Stories from the Strings
Storytelling, movement & harp x daal x live kora
Artists: Georgie Buchanan & Sophie Hutchinson X Josh Doughty
This gathering is an ode to strings! A collaborative journey exploring how across cultures and history string instruments have emerged as tools of storytelling, meditation, love, ritual, and transcendence. Their resonance, emotional range, and intimate relationship with the human body has made them one of the most loved families of instruments on earth; holding us in many ways with a kind of universal magic.
For this CP we’re welcoming harpist-singer Georgie and dance artist Sophie Hutchinson for an opening restorative workshop exploring Selkie folklore through movement, voice, relaxation, live harp and song. No dance or music experience is needed - all are welcome!
In Irish, Scottish and Nordic mythological stories Selkies have the power to shapeshift between human and seal form, they dance between the wild of the ocean and the safety of the shore, symbolising the balance between our inner and outer worlds. Guided by the ethereal notes of the harp you’ll be invited to move, listen and rest – finding a connection to the body’s tides and weight of the earth in a deeply soothing way.
For the second part of the evening, we’re thrilled to welcome back Josh Doughty for his enchanting live kora & stories. The stringed West-African kora has been a storyteller’s tool for centuries, weaving together history, legend and spirit - namely through the Griot tradition. And Josh’s years of study with mentor, friend and visionary Toumani Diabate have unfolded from a place of exceptional talent and reverence for this stringed gourd’s timeless musical beauty. You can sit, lie or snooze as he takes us through a spellbinding mini-gig.
As for dinner, in between the sessions we’ll be sharing daal, naan, chutneys and garnish, with fresh mint tea. Just pop us an email with any dietary reqs on booking.
Josh Doughty
Josh began playing the kora (a West African 21-stringed harp) when he was eight years old. First learning from his father, Adam Doughty, Josh soon developed a fascination for the instrument and would practice for hours on end, rewinding and replaying cassette tapes of kora masters and figuring out how to play along. He was then invited to study under, master kora player Toumani Diabate.
Georgie Buchanan
Inspired by voyages to the Outer Hebrides, tales of ancient Celtic Goddesses and the hidden voices of the natural world, Georgie Buchanan is a unique singer and harpist on the contemporary music scene. Interweaving traditional melodies with original compositions, songs and stories, Georgie’s music speaks of a heartfelt connection with the shared mythology that brings us together.
Sophie Hutchinson
Sophie Hutchinson is a dance artist and movement facilitator based in the West of Ireland. Working across live performance, film, and community dance rituals, her practice is rooted in the body as a sensing instrument—tuning into land, materials, memory, and relationship. Trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, with further learning in somatic and inclusive movement practices, she is committed to creating spaces where movement becomes a meeting point for self, others, and the unspoken.
Schedule.
4.00pm arrivals, tea
4.15pm welcome, Georgie & Sophie workshop
6.00pm dinner
7.00pm Josh session
8pm finish