LISTEN: Your sneak preview of Pitlochry children’s song for The Enchanted Forest

The Pitlochry High School pupils' performance will be heard by around 83,000 visitors to Faskally Wood

By Cheryl Peebles

September 26 2023, 6:00am

The Courier was invited to hear the group perform. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

If you’re among tens of thousands of people preparing to be spellbound by The Enchanted Forest, here’s a hint of what’s in store.

Pitlochry High School pupils have recorded music for the month-long spectacle which will transform Faskally Wood into a sound and light theatre.

And we were invited to the school to listen in as they created their soundtrack for the show’s finale, a fortnight ahead of launch night.

An installation from last year’s show. Image: The Enchanted Forest.

Hear Pitlochry High Enchanted Forest song:

The piece is likely to be heard by around 83,000 people between October 5 and November 5.

In it, a group of pupils from P5 to S2 – the school has a primary and secondary section – sing the Gaelic phrase sgaoil an solus.

Pronounced skoo-il na solas, it means ‘share the light’.

Their song repeats a Gaelic phrase. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

Their piece, to form part of a vocal harmony choir, links with this year’s oceanic-themed show From The Deep.

Through a series of impressive installations, The Enchanted Forest casts a spectacular light show over Loch Dunmore and the surrounding woodland complemented by music, video and animation.

The glittery bridge is one of the show’s most popular attractions. Image: The Enchanted Forest.

To record their contribution the Pitlochry High pupils worked with The Enchanted Forest’s creative team, including creative director Karen Falconer, audio director Marcin Buczek and composer and sound designer Jon Beales.

Lots of practice went into getting the piece perfect. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

Pitlochry High music teacher Ryan Webber said the children were thrilled to be involved in the high-profile event which draws visitors from around the country.

He said: “We have been working hard on their Gaelic to ensure they sound excellent.

The singers conducted by music teacher Ryan Webber. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

“To be a part of such a hugely successful, well-regarded, and popular local event is fantastic, and they are all looking forward to hearing their voices as part of the show when they visit.”

The children worked with The Enchanted Forest team, including creative director Karen Falconer. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

According to Nela Popovic, executive director of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, the Pitlochry High singers play a fundamental role in the event finale and its story.

She said: “Our team have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to create an event which will create a big splash, encouraging our visitors to soak up the incredible atmosphere.