A live musical performance tracing the emergence of dragonflies from water to air

Almanac is a new large-scale project by composer Thomas Butler, commissioned by Red Note Ensemble, using contemporary musical performance to mark events in the natural world.

Across four seasonal, immersive works presented in locations throughout Scotland over 12 months, the project brings together ensemble, voice, electronics and field recording to explore ecological cycles, seasonal change, and the disruption of natural rhythms in a time of climate crisis.

Almanac: Part 1 (Emergence)

The first chapter of Almanac focuses on the emergence of dragonflies and damselflies as they transition from water to air. This new performance combines live music with flute, clarinet, viola and percussion, and field recordings to trace this moment of transformation, shaped by ecological research and the surrounding landscape.

Each ticket includes:

• A guided site visit to a nearby bog with an RSPB guide to observe dragonflies and damselflies (transport provided by bus)

• A live performance of Emergence

• A Q&A with composer Thomas Butler