A new CD produced in memory of a teenager who died of a brain tumour has won the backing of leading figures in the sport and music world. This unique compilation of harp tunes was inspired by a young harp player, Esme Morris Macintyre of Kinnesswood, who died in 2013 at the age of 18. Some of Scotland’s foremost harp players have come together in tribute to Esme whose courage and determination to live life to the full touched the hearts of thousands.
Esme wrote a searingly honest account of the challenges she faced through her Facebook page www.facebook.com/EsmesAdventure and she worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
When she made a wish list of people to meet and things to do the response was amazing. She met sporting heroes Sir Chris Hoy, Dame Ellen MacArthur and Andy Murray, singers Amy Macdonald and Emeli Sandé and her favourite comedian Kevin Bridges. She went hot air ballooning,
sailing and snow biking and took part in fashion shows – all the while raising awareness and money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Sir Chris Hoy tweeted: Please help Esmes Adventure to continue her great work for the Teenage Cancer Trust by buying this CD in her memory.
Amy Macdonald tweeted: In memory of a beautiful girl who loved to play the harp. This would make a great Xmas present.
On Esme’s wish list was a request for harp tunes to be written for her. The result is this diverse compilation featuring new compositions from Rachel Hair, Patsy Seddon and Mary Macmaster, Mairi Macleod, Fiona Rutherford, Karen Marshalsay, Isobel Mieras and many more. Listen to Amy Duncan performing Guardian Angel below:
Karen said that when she read Esme’s Adventure she thought,
“Wow – here’s someone who knows what to do with her life and who thinks big” and Mairi added, “Esme’s zest for life was so inspirational and her purple harp was a perfect complement to her bright personality”.
This CD with its striking cover design by Lillias Kinsman-Blake demonstrates the great diversity and talent that abounds in Scotland’s harp community today and is a fitting tribute to a remarkable teenager.
The CD, produced and distributed by Birnam CD, is being sold in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and is available from www.birnamcdshop.com as well as Amazon and ITunes.