2025 :26
Concert Season
Caird Hall, Dundee
Welcome to the RSNO’s new Concert Season in Dundee!
Music has a unique ability to allow us to feel part of a community; it can give us a sense of belonging, to help us feel at home. We want everyone who attends RSNO performances to feel part of our community. Everybody is welcome, whether you hear us in the Caird Hall or meet us in intimate spaces in towns and villages around the country. This Season we explore how music Feels Like Home.
Some of the music you’ll hear this Season embodies a composer’s homeland –Mahler’s First Symphony is filled with the folk songs, country dances and the sounds of nature from his childhood in a tavern in Bohemia. Some of the music is an homage to the very soil beneath our feet enjoyed from an international perspective – Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony depicts Scotland beautifully, inspired by a visit when he was just 20 years old.
From home and away, the soloists this Season are exceptional – Nicola Benedetti, Nemanja Radulović and joining me in opening the Season is Francesco Piemontesi with Brahms’ First Piano Concerto. I am certain that the World Premiere of Elena Langer’s new nature-inspired work will paint vivid pictures in your imaginations of lands near and far, especially with soprano Anna Dennis and conductor Kristiina Poska on the stage.
Feeling part of a community is very familiar to the RSNO’s Chorus Academy in Dundee, a group who come together for the love of singing. You can hear them and the RSNO’s Brass Ensemble in A Festive Celebration this December or catch them for their pre-concert performance in May and see the joy and sense of belonging music brings to everyone who listens.
We welcome you to join us at the Caird Hall to enjoy a Season filled with wonderful music. We’d love to hear what music makes you feel at home. Please email us at info@rsno.org.uk or use the hashtag #FeelsLikeHome on social media.
Thomas Søndergård, Music Director
•
Mendelssohn’s
Scottish Symphony
Thu 2 Oct 2025: 7.30pm
Brahms Piano Concerto No1
Mendelssohn Symphony No3 Scottish
Thomas Søndergård Conductor
Francesco Piemontesi Piano
When Francesco Piemontesi performs Brahms’ epic First Piano Concerto, you can expect grandeur, beauty and piano playing that’s simply off the scale. Join the musicians of the RSNO for an opening concert filled with romantic vistas and elemental forces as Music Director Thomas Søndergård takes us on a musical journey with Mendelssohn’s stirring love-letter to Scotland. Expect big tunes and whole worlds of emotion in this unforgettable concert.
This concert is dedicated to the RSNO Dundee Circle Committee in recognition of their generous support of the RSNO.
6.45pm Pre-concert talk
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
Thu 4 Dec 2025: 7.30pm
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Mahler Symphony No1 Titan
Giedrė Šlekytė Conductor
Nemanja Radulović Violin
Big Noise Douglas
Imagine the sound of silence: 90 musicians creating a sound so still, and so quiet, that the air itself seems to be alive. That’s how Mahler begins his First Symphony: an incredible opening to an incredible adventure as a young genius explores life and death before rallying all his strength to shout for joy. Giedrė Šlekytė is our guide tonight – and the wonderful Nemanja Radulović is the star in the heart-rending love song that is Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Violin Concerto. The evening begins, however, with the young musicians of Big Noise Douglas taking to the stage for a special side-by-side performance with the RSNO.
6.45pm Pre-concert talk
RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman
Thu 18 Dec 2025: 6.30pm
Stephen Doughty Conductor
Josie Long Narrator
RSNO Chorus & RSNO Chorus Academy Dundee
A Festive Celebration
Sun 21 Dec 2025: 2pm
Stephen Doughty Conductor
RSNO Brass Ensemble
RSNO Chorus Academy Dundee
Laura McFall Director, RSNO Chorus Academy Dundee
Join the RSNO this December for a special feast of Christmas cheer! This family-friendly concert is packed full of your favourite singalong carols and festive melodies, including Consider the Penguin and Schneewalzer. Plus, don’t miss the enchanting film The Snowman shown on the big screen, accompanied by the Orchestra and narrated by our star guest, comedian Josie Long. It’s the perfect start to your Christmas!
Sponsored by
No music says ‘it’s Christmas’ quite like the bright shining sound of a brass ensemble –unless it’s carols from a choir in full, joyous, festive voice. Put the two together and the result is an afternoon of seasonal magic!
Join the RSNO’s Brass Ensemble and Chorus Academy Dundee this December for a celebration of some of your favourite festive melodies.
Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony
Thu 19 Mar 2026: 7.30pm
Pärt Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten
Elena Langer New Work for Soprano and Orchestra* World Premiere
Tchaikovsky Symphony No4
Kristiina Poska Conductor
Anna Dennis Soprano
Beauty, passion and the miracles of nature – there’s no tale that an orchestra can’t tell, and there’s definitely no symphony quite like Tchaikovsky’s shattering Fourth. Raw tragedy, roof-raising triumph: it’s explosive stuff, so guest conductor Kristiina Poska begins with something a little more tranquil. Arvo Pärt’s haunting Cantus is the perfect complement to a wonderful new work from Elena Langer, inspired by the songs of birds and the nature poetry of Glyn Maxwell. Experience musical history in the making.
*Commissioned by the RSNO. The Elena Langer New Commission is generously supported by Javan Herberg KC and Jessica Boyd KC
6.45pm Pre-concert talk
The Music of John Williams
Thu 7 May 2026: 7.30pm
Richard Kaufman Conductor
No one writes a movie theme like John Williams. It’s no wonder he’s the world’s most popular film composer. Join Hollywood conductor Richard Kaufman and the full might of Scotland’s National Orchestra for hit after hit. From Schindler’s List, E.T. and Superman to the music of Harry Potter, we’ve got your favourites covered. If you think it sounds good in the cinema, wait until you hear it played live by the RSNO!
6.45pm Pre-concert talk
Sponsored by
Franghiz Ali-Zadeh Nagillar
Elgar Violin Concerto
Stravinsky The Firebird
Kirill Karabits Conductor
Nicola Benedetti Violin
Scotland’s best-loved classical violinist, Nicola Benedetti, joins Scotland’s National Orchestra for Elgar’s lyrical Violin Concerto. Her performance is the big, passionate heart of a concert that begins with a garland of musical fairy tales from Azerbaijan (a special favourite of conductor Kirill Karabits) and ends amid the dark magic and glittering romance of Stravinsky’s great ballet The Firebird. Music doesn’t get more colourful.
6pm Dundee Chorus Academy pre-concert performance, free to ticket holders
Come and Sing Carmina Burana
Sat 24 Jan 2026
GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL
Participant session 10.30am-5.30pm
Public concert 7.30pm
Orff Carmina Burana
Stephen Doughty Conductor
RSNO Chorus
RSNO Youth Chorus
Patrick Barrett Director, RSNO Youth Choruses
Ever wondered what it feels like to sing live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with Scotland’s National Orchestra? Now’s your chance to find out, in this scratch performance of Orff’s outrageously tuneful
Carmina Burana – 60 minutes of life, lust and monks behaving badly! Whether you’re a choral society regular or only ever sing in the shower, absolutely everyone is welcome to join in. Spend the day rehearsing under the expert guidance of RSNO Chorus Director Stephen Doughty, before putting on a public performance in the evening accompanied by the RSNO.
The ability to read music would be beneficial to those taking part on the day.
Participation (£28): To book your place visit rsno.org.uk/come-and-sing
Audience tickets (£15): Book online at rsno.org.uk or phone the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Box Office on 0141 353 8000.
Paolo Dutto, Principal Contrabassoon
RSNO ON DEMAND
Whether you wish to relive the magic of the concert hall experience, watch a special moment again or connect with Scotland’s National Orchestra from further afield, our digital concerts can be enjoyed for free on our YouTube channel.
Simply connect online at rsno.org.uk/watch-online or via the YouTube app.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to the RSNO on YouTube to receive updates and our latest videos.
youtube.com/thersno
Maya Iwabuchi, Leader
Supported by the Dunard Fund Chair
From Playground to Podium… we are
them. Throughout 2024, we delivered 37 engagement initiatives reaching over 70,000 individuals.
16,400+ pupils across Scotland enjoyed our live and digital concert opportunities.
550+ young people accessed unique training opportunities with the RSNO, including composers, audio engineers, conductors and musicians.
12,000+ schools across the UK were able to watch RSNO content in their classrooms every day, through music education platform Charanga.
200+ children from Sistema Scotland played in side-byside performances with the RSNO in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth.
Our musicians engaged with people with long-term health conditions and life-limiting conditions through our partnerships with THAT, CHAS and Meeting Centres Scotland.
We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and the numerous charitable trusts and foundations that support the RSNO’s engagement activities across Scotland. If you would like to support our work in schools and communities, please visit rsno.org.uk/donate
1,490 singers enjoyed the health and wellbeing benefits of singing in our range of choirs.
Our Digital Care Packages brought music to 1,300+ people in care homes, hospices, hospitals and social care organisations across the country.
The RSNO’s
Introduce your children to the wonders of classical music through storytelling.
Our Noisy Library has animated films and learning resources, concert films and beginner’s guides to the instruments of the orchestra for you to enjoy. Plus, you can download our free Astar app and take the RSNO with you wherever you go.
Explore our Noisy Library online today! rsno.org.uk/rsno-noisy-library
Beginner’s Guide to the
Lorna Rough, Violin
£50 could help us hire music for a dementia-friendly concert
Play your part today and donate at rsno.org.uk/play We believe that everyone should experience the joy of music. Help us continue to connect, inspire, support and entertain people of all ages and backgrounds. Your donation will help provide a lifetime of musical inspiration for communities in Scotland and beyond.
£100 provides a bursary place for a parent and child attending our Buggy Choir
£150 could help us hire a rehearsal space for our Youth Chorus
£500 could help us bring a pop-up quartet performance to a primary school
RSNO Chorus Academy in Dundee
Are you passionate about classical music but have never sung it before? Then this is the group for you.
The RSNO Chorus Academy in Dundee is led by Director Laura McFall. The group is designed to encourage singers who would like to build their confidence in all aspects of singing, including choral techniques, singing techniques and musicianship, as well as reading a musical score.
The RSNO Chorus Academy in Dundee is open to all, without audition and focuses on singing for health and wellbeing. If you would like to join our Chorus Academy, please email engage@rsno.org.uk or visit rsno.org.uk/rsno-dundee-chorus for more information.
‘The feeling of being surrounded by singers was amazing. It gave me goosebumps. I am so grateful that a project like this has been provided for Dundee.’
Join our community of RSNO supporters today
Have you ever wanted to see how a conductor prepares a symphony orchestra for a concert performance? Or receive exclusive updates from Scotland’s National Orchestra? Joining the RSNO Circle can gain you behind-the-scenes access and much more.
To say thank you for your support we offer:
• RSNO welcome pack
• Biannual Inner Circle magazine with exclusive interviews
• Priority booking period for RSNO Season concerts ahead of general sale
• Monthly e-newsletter with Orchestra updates
• The opportunity to attend RSNO Open Rehearsals across our concert venues
Higher levels of membership bring you closer to the Orchestra and help us to achieve even more.
Membership helps to support the future of the RSNO whilst sharing the joy of music both on and off stage.
You can join the RSNO Circle online at rsno.org.uk/circle or by calling 0141 226 3868
Thank you
FUNDERS
CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
PRINCIPAL MEDIA PARTNER
Trust ScotRail to keep you moving to the music
PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PARTNER
As the official transport partner of the RSNO, ScotRail ensures our musicians travel in comfort across the country while reducing the environmental impact of a busy touring schedule.
We recommend you make tracks for our concerts by taking the train. With convenient, fast and frequent services throughout Scotland and a wide range of great value fares, ScotRail has just the ticket for your next visit. The Caird Hall is just minutes from Dundee Station.
Visit scotrail.co.uk to book tickets.
BROADCAST PARTNER
PARTNERS
Adelaide Place • Age Scotland • Black Lives in Music
Charanga • Children’s Classic Concerts
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland • Classic FM
Douglas Academy • Dundee Science Centre
Dunedin Consort • Edinburgh Zoo • Education Scotland
Fanzclub • Gig Buddies • GMAC Film
Heads of Instrumental Teaching Scotland • Hebrides Ensemble
Kibble • Luminate • Marine Conservation Society • MARSM
Music Education Partnership Group • ParentZone
The Pyramid at Anderston • Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Scottish Book Trust • Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Scottish Refugee Council • Sistema Scotland
St Mary’s Music School • Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust Trees for Life • University of Glasgow • V&A Dundee
Visible Fictions
With thanks to Mr Hedley G Wright and the Springbank Distillery for their support of the RSNO
The RSNO’s work in Dundee and Tayside is kindly supported by the Northwood Charitable Trust, R J Larg Family Trust,
Leng Charitable Trust, Tay Charitable Trust and Leisure & Culture Dundee Major Music Award.
Book now
at rsno.org.uk
Caird Hall, Dundee
Dundee City Box Office
Counter service: Mon-Thu 9.15am-4.45pm, Fri 9.15am-2.00pm
Telephone service: 01382 434940
Mon-Fri 9.15am-4.45pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm
A transaction fee of £1.50 is charged for phone bookings.
A postage fee of £1.50 is charged. Online transaction fee of £2.50 applies. Fees correct at time of print.
Multibuy offer: book all four Classical Concerts and save 20%
Classical Concerts: £26, £21 £15
Pops, Festive Concerts: £28.50, £22.50, £17
The Caird Hall is situated in the heart of the City Centre of Dundee, overlooking the pedestrianised City Square. Dundee Railway Station is a five minute walk and all local buses stop close to the Caird Hall. The nearest secure paid car parks are located at Greenmarket and Gellatly Street.
Discounts
Under 18s go free
Two under 18s can attend all RSNO Classical concerts for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of two free per adult. Additional children £6 each. Tickets to Festive/Pops concerts are 50% off for U18s.
Free tickets for 16-17 year olds
Young people can attend all RSNO Classical concerts for free with their friends. Phone the Box Office or visit in person to book your tickets. Proof of age must be shown upon ticket collection, e.g. Young Scot card. Tickets to Festive/Pops concerts are 50% off for U18s. Offers may be limited for some concerts.*
Under 26s and mature students
If you are aged between 18 and 25 inclusive, or are in full-time education, you can purchase tickets to all RSNO Classical concerts for £6. Tickets to Festive/Pops concerts are 50% off. Proof of age or valid full-time student card must be shown.*
Unemployed
If you are of working age and in receipt of unemployment benefits you can purchase tickets to all RSNO Classical concerts for £6 each. Tickets to Festive/Pops concerts are 50% off.* Proof of eligibility must be shown.
Patrons with disabilities
Patrons with disabilities and their carers are entitled to 50% off full-price single tickets. Disabled concessions are not applicable to multibuy prices. The Caird Hall is accessible via the ramps from City Square. The lift to the balcony level is next to the ramp at the west door.
Additional needs
Visitors are encouraged to contact the Box Office in advance on 01382 434940 if they have any questions about access requirements.
Schools and youth groups
Free tickets to RSNO Classical concerts are available for schools and groups of young people aged 17 and under. Visit rsno.org.uk/groups for details on the concerts and how to book.*
Great discounts for groups
Whether you’re organising a work night out or simply meeting up with friends and family, the RSNO has great discounts available for group bookers. Groups of 6-10 save 20% and groups of 11+ save 30% off full-price tickets. Book online or email groups@rsno.org.uk to reserve the best seats for your group. Discounts are subject to availability.
* Seating restrictions may apply to some performances. Subject to availability.
Terms and Conditions
All discounts are subject to availability. The RSNO reserves the right to vary pricing at any time. The RSNO reserves the right to change performance details without prior notice, although we will always endeavour to notify patrons whenever possible. All details are correct at time of print 31 March 2025. We regret that no refunds can be issued except if a concert has to be cancelled in its entirety and an alternative concert is not possible.
Privacy Summary
When you purchase tickets to our concerts your personal details will be processed by the RSNO and our Box Office partners to facilitate your transaction and provide you with relevant
information about RSNO activities. We will collect and store your data safely and securely and may review it from time to time to ensure that it is accurate and up to date. We will not share your data with any other organisations (excluding approved data-processing partners working on our behalf, e.g. mailing houses).
To find out more please see our full Privacy Statement at rsno.org.uk/privacy
If you would like to change your contact preferences, update your details or withdraw from our marketing lists please let us know by writing to: The Database Manager, RSNO, 19 Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NX or emailing info@rsno.org.uk
Our concerts across Scotland
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
EDN Fri 19 Sep 2025: 7pm
GLW Sat 20 Sep 2025: 7pm
RSNO Chorus in Concert
GLW Sat 20 Sep 2025: 7.30pm
RSNO Plays Mozart
ADR Tue 23 Sep 2025: 11.30am
GNK Wed 24 Sep 2025:11.30am
GLW Sun 28 Sep 2025: 2.30pm
Mendelssohn’s
Scottish Symphony
DND Thu 2 Oct 2025: 7.30pm
Season Opener Mahler Seven
EDN Fri 3 Oct 2025: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 4 Oct 2025: 7.30pm
Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony
EDN Fri 24 Oct 2025: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 25 Oct 2025: 7.30pm
Children’s Classic Concerts Fright at the Museum
GLW Sat 25 Oct 2025: 2.30pm
EDN Sun 26 Oct 2025: 2.30pm
Ghostbusters in Concert
GLW Thu 30 Oct 2025: 7pm
EDN Fri 31 Oct 2025: 7pm
Chamber Series Bach’s Goldberg Variations
GLW Sun 2 Nov 2025: 1pm
Beethoven Seven
EDN Fri 7 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 8 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
Also sprach Zarathustra
PTH Thu 13 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 14 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 15 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
Gershwin & Rachmaninov
ABN Thu 20 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 21 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 22 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor
EDN Fri 28 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 29 Nov 2025: 7.30pm
DEC
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
DND Thu 4 Dec 2025: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 5 Dec 2025: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 6 Dec 2025: 7.30pm
Children’s Classic Concerts Christmas Wishes
GLW Sat 6 Dec 2025: 1pm & 3.30pm
EDN Sun 7 Dec 2025: 3pm
Home Alone in Concert
EDN Fri 12 Dec 2025: 7pm
GLW Sat 13 Dec 2025: 7pm
Chamber Series A Festive Celebration
GLW Sun 14 Dec 2025: 2pm
DND Sun 21 Dec 2025: 2pm
RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman
ABN Wed 17 Dec 2025: 6.30pm
DND Thu 18 Dec 2025: 6.30pm
EDN Fri 19 Dec 2025: 6.30pm
GLW Sat 20 Dec 2025: 2pm & 6pm
JAN
Handel’s Messiah
GLW Fri 2 Jan 2026: 3pm
Viennese Gala
DNF Sun 4 Jan 2026: 2.30pm
LNG Fri 16 Jan 2026: 7.30pm
GNK Sat 17 Jan 2026: 7.30pm
INV Sun 18 Jan 2026: 3pm
Come and Sing
Carmina Burana
GLW Sat 24 Jan 2026: 7.30pm
RSNO Plays Sibelius
CMK Tue 27 Jan 2026: 11.30am
HMN Wed 28 Jan 2026: 11.30am
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
EDN Fri 30 Jan 2026: 7pm
GLW Sat 31 Jan 2026: 7pm
FEB
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony
PTH Thu 5 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 6 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 7 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
Love & Fairy Tales Rachmaninov & The Mermaid
ABN Thu 12 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 13 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 14 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
Felix Klieser Plays Strauss
EDN Fri 20 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 21 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
Chamber Series Felix Klieser
GLW Sun 22 Feb 2026: 1pm
Beethoven’s Violin Concerto
EDN Fri 27 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 28 Feb 2026: 7.30pm
All Together Now Showcase
GLW Sat 28 Feb 2026: 6.15pm
RSNO Chorus
All-Night Vigil
EDN Fri 6 Mar 2026: 8pm
GLW Sat 7 Mar 2026: 8pm
Gladiator in Concert
EDN Fri 13 Mar 2026: 7pm
GLW Sat 14 Mar 2026: 7pm
Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony
DND Thu 19 Mar 2026: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 20 Mar 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 21 Mar 2026: 7.30pm
St Mary’s Music School Showcase
EDN Fri 20 Mar 2026: 6pm
Douglas Academy Showcase
GLW Sat 21 Mar 2026: 6pm
Chamber Series The Lost Words
GLW Sun 22 Mar 2026: 1pm
Ethan Loch Plays Gershwin
EDN Fri 27 Mar 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 28 Mar 2026: 7.30pm
Sir Stephen Hough Plays Rachmaninov
ABN Thu 23 Apr 2026: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 24 Apr 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 25 Apr 2026: 7.30pm
MAY
RSNO Plays Holst
HDN Tue 28 Apr 2026: 11.30am
STG Wed 29 Apr 2026: 11.30am
Orchestral Qawwali Project
GLW Thu 30 Apr 2026: 7.30pm
The Music of John Williams
DND Thu 7 May 2026: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 8 May 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 9 May 2026: 7.30pm
Nicola Benedetti Plays Elgar
DND Thu 14 May 2026: 7.30pm
EDN Fri 15 May 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 16 May 2026: 7.30pm
JUN
Elgar’s Cello Concerto
EDN Fri 5 Jun 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 6 Jun 2026: 7.30pm
Chamber Series Ethan Loch
GLW Sun 7 Jun 2026: 1pm
Season Finale Ode to Joy
EDN Fri 12 Jun 2026: 7.30pm
GLW Sat 13 Jun 2026: 7.30pm
Classical Concerts
RSNO at the Movies
Pops
Festive
Family Chamber Series
RSNO Comes to Play
Choral Classics
Showcase
ABN Aberdeen
ADR Airdrie
CMK Cumnock
DND Dundee
DNF Dunfermline
EDN Edinburgh
GLW Glasgow
GNK Greenock
HDN Haddington
HMN Hamilton
INV Inverness
LNG Langholm
LNK Lanark
PTH Perth
STG Stirling
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