The title Three Blows derives from the pious romance of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of church music. In paintings and sculptures dating from medieval times onwards, Cecilia is often depicted playing an organ – an association that derived from a mistranslation of her desire to ‘cantantibus organis illa in corde suo soi domino decantabat’ (sing in her heart to God only). It is said that her appointed executioner let his sword fall three times without succeeding in severing her head from her neck. Correspondingly, the event Three Blows has three separate strands: each has been programmed in response to the specific qualities of the space. The programme consists only of acoustic music, divided into two themed evenings entitled 'For the Voice' and 'Imaginary Landscape' and a third strand, 'Thinking Music', which encompasses afternoon tours St. Cecilia’s Hall Museum of Instruments and a discussion event. Three Blows aims to highlight the innovative practice of Scotland-based artists/musicians Tattie Toes, Correcto, Richard Youngs, Sarah Kenchington, Tony Swain and Rude Pravo. In addition, we are delighted to welcome two seminal figures from the experimental music scene as headline acts on each night: Red Krayola frontman, Mayo Thompson (Saturday 5th July) and ‘prepared guitar’ pioneer, Keith Rowe (Sunday 6th July).

We believe that the combination of this very special venue and the imaginative performances of these artists will engender an unprecedented and unrepeatable event.

Dr. Sarah Lowndes (curator)

Katie Nicoll (producer)

Objectives

Three Blows is a not for profit association whose objectives are;