Earlier in the term we were delighted to welcome Howard Blake to school for the first public screening of his new animated film The Land of Counterpane. The soundtrack of Howard's new film is sung exclusively by girls of The Mary Erskine School, by young trebles from Stewart's Melville College and by the Junior School Choir, accompanied by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The animated film was commissioned by the schools from Howard Blake almost 20 years ago as part of the celebrations of the 300th anniversary of the foundation of Mary Erskine. Howard initially put Robert Louis Stevenson's beautiful poetry, 'A Child's Garden of Verses', to music and the choral work was first performed by the schools' choirs in 1995.
It has taken Howard eight years to have the animated film made and the result is very special. We share Howard's ambitious plans for 'The Land of Counterpane' which include a release on DVD, worldwide distribution for television, internet downloads and more.
As well as the opportunity to watch the 25 minute film, guests enjoyed a question and answer session with Howard about his extraordinary life and listened as he played the composition which made him famous, 'Walking in the air' from 'The Snowman'. A festive end to a unique and wonderful experience.
Watch the clip below.