IWD 14th March 2026
International Women’s Day (IWD)
Our last offering this week is from the composer Isobel Dunlop who was born on this day in 1901. She was a composer and violinist from Edinburgh who dedicated her life to music in Scotland. The song below has been used for many of our Minerva Scientifica projects, but has only just been recorded.
“The Sea Shell” is a setting of a Scots poem by William Soutar and was first used by Electric Voice Theatre as part of “Scottish Superwomen of Science” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017. This recording was made for #IWD2026 by Frances M Lynch (voice) and Laurence Panter (piano).
Listen! for a lost world *maunners here (*echoes)
Frae the cauld mou o’ a shell;
And sae far awa the blufferts blare (rough winds roar)
And the sea-birds skreel: (scream)
And the wail o’ women alang yon shore
Whaur the *swaw comes rowin in; (swell or waves rolling in )
And the swurly waters whummlin owre (overwhelming)
The cry o’ the sailor-men.
Listen! for a lost world maunners here
Frae the cauld mou o’ a shell
Although Isobel Dunlop (1901 – 1975) died only 51 years ago and her influence on musical life in Scotland was substantial, there is a dearth of information about her and her scores are equally elusive. The picture represents her as a musician but so far we have found no actual images of her. We hope you will be able to help us find out more about her on this her 125th birthday.
We have recorded 2 more of her songs especially for today which you can listen to below : –
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Created by electric voice theatre, Minerva Scientifica is a project that brings together professional performers with community musicians and school children. Together, we raise awareness of the rich heritage and deep connections between music and science, and inspire the next generation of future scientists.
ELECTRIC VOICE THEATRE and all our partners and friends are celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) all week
Music & Science by Women
8th – 14th March 2026
New projects and recordings
and more
released online
on each day this week
Start your day the EVT way!
