Join us for the Edinburgh launch of Lullabies for the Land, a book of eighteen lullabies arranged for clarsach/harp by Eleanor Turner, with artwork and layout design by Dima Nowarah.

Venue address: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL

Venue website: https://www.augustine.org.uk/

Book launch/gig details:

For the first time, the artist Dima Nowarah and musician Eleanor Turner come together to celebrate their new book with an evening of electro-acoustic harp music and introductions, in the Sanctuary space at Augustine United Church, Edinburgh. The space will be set up cabaret style where you can sit at tables or move around. (See pic of the ‘Sanctuary’ space, below.)

“I (Eleanor Turner) am Scottish and Dima Nowarah, the artist who created the book with me, is Scottish-Palestinian. Bringing this music to Edinburgh is really special for us and we look forward to elevating the culture of Palestine and sharing music from around the planet.” Pic below of Eleanor holding Lullabies for the Land.

We will start with a welcome drink (mint tea and other soft drinks provided free) and some short speeches. Eleanor will perform all of the lullabies from the book which will take an hour, including a short break for refreshments. (The lullabies are not that long!) It’s an informal gig and child-friendly, in this accessible venue where all are welcome. If you would like to bring a bottle of wine or any other alcohol for your table, please feel free, but there will not be alcohol for sale. There will, however, be various soft drinks, nibbles and Palestinian sweets available for a small donation.

The music will finish at around 8.30/45pm but after that Dima and I will be signing books and hope you can join us for a chat.

The event includes an introduction to the book, buying signed or unsigned copies of the book for anyone who wants them and (very importantly!) food and drink. 

Music tasters:
Listen to Nami نامي (Sleep) on my SoundCloud for a taster of what Palestinian music sounds like on the harp: Nami (lament by Jawaher Shofani) arr. by Eleanor Turner 

Listen to Laye Laye, a Kurdish lullaby: https://on.soundcloud.com/oQPeta7CgySeNHhP6

Picture below is of the contents page of the book; this will also be the musical outline for the gig.

For the launch, attendees will receive a small commemorative postcard of Dima’s stunning cover art and for those who wish to be able to play or sing the lullabies with a guitar or ukelele, I will be providing some simple sheet music for that purpose too.

Proceeds from this launch event will be divided between the two charities that are receiving the profits from the first edition: Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Foundation and the Middle East Children’s Alliance. A small amount of funds from book and ticket sales on this launch event will be retained to help us to promote the book further. 

I would be honoured if you would join us for this very special event in Edinburgh, a city whose solidarity with Palestine is inspiring for the rest of the world to see. 

Important notes on accessibility:

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail. Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building, please ring the bell for attention (although this would be really useful for us to know in advance so we can listen out). Please note that there is a tight turn in this passageway. Access to the sanctuary for the launch gig is step free and there is a ramp to enable access on to the stage. There is no need to make advance arrangements but if you have any access requirements and WOULD like to discuss these with Ellie in advance, please email info@eleanorturner.com or call her on 07811444935.

If you are unable to attend due to access needs, Ellie would like to offer you a recording of the event. Please do get in touch to request this IN ADVANCE.

Non gendered toilets and baby-changing facilities are available.

Alcohol will not be served at the event but you are very welcome to bring and share a bottle!

Please do email info@eleanorturner.com with any allergies or intolerances so we can cater for everyone

If you have a babe-in-arms or small child who you think would enjoy the event, they are very welcome to join you on your ticket. Children age 5-18 will need a child ticket (£5 each)

We hope to see you there and please do tell your friends. If you can’t make this event, we are also in Glasgow the following evening, Monday 16th December, at Wellington Church.