Private School News

Local Teacher to perform “Flower of Scotland “in front of 70,000 fans as Scotland play Japan in Tokyo

Andrew McGarva, newly appointed Director of Music at Kilgraston School in Bridge of Earn, Perth will be performing “The Flower of Scotland” in front of 70,000 football fans as they gather to watch the Scotland national football team play Japan in the Nissan Stadium, Yokohama on Saturday the 10th of October. Andrew has recently arrived at Kilgraston after two years living and working in Japan as the Head of Music at the British School in Tokyo. While Andrew was in the Far East he performed at numerous high-profile events, his most recent being as Musical Director and Conductor of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra for a gala concert to celebrate links between Japan and Scotland as part of UK Japan 150 and ‘Homecoming Scotland’.

On returning to Scotland this summer to take up the post of Director of Music at Kilgraston, Andrew was contacted by the Japan Scotland society to ask if he would be interested in returning to Japan and performing Flower of Scotland at the beginning of the match. Andrew said: ‘the game will be broadcast live on television across Japan with a potential audience of millions and it is a real once in a lifetime opportunity. I consider it a great honour to be invited by the Japanese and I will certainly remember the occasion for a long time to come.’ (the 10th of October is actually my wedding anniversary so after a lengthy discussion with my wife I was in the position to accept the invitation – it will certainly be an anniversary I will never forget!). I had a very enjoyable time in Japan and I regard it as my second home so to be able to return so soon after leaving is very special for me.

Scotland last played Japan in 2006 when they won the Kirin Cup under Walter Smith and this time aim to repeat their cup success with George Burley at the helm.