Aberdeen’s hit collaborative performance night just came and went: here’s what you missed…
SPOTLIGHT, the joint performance night between the University of Aberdeen’s English Literature Society, Creative Writing Society, Folk and Traditional Music Society, and A Cappella Society, was a celebration of variety in the arts. From powerful spoken word to live music, the evening was a fantastic way to start the new academic year.
SPOTLIGHT is a bi-annual event that is a gateway to Aberdeen’s vibrant creative arts scene. The evening is more than just a night of entertainment; it is also an opportunity for new and returning students to connect with their creative side. The event is open to all, including members of the public, and all those inspired are encouraged to take part in future performance nights. With a diverse range of acts, SPOTLIGHT is a beloved evening that inspires many new and familiar faces through the university’s creative arts movement.
The evening kicked off with a warm and inviting welcome by the new presidents of the English Literature Society and the Creative Writing Society. The stage, bathed in the elegant hues of The Blue Lamp, set the scene for the powerful performances that followed.
The English Literature Society began the evening with their own spoken word that showcased themes such as love, loss, and social pressures. It was heartwarming to see how much of the media presented on stage included homages to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, as many described how the city had become home to them amid their education. Familiar faces performed as the two former presidents of English Lit returned to the stage, expressing their fondness for the society. The English Literature Society holds monthly performance nights where anyone interested can perform various acts such as dancing, singing, spoken word, and more!
The spoken word was shortly followed by a set of Scottish marches from the University of Aberdeen’s Folk and Traditional Music Society. The Folk and Trad Society is a group of musicians who can be found playing at several different events, including ceilidhs, jams, and gigs. They encourage those of any musical skill level to sign up, as their group includes a wide variety of traditional instruments, such as fiddles, cellos, flutes, accordions, clarsachs, and more! Folk and Trad played two sets, including an impressive fiddle solo and a set of traditional Scottish jigs, allowing students from all backgrounds to embrace Scottish culture.
The University of Aberdeen’s Creative Writing Society also performed their own spoken word. Their set included various pieces of poetry and prose, including poems inspired by ancient classics and traditional fairy tales that we all know and love. However, many of the members of the society also took inspiration from their own lives, as some recalled how personal relationships had been the catalyst for powerful verse. The Creative Writing Society holds weekly meetings where members can sharpen up their skills and submit their work for feedback from their peers. At the end of each semester, the society publishes its own ‘Compendium’, a collection of their creative work which provides students with a chance to have their work published, which is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to start a career in creative writing.
The evening closed with a performance from the University’s A Cappella Society. The award-winning group showcased their vocal prowess and creativity through their own arrangements of ‘Take On Me’ by A-Ha, ‘From The Start’ by Laufey, and Chappell Roan’s ‘Good Luck Babe’. From the solo vocals to the background percussion that compensated for the omission of instruments, their performance and vocal ability were a perfect end to the evening. Their society holds its own concerts at the end of every semester and has two competitive groups that go on to compete in events across the country. They are known for their award-winning group Aberpella, who placed third in the Scottish A Cappella Championships in 2023. The society accepts members with any level of experience, allowing all those interested in a cappella to get involved!
Overall, the evening was one of compelling student talent, as the demonstration of intense prose to musical ability was spectacular. I recommend students new and returning to check out the societies for future events. They provide plenty of opportunities to get involved in the creative arts scene, meet new people, or even just have a fun night out. With incredible cocktails, live music, and a chance to be amazed, SPOTLIGHT is a fantastic chance to get inspired!