PEEBLES, along with other Borders towns, is no stranger to the destructive power of water.

Memories of the flooding in December 2015 are still fresh and, for those directly affected, still raw.

Now, those memories have inspired a creative response from two Peebles artists, musician Esther Swift and film-maker Tom Swift.

The sister and brother have been co-commissioned by Music in Peebles and Enterprise Music Scotland, the national body for chamber music, to produce music and film inspired by environmental themes, with particular reference to flooding and its local impact.

The result is The Flood, with words and music (for harp and string quartet) composed by Esther, and accompanying visual material created by Tom.

The world premiere will take place in the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles, at 7.30pm on Sunday, September 2, with the multi-talented Esther taking the twin roles of vocalist and harpist.

Sharing the stage will be the Brodick Quartet, one of Scotland’s finest young string quartets.

Speaking of her new work, Esther told us: “I've always been really inspired by nature in my compositions, and try to interweave natural patterns and sounds into my minimalist, folk, jazz, and dance-inspired writing style.

"This project gave me the chance to delve into the complex and relentless sound world of water using string quartet, voice, and harp.

"The music and visuals draw on local experiences and accounts of the terrible flooding that destroyed people’s homes in Peebles and many other towns in the dead of winter 2015/16.

"It has taken a long time for people to rebuild their lives. The work also draws on the dangers of global warming and the ill-treatment of our natural planet.”

The rest of the programme puts the string quartet in the spotlight.

They will play a selection of Nordic folk tunes, arranged by the famous Danish String Quartet whose album Wood Works, which features these pieces, was one of the CD sensations of 2014.

The evening ends with Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular First String Quartet, with its beautiful ‘Andante Cantabile’ second movement.

John Fox, President of Music in Peebles, added: "We are delighted to be partnering with Enterprise Music Scotland in the co-commissioning of a new work by Esther Swift.

"This is our first venture into commissioning, and so we are particularly thrilled to be working with Esther who is not only a hugely talented and versatile musician and composer, but also hails from Peebles.

"Our shared love of our local community, and interest in the environment more widely, made these natural twin themes for the new work.

"This is very much a project ‘Made in Peebles’ and we can’t wait for the first performance!”

The concert on September 2, which is part of Creative Peebles Festival, is open to everyone, and tickets are on sale at the Eastgate Theatre (01721 725777), at £15 for adults or only £7 if accompanying a child under 12.

Entry is free for all school pupils and students under 25.

Membership of Music in Peebles will give you entry to this and seven more concerts for only £75, saving £45. T

o find out more about Music in Peebles, membership, and all the concerts in the 2018/19 season, you can pick up a leaflet from the Eastgate Theatre or other selected locations, or visit www.musicinpeebles.org.uk.