The 16th and 17th Century Scottish Witch Trials were one of the darkest periods of Scotland’s history. An estimated 2500 people were executed, 80% of which were thought to have been women. In this new project, Rachel Newton and Lauren MacColl pay a humanising tribute to these women while also exploring historical beliefs in the supernatural and modern day parallels in our society. Each piece of music is based on specially commissioned works by celebrated author Mairi Kidd - tales inspired by and in remembrance of real women who were persecuted and tried as witches, and characters from the folkloric tales and mythology enshrined in our oral culture.
Rachel and Lauren have collaborated on each other’s projects for many years, and this project is a perfect and timely opportunity to work together as a duo for the first time. Their performance features newly composed music with accompanying visuals by Alison Piper to highlight this fascinating and important subject.
The album 'Heal & Harrow' is out now, released on 4th Feb 2022. The Heal & Harrow Podcast is also available now and the Stories of Heal & Harrow are available to download. Visit www.healandharrow.com for info
"10 chilling vignettes" Financial Times
"An engrossing, evocative listen" Big Issue
"A remarkable initiative" Morning Star
"Quietly beautiful" Songlines
"Not for the squemish" MOJO
Top 10 Album - Official Folk Charts
Winner - Scots Trad Music Awards - Composer of the Year
As heard on BBC RADIO 2, 3, 4, 6Music
'Heal & Harrow' is supported by Creative Scotland and Necessity.
Rachel and Lauren have collaborated on each other’s projects for many years, and this project is a perfect and timely opportunity to work together as a duo for the first time. Their performance features newly composed music with accompanying visuals by Alison Piper to highlight this fascinating and important subject.
The album 'Heal & Harrow' is out now, released on 4th Feb 2022. The Heal & Harrow Podcast is also available now and the Stories of Heal & Harrow are available to download. Visit www.healandharrow.com for info
"10 chilling vignettes" Financial Times
"An engrossing, evocative listen" Big Issue
"A remarkable initiative" Morning Star
"Quietly beautiful" Songlines
"Not for the squemish" MOJO
Top 10 Album - Official Folk Charts
Winner - Scots Trad Music Awards - Composer of the Year
As heard on BBC RADIO 2, 3, 4, 6Music
'Heal & Harrow' is supported by Creative Scotland and Necessity.