STRATHPEFFER PAVILION

General Manager’s Statement: Andrea Muir

What are your big ideas for the future of the venue?

I want to build on the Pavilion’s success to date and repay everyone’s faith in the project by offering a programme that includes something for everyone and ensures that the building again becomes the vibrant centre of the community.

Does the venue have a ghost?

Not one that anyone’s seen but the Pavilion has a terrific atmosphere and we think that memories of all the good times people have had here over the years have been absorbed into the very fabric of the building and contribute to this atmosphere.

What was your worst disaster?

While the new sound and lighting systems were being installed, we only discovered when Phil and Aly arrived to play that someone had disconnected the old system and (while the audience waited outside in the rain!) we had to improvise with a couple of free-standing halogen lights.

So in fact we avoided the potential disaster (apart from the audience getting wet!) – and now the new systems are fully in place and absolutely wonderful!

And what was your biggest triumph?

Personally, I’m still waiting for my moment, but in the meantime the biggest triumph for the Pavilion is that it exists and is operating again and many, many people leave with big, happy smiles on their faces.

If you could have any artist in the world for a one off special, who would it be and why?

The hall has such great acoustics for voice that it’s tempting to choose a singer – so sad that Pavarotti’s no longer of this world. Maybe Russell Watson or Katherine Jenkins – or a big group like the Red Army Choir? Some of the team here have a dream of Stephen Isserlis performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto in the Pavilion, but a full orchestra wouldn’t leave much room for an audience!

Why should people look forward to visiting your venue?

For many reasons – it’s a spectacular building, in lovely surroundings, with excellent facilities including a bar and first-class restaurant, there’s a great atmosphere, a dedicated staff team and we’re offering an exciting and varied programme!

© HI-Arts, 2008

Links

• Strathpeffer Pavilion