Renowned Italian cellist and composer Riccardo Pes is embarking on a unique creative tour across Scotland, funded by Arts Council England. Through a fusion of music and nature, the project aims to raise awareness of climate change. Inspired by the unlawful felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree, Pes’ Music & Nature project draws from traditional folk and classical music to explore the deep and complex emotions that connect people to place, nature, and humanity.

Building on his international success following performances such as Lament for the Tree—which attracted attention from BBC News and classical music circles—Pes will carry out research and compose new works amid Scotland’s breathtaking wilderness in October 2024. Over a 20-day period, he will immerse himself in the local environment, conducting fieldwork and creating compositions that incorporate the region’s natural soundscapes.

“Music has a powerful ability to connect people with the places they live in,” says Pes. “By integrating environmental elements into my compositions, I want to inspire reflection on our relationship with the planet and the urgent need for climate action.”

As part of Music & Nature, Pes will release a new album, Sgrìoban Dìomhair (Mystical Trails in Gaelic), which captures his creative journey through the Scottish Highlands, from Glasgow’s vibrant folk scene to the rugged shores of Cape Wrath. Some recordings were made in natural settings such as Stac Pollaidh and Kylesku, deepening the connection between music and landscape. The title reflects Pes’ personal experience of walking in complete solitude, composing in the open air, surrounded only by dramatic landscapes and wildlife. The album will be widely available across digital platforms.