In a previous LMNS web story, we wrote about an exciting collaboration between Live Music Now Scotland and Mexican music organisation PRISMA, which resulted in a Mexico residency for LMNS traditional fiddler Roo Geddes in late autumn 2023.
In July 2024, with generous support from the British Mexican Society again, LMNS were delighted to be able to host a return visit by Mexican musicians Lavina Negrete and Morgan Szymanski, founder of PRISMA and a former LMNS musician. This collaboration resulted in the trio of Lavinia, Morgan and Roo delivering several outreach events across central Scotland and North-East England to those who wouldn’t normally have access to high quality live music. These included performances for children in ASN schools, care homes and adult day centres. The venues were able to experience exciting live music from across the world, including an introduction to Lavinia and Morgan’s unique style.
On July 24th, LMNS offered other LMNS musicians to opportunity to meet and hear the trio at the Scottish Music Centre in Glasgow. The morning session was an exciting exploration of how music from different cultures combined as part of the trio’s recent performances, and how each musician within the trio learnt from one another. Lavinia, Morgan and Roo shared their own experiences – Roo reflecting on his Mexico trip, and Lavinia and Morgan on their recent performances in Scotland.
Morgan Szymanski said, “It was such a pleasure for Prisma Mexico musicians (who have worked in very similar scenarios as LMNS musicians) to share ideas, comments, experiences and thoughts. The best part was when we all started playing together, combining Mexican rhythms with some Scottish reels. It was a memorable morning and we hope this collaboration will go well into the future”.
LMNS musicians in attendance had brought along their own instruments, and a large part of the morning involved a ‘jamming’ session, with everyone learning and taking part in exciting new music and styles that the Trio shared. It was wonderful to observe musicians from across the world, and the organic nature of learning and communicating that took place through music, a universal language, accessible to all. As well as the sharing of music and stories, there was also the sharing of some tasty Mexican sweets that Lavinia had kindly brought with her!
Roo Geddes said: “The PRISMA/LMNS sharing session was a very special afternoon. It provided a space to reflect upon the wonderful adventure we’d been on together and share some of the stories with other members of the LMNS community. As well as performing some of the repertoire, there was a chance for Morgan and Lavina to teach the LMNS musicians some of the skills we’d employed and developed as part of the collaboration. These included various elements of Mexican folk music, as well as details as to how we went about programming, rehearsing and performing the material, coming from our different musical backgrounds and perspectives. The whole thing was a joyous affair and I look forward to the continuation of this collaboration.”
“We really enjoyed attending the PRISMA/LMNS session, learning more about Roo’s experience and also about Morgan and Lavinia’s work in Mexico. Our favourite part was playing Mexican music all together, very different from what we are used to, but so much fun!” (Jacopo Lazzaretti and Kerry Lynch, JKL Duo).
“This was such a happy session! For me, the most striking inspiration was the stories of working with children and the direct impact the musicians have on their lives. These stories will stay with me in my own work with children” (Katy Bell).