The Swan of Salen is a multimedia folk ballet created by The Willow Trio and production company Ballet Folk. The Swan of Salen Project is a multimedia adaptation of the heartbreaking tragedy of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and the parallel Gaelic legend, Eala Shàilein. Featuring a unique blend of Tchaikovsky’s iconic music and traditional melodies played live by The Willow Trio, enchanting footage of ballet dancers performing stunning choreography by Deborah Norris of Ballet Folk will be projected behind the musicians as they perform, transporting audiences to another time and place.

The Swan of Salen came together due to a shared passion for bringing classical art forms to rural and disadvantaged communities, those that would not always have access to ballet and live music, as well as placing Gaelic culture on an equal platform. By fusing the classical version of these art forms with those that are rooted in Scottish Tradition, we are excited to share this incredible, heartbreaking story with international audiences.

In 2021, The Willow Trio released their debut EP Oystercatchers, featuring Gaelic and Gaelic-inspired music, funded by TASGADH. Their track Oystercatchers was played on BBC Radio 3 breakfast, and they were also featured on BBC Scotland television. Since this release, the trio have performed across Scotland at festivals including the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, The Gathering, Celtic Connections (Danny Kyle Stage) Kelburn Garden Party and WestFest as well as at venues including The National Gallery of Scotland, The Acoustic Music Centre and at Birnam Arts Centre. Music from their debut album, Eala Shàilein, has been featured on BBC Scotland Classics Unwrapped, Skye Radio and BBC Radio Ulster.