the chance to see them live, go!

Breabach

After the short interval it was the turn of contemporary folk musicians, Breabach. This was the first night of their new album tour, and what a great start with a near full house.

What I love about smaller venue performances is that you can hear each of the individual instruments being played and this was also the case at the concert hall. A collection of string and wind instruments. I have to admit the bagpipes have never been a favourite of mine but played on the stage with the others musicians I may have actually changed my mind!

A varied set of songs from the new album and older favourites and even audience participation required for some. I also liked the variation of songs – some with and some without vocals but all making toe tapping, head nodding and hand clappingly brilliant night.

There was a chance to buy the new Astar album (official release date 11th March 2016) and speak to the talented artists after the show. It seemed there were many fans whom they had met before and were chatting like old friends as they waited for their purchase to be signed.

I spoke to some of the people waiting, some of which had met up with friends who were travelling from Stirling and seeing Breabach for the first time. Others who had the groups previous albums and “wouldn’t have missed tonight for the world.”

All in all a brilliant evening. If you missed out on seeing AnDa Union & Breabach at Perth Concert Hall don’t worry you can still buy tickets for the next two Celtic Sessions dates with different performers.