On 25 October Glasgow University will be holding a concert inspired by eminent Scots scholar and poet George Buchanan to mark his 500th anniversary.

George Buchanan was such an esteemed scholar that he was appointed tutor to Mary Queen of Scots, and James VI, and also taught French writer Michel de Montaigne. He was regarded throughout 16th century Europe as the greatest poet of his age and a variety of his best works will be drawn on for this celebratory concert.

The event will include a performance by the Dunedin Consort of settings of Buchanan's psalm verses by French Calvinist Jean Servin which were presented to James VI in 1579.

Performances will also include a portrayal of some of Buchanan's most provocative comments on world affairs, Pro Patria (2005) by Bill Sweeney, Head of the Department of Music at Glasgow University, and a performance of Fado songs by Taylor Wilson and the Mr McFalls Chamber.

Readings by Jamie Reid Baxter from Buchanan's poetry in both Latin and Scots, and performances of music from Scotland and Europe during Buchanan's time will add to the evening's entertainment.

Programme deviser and Reader in the University of Glasgow's Department of Music, Dr Warwick Edwards said: "Born in Scotland, educated at St Andrews and in Paris, George Buchanan commanded a poetic reputation in his own time, and for two centuries afterwards, that was phenomenal. The programme is designed to bring out something of the complexity of this towering Scots figure whose prolific writings have lost none of their power to shock and surprise long after we've ceased to address each other in Latin."

Bill Sweeney, Head of the Music Department, added: "Despite their antiquity, Buchanan's poems seem to me to have resonance for events of the early 21st century. His contempt for commercial greed dressed up as noble purpose is as relevant today as ever, and his contrast of the Greek king Codrus sacrificing himself for his people with the actions of Caesar, who sacrificed his people for his own aggrandisement, has a message for some of today's leaders".

The performance is dedicated to the memory of Dr John Durkan (1914-2006), historian and George Buchanan bibliographer.

The concert will begin at 7.30pm at the University Chapel. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

Kate Richardson (K.richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

For more information please contact the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3683 or email K.Richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk

Photos of Warwick Edwards and Bill Sweeney are also available from the Univerity's Media Relations Office

First published: 23 October 2006