The Barn would like to encourage its local audiences to ‘try something new’ and come along to see the Ando Glaso Collective on Friday 21 March at 8pm.

The Glasgow-based collective is a unique collaboration that brings together some of the best musicians from Scotland’s diverse Romanian, Polish, Slovak, Czech and Hungarian Roma communities.

The Collective are keen to increase their visibility and integrate Roma music and culture into the mainstream, challenging existing stereotypes, and highlighting the community's contributions to Scotland's cultural landscape. Despite their incredible talent, they have sometimes struggled to find space in established arts venues and they are thrilled to be appearing at the Barn, seeing this as a wonderful opportunity to share their music, which not only celebrates their Roma heritage but also showcases the rich tapestry of different cultures that make up many Scottish communities.

The Collective are on a mission to craft a future where Roma heritage is recognised and revered across the globe and hopes their forthcoming gig in Aberdeenshire is another step towards this.

“It is crucial for the empowerment of Scotland’s Roma communities that we connect with the wider public. The Collective does this by presenting Roma traditional music on prominent stages and at high-profile events, providing opportunities for the wider public to learn about our arts and to talk to us as Roma artists. This exchange through music is a great way to open dialogues and discussions.” Says Band Director, Janos Lang.

Head of Operations, Cath Du Preez is excited to be welcoming the Collective to the Barn. “The North East of Scotland is famous for its unwavering devotion to the Scottish Trad scene and we know that our local audiences appreciate the ‘Trad ethos’ where there is a healthy respect for history and tradition. They value the importance of keeping all historical cultures alive, especially through the arts.

The world-class musicianship, performance and vibrant energy of the Ando Glaso Collective should appeal to, and resonate with, our wider Aberdeen City and Shire audiences, so we encourage them to take a chance, come along to the gig and experience something new!”

Tickets for the gig are available to book online at any time from www.thebarnarts.co.uk or from the Box Office on 01330825431 (open 12-4pm Thursday to Saturday).