For Craig Armstrong, as for many Glaswegians, Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery holds special memories. Invited to create a choral work for the museum’s re-opening in 2006, Armstrong remembered visits with his grandfather: ‘I think like me that many people have used the gallery as a way of finding precious moments throughout their lives.’
Memory Takes My Hand encompasses lyrics from Scottish playwright Peter Arnott, with whom Armstrong had previously worked at the Tron Theatre, and was performed by the RSNO and soprano Lucy Crowe. The composition was also remixed by Berlin poet and electronic musician AGF for a combined opening exhibition with images from environmental artists Dalziel + Scullion, titled The Earth Turned to Bring Us Closer.