RSNO Season 2020:21 | Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

SEASON

SEASON 2020:21 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

WELCOME TO SEASON 2020:21 Dear friends A new decade brings new opportunities. Opportunities to experience something fresh, opportunities to explore music known and unknown, opportunities to reach out and make new friends.

INTRODUCING THE RSNO FAMILY The RSNO is not just the orchestra you see every week on stage. We are a family – a community. Orchestra, Chorus, staff, audience, Circle members, supporters – together we are Scotland’s National Orchestra. Young or old, new or experienced, everyone has a vital role to play, enabling this magnificent orchestra to create magical experiences and to engage with the communities you live in.

We’re indebted to our wonderful friends featured throughout this brochure. Thank you for sharing your RSNO story.

Find out more at rsno.org.uk/my-story

2 Season 2020:21

I’m excited to share our Season of amazing music with you. We continue our Beethoven 250 celebrations opening with his joyful Ninth Symphony; we introduce you to six short new pieces by living Scottish composers in our brand-new Scotch Snaps series; and, as we remember the 80th anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz, we reach out and celebrate the special connection between Scotland and Poland in our Polska Scotland series.

We have many world-class artists joining us throughout the Season: violinist Midori joins us for two performances as Artist in Residence, pianists Paul Lewis and Benjamin Grosvenor make special returns, Scottish superstar Nicola Benedetti joins us for two consecutive weeks (the first in a special side-by-side performance with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and

RSNO), plus we give a warm Scottish welcome to the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in March.

Over the coming pages you will see faces you know and some you don’t!

The RSNO is a family – of which you are very much a part. Everyone has a role to play: musician, audience, supporter. I am proud to play my part in the RSNO community and I thank you sincerely for playing yours. We couldn’t be Scotland’s National Orchestra without you.

I look forward to seeing you over the coming months at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Together, we will share many memorable concerts.

Thomas Søndergård RSNO Music Director

I CONDUCT

‘When the RSNO performs in the wonderful concert halls here in Scotland, there’s no doubt that the support from the audience is sublime and we love every week that we play for them.’

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS UNDER 18s GO FREE TO SEASON CONCERTS! Young people under the age of 18 can attend any of our twenty Season concerts for free. Who will you bring to experience the power of Scotland’s National Orchestra performing live? See page 51 for terms and conditions.

SCOTCHSCOTCH SNAPS SCOTCH SNAPS

SNAPS

SCOTCH SNAPS

The music of Scotland is as diverse as the nation itself, and it’s never been in better health! This Season we present a series of Scotch Snaps – six short pieces composed by some of Scotland’s finest living composers. Craig Armstrong and Christopher Duncan rescue lost melodies from St Kilda (Sat 14 Nov 2020, Sat 24 Apr 2021); David Fennessy reads the Riot Act (Sat 24 Oct 2020); and Michael Murray (Sun 25 Oct 2020) and RSNO Composers’ Hub Alumnus Jay Capperauld (Sat 19 Sep 2020, Sat 28 Nov 2020) put the RSNO’s own players centre stage. No two are alike, yet together they add up to a musical snapshot of a nation. If a picture can paint a thousand words, imagine what Scotland’s National Orchestra can do in a live performance!

POLSKA SCOTLAND Scotland and Poland share a rich history of friendship going back over 500 years, so we’re excited to celebrate this special relationship with our brand-new series Polska Scotland.

Renowned Polish composers Chopin, Szymanowski, Lutosławski and Panufnik all visited Scotland in their lifetimes, with Lutosławski and Panufnik both conducting the RSNO. Throughout this Season, we’ll share some of their finest music with you and we’re delighted to present the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in concert in March. Find out more about Polska Scotland on pages 10-12.

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

4 Season 2020:21

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE World-renowned violinist and United Nations Messenger of Peace, Midori, is our Artist in Residence this Season.

Midori made her debut with the New York Philharmonic aged just 11 and has enjoyed a stellar career spanning over 35 years. She joins Thomas Søndergård to perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto (Sat 3 Oct 2020) before returning with the UK premiere of German composer Detlev Glanert’s Second Violin Concerto (Sat 14 Nov 2020).

BEETHOVEN 250 We continue our musical party for Beethoven as we celebrate his 250th birthday in 2020. The Season opens with his Ninth Symphony featuring the well-loved Ode to Joy (Sat 19 Sep 2020), superstar violinist Midori performs his beautiful Violin Concerto (Sat 3 Oct 2020), Sir Roger Norrington brings his unique artistry to the Pastoral Symphony (Sat 31 Oct 2020) and Thomas Søndergård pairs the Fifth Symphony with Wagner’s sensuous Wesendonck-Lieder (Sat 7 Nov 2020).

JOIN THE REVOLUTION! Don’t miss RSNO Principal Guest Conductor Elim Chan as she joins forces with maverick clarinettist Jörg Widmann for a programme including Stravinsky’s savage The Rite of Spring (Sat 24 Oct 2020).

Tear yourself away from the computer screen and into the Concert Hall to enjoy this evening packed with soundtracks from your favourite video games (Sat 21 Nov 2020).

POLISH NATIONAL RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA An exciting opportunity to hear this world-class symphony orchestra in Scotland, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra brings a stunning programme featuring Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony (Sat 6 Mar 2021).

NICOLA BENEDETTI Scottish superstar Nicola Benedetti joins us for two spectacular concerts in April 2021. The first, with the RSNO, Nicola and the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland sharing the stage (Sat 17 Apr 2021) and the second, featuring a new violin concerto by former BBC Young Musician of the Year, Mark Simpson (Sat 24 Apr 2021).

Unmissable!

FAURÉ REQUIEM Experience the angelic voices of the RSNO Junior Chorus in a performance of Fauré’s sublime Requiem under the baton of Kevin John Edusei (Sat 1 May 2021).

I LEAD

VIDEO GAMES CONCERT

‘There’s a lot of warmth within the organisation and care that’s taken between all the individuals. And that’s quite special, I think.’

MAYA, RSNO LEADER

YOUR SEASON AT A GLANCE SEASON SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

PRE-CONCERT TALKS

SEASON OPENER BEETHOVEN NINE Sat 19 Sep 2020: 7.30pm

BRUCH SCOTTISH FANTASY Sat 13 Feb 2021: 7.30pm

MIDORI PLAYS BEETHOVEN Sat 3 Oct 2020: 7.30pm

Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

TCHAIKOVSKY FOUR

Sat 6 Mar 2021: 7.30pm

SHOSTAKOVICH FIVE Sat 10 Oct 2020: 7.30pm

SIBELIUS ONE Sat 13 Mar 2021: 7.30pm

THE RITE OF SPRING Sat 24 Oct 2020: 7.30pm

PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO & JULIET Sat 27 Mar 2021: 7.30pm

BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL Sat 31 Oct 2020: 7.30pm

NICOLA BENEDETTI WITH NYOS & RSNO Sat 17 Apr 2021: 7.30pm

BEETHOVEN FIVE Sat 7 Nov 2020: 7.30pm SIBELIUS FIVE Sat 14 Nov 2020: 7.30pm PAUL LEWIS PLAYS GRIEG Sat 28 Nov 2020: 7.30pm SCHEHERAZADE Sat 5 Dec 2020: 7.30pm SWAN LAKE Sat 12 Dec 2020: 7.30pm

NICOLA BENEDETTI PLAYS SIMPSON Sat 24 Apr 2021: 7.30pm FAURÉ’S REQUIEM Sat 1 May 2021: 7.30pm BENJAMIN GROSVENOR PLAYS CHOPIN Sat 15 May 2021: 7.30pm

Join us in the Clyde Foyer before Season concerts for our illuminating pre-concert talks.

These events are free to ticketholders. Please note the earlier start time of 6.30pm for the Exchange series.

6.45 Insight series Offering insights into the music and the musicians you see on stage, our Insight series gives you the chance to hear from conductors, soloists and RSNO musicians as they discuss that evening’s repertoire.

6.30 Exchange series New for 2020:21, our Exchange series invites you to explore that evening’s concert repertoire through the lens of contemporary issues. Topics vary from the pressing questions of our local communities to current concerns of the world at large and will feature special guest speakers.

SEASON FINALE MAHLER TWO Sat 5 Jun 2021: 7.30pm

GERSHWIN & RACHMANINOV Sat 6 Feb 2021: 7.30pm

‘Playing consistently brilliantly, the RSNO has to be the finest team in Scottish music-making.’

HHHHH THE TIMES 6 Season 2020:21

SEASON 2020:21

FAMILY CONCERTS

CHILDREN’S CLASSIC CONCERTS

SYMPHONY, SOUP AND A SANDWICH

GHOST SHIP Sat 31 Oct 2020: 3pm

SPARKLING RACHMANINOV Wed 14 Oct 2020: 1pm

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Sat 5 Dec 2020: 1pm & 3pm

INSPIRATIONAL BRAHMS Wed 18 Nov 2020: 1pm HEROIC DVOŘÁK Wed 5 May 2021: 1pm

RSNO AT THE MOVIES VIDEO GAMES MUSIC IN CONCERT Sat 21 Nov 2020: 7.30pm RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERT FEATURING THE SNOWMAN Sat 19 Dec 2020: 2pm & 6pm THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS Sat 20 Mar 2021: 3pm & 7.30pm THE MAGICAL MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER Sat 8 May 2021: 3pm & 7.30pm THE MUSIC OF BOND, JAMES BOND Sat 22 May 2021: 7.30pm

CHORAL CLASSICS COME AND SING: BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM Sat 9 Jan 2021: 10am-5pm Public concert: 7pm RSNO CHORUS IN CONCERT Sun 28 Feb 2021: 2.30pm

CHAMBER SERIES FAURÉ & BRAHMS PIANO QUARTETS Sun 4 Oct 2020: 2.30pm JÖRG WIDMANN: CLARINET CREATIONS Sun 25 Oct 2020: 2.30pm PAUL LEWIS PLAYS MOZART Sun 29 Nov 2020: 2.30pm ROMAN RABINOVICH PLAYS BEETHOVEN’S APPASSIONATA Sun 28 Mar 2021: 2.30pm POLISH REFLECTIONS Sun 25 Apr 2021: 2.30pm FRENCH IMPRESSIONS Sun 2 May 2021: 2.30pm BACH’S GOLDBERG VARIATIONS Sun 23 May 2021: 2.30pm

HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sat 3 Apr 2021: 3pm

SHOWCASE DELVE DEEPER IN FOCUS: BEETHOVEN, MUSIC & THE MIND Tue 15 Sep 2020: 7.30pm IN FOCUS: POLSKA SCOTLAND Tue 23 Mar 2021: 7.30pm COMPOSERS’ HUB WORKSHOP Tue 27 Apr 2021: 10am-5pm

MUSIC SCHOOL OF DOUGLAS ACADEMY SHOWCASE Fri 12 Mar 2021: 7.30pm NICOLA BENEDETTI WITH NYOS & RSNO Sat 17 Apr 2021: 7.30pm ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND CONCERTO SHOWCASE Thu 20 May 2021: 7.30pm

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I’M HOOKED

‘There’s nothing like an orchestra in full flight. It’s an amazing sound! It gets the endorphins going.’

IAIN, RSNO SUBSCRIBER

SØNDERGÅRD SERIES Early bird offer! Book all eight Thomas Søndergård concerts before Friday 1 May and save 20% off your tickets – that’s an extra 5% off the standard subscription price.

Book all eight concerts and save 20%

SEATING BANDS

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YOU PAY

£308 £246.40

£236 £188.80

£200 £160

£152 £121.60

£108 £86.40

SAT 19 SEP 2020: 7.30PM

SAT 12 DEC 2020: 7.30PM

SAT 17 APR 2021: 7.30PM

Beethoven Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus Jay Capperauld Flute Concerto Our Gilded Veins (RSNO SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH Commission) World Premiere SNAPS SNAPS SNAPS Beethoven Symphony No9 Choral

Tchaikovsky Sleeping Beauty Suite Szymanowski Symphony No3 The Song of the Night Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

Weinberg Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes Szymanowski Violin Concerto No1 Shostakovich Symphony No7 Leningrad

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Katherine Bryan Flute Natalya Romaniw Soprano Stephanie Maitland Mezzo-soprano Benjamin Hulett Tenor Božidar Smiljanić Bass-baritone RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus

SAT 3 OCT 2020: 7.30PM Mozart Symphony No31 Paris K297 Schubert Symphony No6 Little C major Beethoven Violin Concerto Thomas Søndergård Conductor Midori Violin

SAT 7 NOV 2020: 7.30PM Wagner ‘Prelude’ and ‘Good Friday Spell’ from Parsifal Wagner Wesendonck-Lieder Beethoven Symphony No5 Thomas Søndergård Conductor Karen Cargill Mezzo-soprano

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Edgaras Montvidas Tenor RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Nicola Benedetti Violin National Youth Orchestra of Scotland

SAT 13 FEB 2021: 7.30PM

SAT 5 JUN 2021: 7.30PM

Thomas Adès Three-piece Suite from Powder Her Face Bruch Scottish Fantasy Elgar Symphony No1

Mahler Symphony No2 Resurrection

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Kyoko Takezawa Violin

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Ruby Hughes Soprano Karen Cargill Mezzo-soprano RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus

SAT 13 MAR 2021: 7.30PM Elgar Selection from The Wand of Youth Suites Mozart Piano Concerto No9 Jeunehomme K271 Sibelius Symphony No1 Thomas Søndergård Conductor Makoto Ozone Piano

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POLSKA SCOTLAND CELEBRATING A RICH CULTURAL HISTORY Scotland’s links with Poland stretch back to the late 15th century: to trade agreements established between Aberdeen and Gdańsk (formerly Danzig); to the ensuing migration to Poland of some 30,000 Scots traders by the 17th century; and musically to the celebrated visit to Scotland by Chopin in 1848, whose concerts in Glasgow, Edinburgh and numerous stately homes charmed the upper classes, especially his fawning female admirers.

More significant to us today, though, was the arrival of tens of thousands of Polish soldiers at the onset of the Second World War, whose contribution to the Scots war effort was momentous.

Many opted to remain and settle here, and their legacy is a descendent population in Scotland which today numbers around 90,000.

It’s their story, their presence, their music, that RSNO Chief Executive Alistair Mackie is looking to celebrate in an illuminating series of Polish-themed concerts permeating the 2020:21 Season.

‘In any given Season I’m keen to build a series of concerts that have conversations outside of classical music: conversations that connect with history, literature, the environment, social issues’, he explains. ‘As a national orchestra I think we should be integrated into that, and since the largest migrant population in Scotland is Polish, then they seemed like an interesting group to engage with first.

There is a great story to tell.’

10 Season 2020:21

It began on 1 September 1939, when four Polish destroyers sailed Leithbound into the Forth Estuary. Other Scottish ports soon welcomed Polish vessels: Rosyth, Port Glasgow, Greenock and Dundee. According to Renfrewshire-based Robert Ostrycharz – an expert on the history of Scotland’s Polish communities, an adviser on this RSNO project, and himself the son of an immigrant wartime Polish military man – the majority of UK-bound Polish soldiers were stationed in Scotland.

That included Polish aircrews, many of whom were trained at military units in Peebles and Grangemouth.

EMIL MŁYNARSKI

Piorun, built the previous year at the John Brown & Company shipyard for the Royal Navy but subsequently transferred to the Polish Navy, was undergoing repairs on the Clyde. When the attack began, its selfless crew, under Commander Eugeniusz Pławski, manned the ship’s guns in defence of the unsuspecting town. A plaque opposite Clydebank Town Hall honours their bravery.

This Polish series, says Mackie, is not just about the central symphonic repertoire in the concert hall, although that remains the heartbeat of the initiative, and underlines the RSNO’s long association with Polish music and musicians, dating from Emil Młynarski (Polish Principal Conductor of the then Scottish Orchestra from 1910 to 1916 and early champion of Karol Szymanowski’s music) to composers who conducted their own works – Andrzej Panufnik in 1956, Krzysztof Penderecki on three occasions in the 1970s, and Witold Lutosławski in 1979 and 1981.

Among those thrilled with Mackie’s broad-based initiative is Lady Camilla Panufnik, widow of the dissident Polish composer.

When it came to support in combat, none was more swift-acting than the impromptu response of the Polish destroyer ORP Piorun in defending Clydebank against the Luftwaffe’s catastrophic 1941 blitz of the strategic shipbuilding town.

‘Not only was my late husband indebted to the support his music received from the Scottish orchestras after escaping Poland and settling in the UK, but my own father was captain of HMS Legion which, at the time of the Clydebank bombing, was stationed at Greenock,’ she recalls. ‘He worked closely with the Piorun’s captain.’

POLSKA SCOTLAND

‘MY LATE HUSBAND WAS INDEBTED TO THE SUPPORT HIS MUSIC RECEIVED FROM THE SCOTTISH ORCHESTRAS AFTER ESCAPING POLAND’

LADY CAMILLA PANUFNIK WITH HER LATE HUSBAND, SIR ANDRZEJ PANUFNIK

LADY CAMILLA PANUFNIK

She remembers especially Sir Alexander Gibson’s daring RSNO Polish premiere of Panufnik’s Sinfonia Sacra at the 1978 Warsaw Autumn Festival, a work of startling passion written to celebrate 1,000 years of Christianity in Poland, therefore hardly one the communist authorities would have approved of.

‘They did not welcome the performance, but nor did they stop it,’ she says.

POLSKA SCOTLAND

It’s one of many Polish works featuring in this six-concert orchestral series, alongside music by Chopin (both piano concertos), Lutosławski, Górecki, and the lesser-known Mieczysław Weinberg (friend of Shostakovich) and Wojciech Kilar (better-known for such film scores as Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula). Nicola Benedetti, in partnership with Music Director Thomas Søndergård, will also perform Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No1 with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.

On the broader front, there’s a string quartet recital, Polish Reflections,

by RSNO musicians; another of the RSNO’s informative In Focus roundtable events featuring Lady Camilla Panufnik in Glasgow and Edinburgh; a commemorative concert in Clydebank honouring the 80th anniversary of the Blitz; and the RSNO Composers’ Hub participants will be taking inspiration from the Series, focusing their new compositions on the theme of migration.

WHEN IT CAME TO SUPPORT IN COMBAT, NONE WAS MORE SWIFTACTING THAN THE IMPROMPTU RESPONSE OF THE POLISH DESTROYER ORP PIORUN

POLISH DESTROYER ORP PIORUN

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ANDRZEJ PANUFNIK

But perhaps the most exciting outcome of this project is an open invitation to the RSNO to perform in the city of Katowice, reciprocating the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra’s appearance next March in the RSNO Season which, in the same spirit of exchange, opens with Elgar’s symphonic prelude Polonia.

commissioned and conducted then by none other than the Scottish Orchestra’s Emil Młynarski, and overflowing with patriotic Polish tunes, it’s a work that embodies fully the lasting bond between the Brits and the Poles. Scotland’s role in that deserves to be celebrated.

Written in 1915 for a Polish Victims’ Relief Fund concert in London,

Ken Walton is classical music critic and columnist of The Scotsman

POLSKA SCOTLAND SWAN LAKE

SAT 12 DEC 2020: 7.30PM Szymanowski Symphony No3 The Song of the Night

RSNO CHORUS IN CONCERT

SUN 28 FEB 2021: 2.30PM Roxanna Panufnik Kyrie after Byrd Górecki Song No5 from Five Kurpian Songs

POLISH NATIONAL RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SAT 6 MAR 2021: 7.30PM Elgar Polonia Chopin Piano Concerto No2

IN FOCUS POLSKA SCOTLAND

PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO & JULIET

COMPOSERS’ HUB WORKSHOP

Panufnik Sinfonia Sacra (Symphony No3)

Five brand-new compositions based on the theme of migration will be workshopped by the RSNO.

SAT 27 MAR 2021: 7.30PM

NICOLA BENEDETTI WITH NYOS & RSNO

SAT 17 APR 2021: 7.30PM Weinberg Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes Szymanowski Violin Concerto No1

TUE 27 APR 2021: 10AM-5PM

SYMPHONY, SOUP AND A SANDWICH HEROIC DVOŘÁK

WED 5 MAY 2021: 1PM Lutosławski Little Suite

CHAMBER SERIES POLISH REFLECTIONS

BENJAMIN GROSVENOR PLAYS CHOPIN

Szymanowski Violin Sonata Lutosławski Epitaph for Oboe and Piano Bacewicz String Quartet No4

Kilar Orawa for String Orchestra Chopin Piano Concerto No1 Lutosławski Concerto for Orchestra

SUN 25 APR 2021: 2.30PM

SAT 15 MAY 2021: 7.30PM

TUE 23 MAR 2021: 7.30PM Round-table discussion featuring RSNO Chief Executive Alistair Mackie, Lady Camilla Panufnik, Historian Robert Ostrycharz and RSNO Head of Orchestra Management Ewen McKay.

12 Season 2020:21

The RSNO’s Polska Scotland series is supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the international cultural programme marking the centenary of Poland’s regained independence.

Financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland as part of the multi-annual NIEPODLEGŁA programme 2017–2022.

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SEASON OPENER

Joyful

BEETHOVEN NINE

Sensational

Sat 19 Sep 2020: 7.30pm

MIDORI PLAYS BEETHOVEN

Beethoven Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus Jay Capperauld Flute Concerto Our Gilded Veins SCOTCH Premiere SCOTCH SCOTCH (RSNO Commission) World SNAPS SNAPS SNAPS Beethoven Symphony No9 Choral

Mozart Symphony No31 Paris K297 Schubert Symphony No6 Little C major Beethoven Violin Concerto

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Katherine Bryan Flute Natalya Romaniw Soprano Stephanie Maitland Mezzo-soprano Benjamin Hulett Tenor Božidar Smiljanić Bass-baritone RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus ‘Be embraced, you millions. This kiss is for the whole world!’ It’s Beethoven’s 250th birthday this year, and there’s no more joyous way to launch our Season than with his mighty Choral Symphony. Thomas Søndergård conducts the massed forces of the RSNO and RSNO Chorus in this masterpiece which begins in darkest tragedy and ends with that roof-raising, all-embracing Ode to Joy. Let us introduce you to the sound of 21st century Scotland, too, with our first Scotch Snap: a magical new flute concerto, commissioned by the RSNO and performed by our very own Principal, Katherine Bryan.

Sat 3 Oct 2020: 7.30pm

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Midori Violin Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert are three of the greatest names in classical music. Between them, they wrote some of the most glorious music ever created – whether it’s the young Schubert reaching for the stars in his endlessly tuneful Sixth Symphony, or Mozart wowing the Paris public with a symphony designed to knock his audience into next week.

And then Thomas Søndergård joins superstar violinist Midori in Beethoven’s beautiful Violin Concerto: pure serenity, performed by artists who simply love this music.

6.45

6.45

Insight: Composer Jay Capperauld and RSNO Principal Flute Katherine Bryan in conversation

Insight: Soloist Midori in conversation

SUPPORTED BY THE RSNO CONDUCTORS’ CIRCLE

14 Season 2020:21

I CHAMPION

‘Bringing a new piece of music into the world is so exciting.

I get such a buzz every time I walk out onto the stage.’

KATHERINE, RSNO PRINCIPAL FLUTE

I CONNECT

‘Gadgets are great, but we need detox moments and human zones. Music can reach out to all of us.’

GURJIT, RSNO BOARD MEMBER

Electrifying

Revolutionary

Sat 10 Oct 2020: 7.30pm

Sat 24 Oct 2020: 7.30pm

BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL

Jörg Widmann Echo-Fragmente UK Premiere David Fennessy The Riot Act (RSNO Commission) SCOTCH World Premiere SNAPS Stravinsky The Rite of Spring

Haydn Symphony No95 Mozart SCOTCH SCOTCH Violin SNAPS Concerto SNAPS No5 Turkish K219 Beethoven Symphony No6 Pastoral

SHOSTAKOVICH FIVE Liadov The Enchanted Lake Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Shostakovich Symphony No5 Carlos Miguel Prieto Conductor Boris Giltburg Piano Shostakovich wrote his Fifth Symphony in terror for his life and gave it the title ‘A Soviet artist’s response to justified criticism’. But the music tells another story: of struggle, resistance and the triumph of the human spirit. It’ll make a gripping sequel to the keyboard fireworks and heartfelt romance of Rachmaninov’s hugely popular Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, played tonight by a real RSNO favourite, the incredible Boris Giltburg. Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto begins the evening with a vision of pure serenity.

6.45 Insight: Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and RSNO Associate Principal Double Bass Margarida Castro in conversation

THE RITE OF SPRING

Relaxing

Sat 31 Oct 2020: 7.30pm

Elim Chan Conductor Jörg Widmann Clarinet

Sir Roger Norrington Conductor Francesca Dego Violin

Prepare to be blown away! When The Rite of Spring was premiered in 1913, it caused a riot. We’d rather you didn’t rip the chairs out today, but there’s no question – with Elim Chan conducting – Stravinsky’s revolutionary ballet still packs a powerful punch. With a subversive new showpiece from Glasgow’s own David Fennessy, and clarinettist, composer and all-round maverick Jörg Widmann taking the Orchestra to pieces before we’ve even started, expect a few preconceptions to be dynamited tonight.

Some conductors are in a class of their own. Sir Roger Norrington is in his eighties, but there’s no mistaking his energy, his artistry, and what The Herald called his ‘magical intimate relationship with our national orchestra’.

We’re delighted to welcome him back with a concert that features Haydn at his stormiest, Beethoven at his most evocative, and – once again – the wonderful Italian violinist Francesca Dego in the concerto that Mozart wrote just before his 20th birthday: sometimes elegant, sometimes outrageous, but always entertaining.

6.30 Exchange: Composer David Fennessy is joined by guest speakers to discuss Activism

6.45 Insight: RSNO Director of Concerts & Engagement Bill Chandler

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Thrilling

Uplifting

Sat 7 Nov 2020: 7.30pm

Sat 14 Nov 2020: 7.30pm

BEETHOVEN FIVE

Wagner ‘Prelude’ and ‘Good Friday Spell’ from Parsifal Wagner Wesendonck-Lieder Beethoven Symphony No5 Thomas Søndergård Conductor Karen Cargill Mezzo-soprano With Beethoven, four notes are enough to start a revolution. ‘This is how Fate knocks at the door!’ he said, and everyone knows the electrifying opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

But if that’s all you know, you’re in for the musical adventure of a lifetime – a headlong rollercoaster ride through tragedy, tranquillity and blazing triumph.

Thomas Søndergård conducts, and he’s got another treat in store, as Scottish mezzo Karen Cargill lends her extraordinary voice to Wagner’s sensuous love songs.

6.30 Exchange: Composer & Music Director of Paraorchestra Lloyd Coleman joins RSNO Director of Concerts & Engagement Bill Chandler to discuss Beethoven, Inclusion and different ways to ‘feel’ music

18 Season 2020:21

SIBELIUS FIVE

Mendelssohn Hebrides Overture Fingal’s Cave Detlev Glanert Violin Concerto No2 To the Immortal Beloved (RSNO Co-commission) UK Premiere Trad arr Craig Armstrong Stac Lee: ‘Dawn’ and ‘Dusk’ SCOTCH from The Lost Songs of St Kilda SNAPS Sibelius Symphony No5 Ryan Bancroft Conductor Midori Violin When Mendelssohn sailed to Staffa, so taken was he by the sights and sounds that he quickly penned the opening of the Hebrides Overture. Nearly two centuries later, the Scottish composer Craig Armstrong captured the spirit of St Kilda in ravishing music. These two Scottish classics are united by a passionate brand-new violin concerto by Detlev Glanert – a composer drenched in the romantic spirit. And then join the RSNO amid the vast Nordic vistas of Sibelius’ majestic Fifth Symphony.

6.30 Exchange: HarrisonParrott Chief Executive Jasper Parrott is joined by Midori and a panel of young people to discuss Climate Emergency

Showstopping

PAUL LEWIS PLAYS GRIEG

Sat 28 Nov 2020: 7.30pm Jay Capperauld Fèin-Aithne Grieg Piano Concerto Brahms Symphony No1

SCOTCH SNAPS

SCOTCH SNAPS

SCOTCH SNAPS

SCOTCH SCOTCHMeister Conductor Cornelius SNAPS SNAPS

Paul Lewis Piano

Paul Lewis has been called ‘the finest British pianist for generations’. Tonight, he joins the RSNO to perform Grieg’s unabashedly romantic Piano Concerto, which dances and dazzles with hints of Norwegian melodies. It’s a beautiful contrast to Brahms’ tempestuous, triumphant First Symphony, and the perfect way to follow Fèin-Aithne, our Scotch Snap by RSNO Composers’ Hub alumnus Jay Capperauld who aims, he says, ‘to explore, interpret and adapt the traditions of Scottish culture within my own musical language’.

6.45 Insight: Composer Jay Capperauld and RSNO Viola Katherine Wren in conversation

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

Colourful

Magical

Sat 5 Dec 2020: 7.30pm

Sat 12 Dec 2020: 7.30pm

SCHEHERAZADE

Borodin Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor Janáček Violin Concerto The Wandering of a Little Soul Dvořák Romance for Violin and Orchestra Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade Gemma New Conductor Stefan Jackiw Violin Gemma New and the RSNO head east, to lands of fabulous legends and untamed passions. A courageous and beautiful woman teaches a cruel sultan how to love in Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Borodin cuts loose with the warriors of Central Asia in the explosive Polovtsian Dances. And amid the hills and forests of Central Europe, Dvořák and Janáček weave fairy tales with the help of our soloist Stefan Jackiw. Fabulous colours, outsized emotions and tunes you’ll be humming all week!

6.45 Insight: Conductor Gemma New and Associate Principal Oboe Peter Dykes in conversation

SWAN LAKE

Tchaikovsky Sleeping Beauty Suite Szymanowski Symphony No3 The Song of the Night Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite Thomas Søndergård Conductor Edgaras Montvidas Tenor RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus Between day and night, between memories and dreams – that’s where the imagination runs wild. And it never runs wilder, or more gloriously free, than in Polish composer Karol Szymanowski’s shimmering, sensuous Song of the Night.

Thomas Søndergård adores this music, and he’s woven it into a sequence that embraces the fairy-tale world of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Sibelius’ haunting Finnish legend, and – to finish – the unforgettable tunes and unchained passion of Tchaikovsky’s great tragic love story Swan Lake.

Ravishing

GERSHWIN & RACHMANINOV

Sat 6 Feb 2021: 7.30pm Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales Gershwin Concerto in F Rachmaninov Symphony No3 John Wilson Conductor Louis Schwizgebel Piano New worlds for old. George Gershwin once asked Maurice Ravel to teach him how to compose – he didn’t realise that Ravel was actually his greatest fan! Few living musicians conduct both of them with the sheer, irresistible flair of John Wilson, just as no-one plays Gershwin’s swinging Piano Concerto more brilliantly than Louis Schwizgebel. And finally, big-band glamour meets the Russian soul in Rachmaninov’s fabulous Third Symphony. If you’ve never heard it, you’ll soon wonder why.

6.45 Insight: Conductor John Wilson and RSNO Chief Executive Alistair Mackie in conversation

6.45 Insight: RSNO Chorus Director Gregory Batsleer and RSNO Chief Executive Alistair Mackie in conversation

rsno.org.uk | 0141 353 8000

19

I PLAY

‘I fell in love with the bass and I’ve never looked back.’

SALLY, RSNO DOUBLE BASS

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLISH NATIONAL RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

POLSKA SCOTLAND

Enchanting

BRUCH SCOTTISH FANTASY

Sat 13 Feb 2021: 7.30pm

Thomas Adès Three-piece Suite from Powder Her Face Bruch Scottish Fantasy Elgar Symphony No1 Thomas Søndergård Conductor Kyoko Takezawa Violin Elgar’s epic First Symphony is packed with stirring melodies, but it’s driven by secret longings and dark emotions.

Thomas Adès’ Powder Her Face portrays the scandalous Duchess of Argyll in music that simply refuses to sit down and be polite. And who’d have guessed that one of the all-time great Scottish classics would be written by the German Max Bruch? A refreshingly different angle on British music from Thomas Søndergård and violinist Kyoko Takezawa.

6.30 Exchange: Luminate Director Anne Gallacher is joined by Playlist for Life Chief Executive Sarah Metcalfe to discuss Creative Ageing SUPPORTED BY JENNIE S. GORDON MEMORIAL FUND

Exhilarating

TCHAIKOVSKY FOUR

Passionate

SIBELIUS ONE

Sat 6 Mar 2021: 7.30pm

Sat 13 Mar 2021: 7.30pm

Elgar Polonia Chopin Piano Concerto No2 Tchaikovsky Symphony No4

Elgar Selection from The Wand of Youth Suites Mozart Piano Concerto No9 Jeunehomme K271 Sibelius Symphony No1

Lawrence Foster Conductor Szymon Nehring Piano Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra A savage fanfare blasts out, but for Tchaikovsky this wasn’t just music but the sound of Fate itself. His Fourth Symphony tells the story of his emotional struggle – an electrifying showcase for the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, visiting Scotland as part of our year-long celebration of Polish culture. Naturally, they’re playing Chopin, with the award-winning Szymon Nehring on piano. But they’re also bringing Elgar’s stormy musical salute to a war-torn Poland, 110 years after Elgar himself conducted the RSNO. 6.45 Insight: Conductor Lawrence Foster

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Makoto Ozone Piano Meet Japanese keyboard phenomenon Makoto Ozone – a jazz legend as well as a master of the classical piano, whose Mozart simply has to be heard to be believed. He’s the centre of a kaleidoscope of a concert which begins with Elgar’s musical trip back to his own childhood, and ends with the elemental power and radiant hues of a real Thomas Søndergård speciality: Sibelius’ First Symphony – music of endless horizons and melodies that glow like the Northern Lights.

6.45 Insight: Pianist Makoto Ozone and RSNO Director of Concerts & Engagement Bill Chandler in conversation DEDICATED TO THE LILLIE BEQUEST FUND IN RECOGNITION OF THE RSNO FOUNDATION’S GENEROUS SUPPORT

rsno.org.uk | 0141 353 8000

21

POLSKA SCOTLAND POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

Dramatic

Powerful

Spectacular

Sat 27 Mar 2021: 7.30pm

Sat 17 Apr 2021: 7.30pm

Sat 24 Apr 2021: 7.30pm

PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO & JULIET

NICOLA BENEDETTI WITH NYOS & RSNO

Panufnik Sinfonia Sacra (Symphony No3) Prokofiev Piano Concerto No3 Prokofiev Selection from Romeo and Juliet

Weinberg Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes Szymanowski Violin Concerto No1 Shostakovich Symphony No7 Leningrad

Ludovic Morlot Conductor Roman Rabinovich Piano

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Nicola Benedetti Violin National Youth Orchestra of Scotland

There’s a lot more to Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet than just the theme tune to The Apprentice – no composer has ever got closer to capturing the tenderness, the violence and the pure emotion of Shakespeare’s great love story.

Conductor Ludovic Morlot will make every note count; but first, experience the raw defiance of the epic Sinfonia Sacra by the Polish dissident composer Andrzej Panufnik, and Prokofiev’s supercharged Third Piano Concerto – with rising star Roman Rabinovich in the hot seat.

There’s nothing quite like Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony: music with the power of an artillery barrage, a life-ordeath struggle for freedom, written in a city under siege. Imagine hearing it unleashed by the combined forces of the RSNO and the superb young players of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. And now imagine that before the Leningrad, Nicola Benedetti joins these young stars to play the most ravishing of all Polish violin concertos.

In a word: unmissable.

6.45

6.45

Insight: Lady Camilla Panufnik and RSNO Director of Concerts & Engagement Bill Chandler in conversation

Insight: NYOS Chief Executive & Artistic Director Nicolas Žekulin and NYOS members in conversation

NICOLA BENEDETTI PLAYS SIMPSON Kodály Dances of Galánta Mark Simpson Violin Concerto (RSNO Co-commission) Scottish Premiere Trad arr Christopher Duncan SCOTCH SCOTCH Stac Dona from The Lost SNAPS SNAPS Songs of St Kilda Bartók Concerto for Orchestra Elim Chan Conductor Nicola Benedetti Violin No-one makes music come alive quite like Nicola Benedetti, and she’s passionate about bringing the new Violin Concerto by the young Liverpudlian composer Mark Simpson to Scotland.

But that’s not all. There’s a musical voyage to St Kilda, a blaze of folk fiddle from rural Hungary, and to round it off, Bartók’s showstopping Concerto for Orchestra. It’s the ultimate work-out for a full symphony orchestra: 40 minutes of spicy tunes, glowing colours and untamed emotion, all crowned with a mighty shout of joy!

6.45 Insight: Composer Mark Simpson and RSNO Violin Ursula Heidecker Allen in conversation

22 Season 2020:21

SC SN

I THRILL ‘ I hope my passion and spontaneity – my playing right on the edge – comes across. I hope the audience are as excited as me.’

DÁVUR, RSNO PRINCIPAL TROMBONE

I BELONG

‘ There’s a real energy to the RSNO. A real family atmosphere.’

HENRY, RSNO PRINCIPAL COR ANGLAIS

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

Sublime

FAURÉ’S REQUIEM

Sat 1 May 2021: 7.30pm

Dazzling

BENJAMIN GROSVENOR PLAYS CHOPIN

SEASON FINALE

Emotional

MAHLER TWO

Sat 5 Jun 2021: 7.30pm

2019:20 Composers’ Hub Winner (RSNO Commission) World Premiere Britten Sinfonia da Requiem Fauré Pavane Fauré Requiem

Sat 15 May 2021: 7.30pm

Mahler Symphony No2 Resurrection

Kilar Orawa for String Orchestra *Poland* Chopin Piano Concerto No1 *Poland* Lutosławski Concerto for Orchestra

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Ruby Hughes Soprano Karen Cargill Mezzo-soprano RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus

Kevin John Edusei Conductor Susanna Hurrell Soprano Marcus Farnsworth Baritone RSNO Junior Chorus Patrick Barrett Director, RSNO Junior Chorus

Elim Chan Conductor Benjamin Grosvenor Piano

Still waters run deep. Gabriel Fauré was a quiet man, and there’s no anger or fury in his haunting Requiem – just some of the most beautiful choral music ever written, masking a whole world of heartfelt emotion. It’s a lovely showcase for our superb Junior Chorus, and a radiant contrast to Britten’s fiery and furious Sinfonia da Requiem, as well as a new work from our Composers’ Hub winner – all conducted by the inspirational Kevin John Edusei.

6.45

‘Cannons hidden in flowers’ was how one writer described the music of Chopin – and throughout the long and stormy history of Polish music, dazzling colours and heartfelt romance have gone hand in hand with fiery national pride. Expect poetry and panache from Benjamin Grosvenor, a young pianist with charisma to spare, while Elim Chan lights up the sky with luminous Polish classics from Lutosławski and the Oscar-winning modern master Wojciech Kilar.

6.45

A man stands alone at a graveside and takes the first step on a journey that will take him to the end of the world – and beyond. Heaven and hell, joy and terror, Viennese waltzes and distant trumpets … this is Mahler’s epic Resurrection Symphony packed with emotion. Thomas Søndergård conducts massed choirs and a supersized RSNO: this should be a very special evening indeed as we bring the Season to a powerful close.

6.45 Insight: RSNO Music Director Thomas Søndergård and RSNO Violin Ursula Heidecker Allen in conversation SIR ALEXANDER GIBSON MEMORIAL CONCERT

Insight: Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor and RSNO Principal Guest Conductor Elim Chan in conversation

Insight: RSNO Junior Chorus Director Patrick Barrett

rsno.org.uk | 0141 353 8000

25

SERIES

SAVE

Early bird offer! Book all six Classic FM Recommends concerts before Friday 1 May 2020 and save 20% off your tickets – that’s an extra 5% off the standard subscription price! Secure your seats by booking the Classic FM series today and experience stunning classics from the Ultimate Hall of Fame.

Book all six concerts and save 20%

SEATING BANDS YOU PAY

20%

I

II

III

IV

V

£231 £184.80

£177 £141.60

£150 £120

£114 £91.20

£81 £64.80

SAT 3 OCT 2020: 7.30PM

SAT 28 NOV 2020: 7.30PM

Mozart Symphony No31 Paris K297 Schubert Symphony No6 Little C major Beethoven Violin Concerto

Jay Capperauld Fèin-Aithne Grieg Piano Concerto Brahms Symphony No1

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Midori Violin

Cornelius Meister Conductor Paul Lewis Piano

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Kyoko Takezawa Violin

SAT 31 OCT 2020: 7.30PM

SAT 12 DEC 2020: 7.30PM

SAT 1 MAY 2021: 7.30PM

Haydn Symphony No95 Mozart Violin Concerto No5 Turkish K219 Beethoven Symphony No6 Pastoral

Tchaikovsky Sleeping Beauty Suite Szymanowski Symphony No3 The Song of the Night Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

2019:20 Composers’ Hub Winner (RSNO Commission) World Premiere Britten Sinfonia da Requiem Fauré Pavane Fauré Requiem

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Edgaras Montvidas Tenor RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus

Kevin John Edusei Conductor Susanna Hurrell Soprano Marcus Farnsworth Baritone RSNO Junior Chorus Patrick Barrett Director, RSNO Junior Chorus

Sir Roger Norrington Conductor Francesca Dego Violin

26 Season 2020:21

SCOTCH SNAPS

SCOTCH SNAPS

SAT 13 FEB 2021: 7.30PM SCOTCH SNAPS

Thomas Adès Three-piece Suite from Powder Her Face Bruch Scottish Fantasy Elgar Symphony No1

GREAT OFFERS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE!

UNDER 18s GO FREE Introduce your kids or grandkids to the RSNO for free! Two under 18s can attend all 20 RSNO Season concerts for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Plus, show your free ticket to the programme sellers on the night and receive a free programme. Book your U18 tickets online or through the Box Office today.

FREE TICKETS FOR 16-17 YEAR OLDS

UNDER 26s/MATURE STUDENTS £6

Young people aged 16-17 can attend RSNO Season 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.

If you’re aged 18-25, or are in fulltime education, you can attend all 20 RSNO Season concerts for just £6 per ticket when you book in advance (£8 after 5pm on the day of the concert). Proof of age or valid full-time student card must be shown. Book your U26 tickets online or through the Box Office.

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE RSNO APP Keep up to date with your favourite orchestra on social media. With videos, photos, blogs and more, follow us today and join in the conversation. /royalscottishnationalorchestra @RSNO @rsnoofficial Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter at rsno.org.uk/e-newsletters

The RSNO App is the easiest way to follow the RSNO when you’re out and about! Browse through all our forthcoming concerts, watch the latest RSNO videos, even book your tickets at the tap of a button! Available on iPhone and Android, download it for free from rsno.org.uk/apps

FAMILY CONCERTS

Sponsored by

Our family-friendly GHOST SHIP THE NIGHT BEFORE Sat 31 Oct 2020: 3pm CHRISTMAS performances, in Sat 5 Dec 2020: 1pm & 3pm collaboration with Owen Gunnell Presenter Children’s Classic Owen Gunnell Presenter Ahoy! Family favourite and first mate, Concerts, are a fantastic Owen Gunnell, has been given orders by Manor School of Ballet way to introduce children the dreaded Captain Tootlepuff on his ’Twas the night before Christmas, orchestral odyssey to create a swash when all through the orchestra to the sensational buckling supernatural show aboard Not a musician was stirring, not even sounds of the symphony HMS CCC this Hallowe’en. Enjoy creepy a viola classics and spooky sound waves as Owen was nestled all snug in his bed, orchestra.

Owen and his crew of ghostly pirates With lots of onstage antics, imaginative costumes and joining in, you’ll see little ones’ faces light up as they experience their favourite music live.

Children’s Classic Concerts are recommended for children aged 4-12, but are perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

28 Season 2020:21

from the RSNO sail the seven seas in search of musical bounty. Will it be plain sailing, or will he walk the plank?

Featuring plenty of nautical nonsense and much-loved music from films Pirates of the Caribbean, Hook and Jaws, join us for this un-boo-lievable ghostly adventure!

While visions of sugar-plums danced in his head…

CCC’s Owen Gunnell has made his list and checked it twice, but now he’s got to get on with it! Unsurprisingly, he’s left the festive preparations to the last minute and is in a mad rush to get the house ready for the big day (those sprouts won’t peel themselves)! With the help of his friends from the RSNO, will he make it a happy Christmas to all and to all a good night?

Featuring the iconic poem, The Night Before Christmas, arranged for orchestra and narrator, music from festive films and talented dancers from the Manor School of Ballet.

WE LOVE ‘ As a parent, it’s really exciting for me to be able to share music with my kids. I think it’s great for them.’

MAYTAL, MUM TO OLLIE AND JACK, RSNO SUPERFANS

Nothing can compare to hearing your favourite film music performed live by the RSNO. With a worldwide reputation for film performances and an amazing backcatalogue of soundtrack recordings – including Alien, The Great Escape, Jaws, Superman, Psycho, VIDEO GAMES MUSIC Star Wars: Shadows of IN CONCERT the Empire, Vertigo and Sat 21 Nov 2020: 7.30pm many more – you know Eímear Noone Conductor you’re in for a real treat Chorus when you experience the RSNO Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus full might of the RSNO World of Warcraft, Pokémon, Resident Evil, live in concert!

Hitman and Super Mario are just some of the blockbuster video games which have made it to the big screen over the years. Tonight, experience the thrill of hearing your favourite video game soundtracks played live by Scotland’s National Orchestra. From Halo and Call of Duty, Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, enjoy some of the most dramatic orchestral music of our time, performed by a world-class symphony orchestra in the stunning acoustic of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

© Snowman Enterprises Ltd 2020

RSNO AT THE MOVIES

RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERT FEATURING THE SNOWMAN

Sat 19 Dec 2020: 2pm & 6pm Gregory Batsleer Conductor Hugh Dennis Presenter RSNO Junior Chorus & Probationary Choirs (2pm) RSNO Chorus, RSNO Chorus Academy & RSNO Training Choir (6pm) Patrick Barrett Director, RSNO Junior Chorus The RSNO’s magical Christmas Concert returns! Don’t miss this family friendly event packed full of your favourite festive melodies, sing-along carols and Raymond Briggs’ enchanting film The Snowman. Shown on the big screen, the film will be narrated by our special star guest and accompanied by the Orchestra, featuring the wonderful Walking in the Air. So, gather friends and family together and join the RSNO for this special feast of Christmas cheer!

Film on screen with live orchestra Sponsored by

30

STAR WARS THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS

THE MAGICAL MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER

THE MUSIC OF BOND, JAMES BOND

Stephen Bell Conductor Tom Redmond Presenter RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus

Stephen Bell Conductor

Nicholas Dodd Conductor Anna-Jane Casey Vocals Lance Ellington Vocals

Sat 20 Mar 2021: 3pm & 7.30pm

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away …. Feel the full force of Scotland’s National Orchestra as we celebrate John Williams’ epic music from the blockbusting Star Wars saga. Filled with your favourite themes from The Phantom Menace to The Last Jedi, this concert packs more punch than an Imperial Blaster! If you think it sounds good in the cinema, wait ’til you hear this iconic music played live by the RSNO. The Force is strong with this one!

Sat 8 May 2021: 3pm & 7.30pm

Witches, wizards and muggles alike are sure to enjoy this spectacular concert showcasing the music from the magical world of Harry Potter. Experience the sounds of Hogwarts brought thrillingly to life by Scotland’s National Orchestra as they perform the phenomenal scores from this iconic series. You’ll be spellbound by the interval! So, grab your broom, apparate, or catch the Hogwarts Express and join us in the Concert Hall for an evening of unforgettable music that you’ll know and love.

Sat 22 May 2021: 7.30pm

The name’s Bond, James Bond. The RSNO puts on black tie and tux and pours itself a Vesper Martini with some of the sassiest signature tunes in cinematic history: six decades of girls, gadgets, supervillains and knockout songs, performed tonight by top West End star Anna-Jane Casey and Strictly Come Dancing vocalist Lance Ellington.

Well, you know what they say: Diamonds are Forever. These tunes are every bit as enduring – and as brilliant. Nobody does it better: guaranteed to leave you shaken … and stirred!

Sponsored by

Add our movie concerts to your subscription or book online at rsno.org.uk/film rsno.org.uk | 0141 353 8000

31

I FIX IT

‘ Our team are very close. We’re all really, really good friends.’

EMMA, RSNO DEPUTY ORCHESTRA MANAGER

SYMPHONY, SOUP AND A SANDWICH Take time out of your busy schedule and relax with a special lunch-hour concert filled with a mouth-watering selection of music.

Book a Symphony, Soup and a Sandwich ticket for £25 and join us for a delicious lunch before the concert.

Available from 11.30am, you can enjoy soup, sandwiches, a scone with butter, cream and jam, cakes and unlimited tea and coffee. If you would like to attend just the concert, simply purchase the Lunchtime Concert Ticket (£16). Please note, there is limited availability for lunch, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Sparkling

Inspirational

Heroic

Wed 14 Oct 2020: 1pm

Wed 18 Nov 2020: 1pm

Wed 5 May 2021: 1pm

RACHMANINOV

BRAHMS

DVOŘÁK

Rachmaninov (orch Dumbraveanu) Variations on a Theme of Corelli Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No1

Beethoven Egmont Overture Brahms Symphony No4

Lutosławski Little Suite Dvořák Symphony No7

Carlos Miguel Prieto Conductor Boris Giltburg Piano

Angus Webster Conductor

Marta Gardolińska Conductor

This lunchtime, don’t just satisfy your hunger – feed your soul. Beethoven’s Egmont Overture is a drama of struggle and liberation in eight minutes of action-packed music. And Brahms’ Fourth Symphony is the sound of a great master facing up to the biggest questions of all, filled with melodies that come straight from the heart.

Conducted by the young British maestro Angus Webster, it’s pure inspiration, all served up in the time it takes to eat a sandwich.

‘Polish music is a little bit of a mission for me!’ says the young Polish conductor Marta Gardolińska – and this lunchtime she kicks off with a real firecracker: Witold Lutosławski’s sparky Little Suite.

Then, as the dust settles, Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony emerges from the shadows. Dark, stormy and heroic, some say it’s the greatest symphony he ever wrote – a thrilling way to recharge your batteries this lunchtime!

It may not be a symphony, but who can resist hearing one of the world’s greatest living pianists performing Rachmaninov’s sparkling First Piano Concerto with the RSNO in your lunch hour? Gramophone magazine called Boris Giltburg’s recent Rachmaninov recording with the RSNO and Carlos Miguel Prieto ‘irresistible’, and there’s no mistaking their chemistry. There’s even a starter too: Rachmaninov’s moody and magnificent Corelli Variations.

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

rsno.org.uk | 0141 353 8000

33

I CREATE ‘Live music is one of the greatest experiences that we can share as human beings.’

GREGORY, RSNO CHORUS DIRECTOR

CHORAL CLASSICS Join us for three stunning concerts featuring the wonderful voices of the RSNO Chorus.

COME AND SING

BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM

Sat 9 Jan 2021: 10am-5pm Public concert: 7pm Gregory Batsleer Conductor It’s official – singing is sociable, fun, and great for your general well-being. And whether you’re a choral society veteran or have only ever sung in the shower, everyone’s welcome to come and sing in this special performance of Brahms’ beautiful German Requiem. Spend the day rehearsing under the expert guidance of RSNO Chorus Director Gregory Batsleer, before putting on a public performance in the evening accompanied by Scotland’s National Orchestra!

The ability to read music would be beneficial to those taking part on the day.

Participation: To book your place visit rsno.org.uk/come-and-sing Audience tickets: add these to your subscription or book online at rsno.org.uk

RSNO CHORUS IN CONCERT

Sun 28 Feb 2021: 2.30pm Gregory Batsleer Conductor RSNO Chorus Edward Cohen Piano The RSNO Chorus is one of the real jewels in Scotland’s musical crown.

Today they scale things right down and take a journey through musical time and space, from the sacred medieval harmonies of Byrd’s Ave verum corpus to the extraordinary new sounds of Roxanna Panufnik’s Kyrie after Byrd and Henryk Górecki’s Song No5 from Five Kurpian Songs.

And then we’re off to Vienna for Johannes Brahms’ enchanting Liebeslieder Waltzes – six love songs with a big heart and an irresistible swing.

POLSKA SCOTLAND

HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sat 3 Apr 2021: 3pm Handel Messiah Christian Curnyn Conductor Jeni Bern Soprano Hilary Summers Contralto Benjamin Hulett Tenor Michael Mofidian Bass-baritone RSNO Chorus Gregory Batsleer Director, RSNO Chorus The trumpet shall sound! Join us this Easter for the RSNO’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah.

From For Unto Us a Child is Born to the unforgettable Hallelujah chorus, this is simply some of the most uplifting music ever written. Conductor Christian Curnyn, the RSNO Chorus and a first-class team of soloists bring out all the glory and joy in this timeless masterpiece – don’t miss it!

POLSKA SCOTLAND

rsno.org.uk | 0141 353 8000

35

CHAMBER SERIES The perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Relax and enjoy these stunning performances in the New Auditorium – the ultimate way to hear your favourite musicians up close and personal.

FAURÉ AND BRAHMS PIANO QUARTETS

JÖRG WIDMANN: CLARINET CREATIONS

PAUL LEWIS PLAYS MOZART

Fauré Piano Quartet No1 Brahms Piano Quartet No1

Mozart Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano Kegelstatt K498 Michael Murray SCOTCHPremiere SCOTCH Psycho-Scherzo World SNAPS SNAPS Jörg Widmann Tränen der Musen Weber Clarinet Quintet

Haydn String Quartet Op64 No5 The Lark Mozart Piano Concerto No12 K414

Sun 4 Oct 2020: 2.30pm

Featuring Lorna Rough, Sophie Lang, Betsy Taylor and Edward Cohen When you add a piano to a string trio, whole worlds of emotion open up.

Brahms’ exuberant First Piano Quartet begins in full-blooded song and ends with a fiery salute to the gypsy fiddlers of Hungary – and believe us, these four RSNO players won’t hold back! Gabriel Fauré, meanwhile, astonished the elegant salons of Belle Époque Paris with his passionate First Piano Quartet: half an hour of melody, charm, and the most delicious kind of decadence.

36 Season 2020:21

Sun 25 Oct 2020: 2.30pm

SCOTCH SNAPS

Jörg Widmann Clarinet Featuring Adrian Wilson, Maya Iwabuchi, Sharon Roffman, Tom Dunn, Aleksei Kiseliov and Aaron Shorr Jörg Widmann is a dazzling composer, inspiring conductor and exceptional clarinettist. Our players can’t wait to collaborate with him in Weber’s delightfully operatic Clarinet Quintet.

First though, he plays his own extraordinary Tränen der Musen, as well as Mozart’s exquisite ‘skittle alley’ Trio – music that’s as engaging as it sounds, played by a true modern master.

Sun 29 Nov 2020: 2.30pm

Paul Lewis Piano Featuring Maya Iwabuchi, Xander van Vliet, Tom Dunn, Aleksei Kiseliov and Ana Cordova When Mozart wrote piano concertos, he usually meant to play them himself.

So, to hear Mozart’s Concerto K414 performed by a pianist as wonderful as Paul Lewis, in Mozart’s own scaled-down version for chamber ensemble, is to get as close as we possibly can to hearing Mozart himself perform. Five RSNO players join this poet among British pianists, and they begin the way Mozart would have wanted – with the delightful Lark Quartet by his great friend Joseph Haydn.

LORNA, RSNO VIOLIN

ROMAN RABINOVICH PLAYS BEETHOVEN’S APPASSIONATA Sun 28 Mar 2021: 2.30pm Medtner Sonata reminiscenza Op38 No1 Haydn Piano Sonata No53 Medtner Alla reminiscenza Op38 No8 Haydn Piano Sonata No60 Beethoven Piano Sonata No23 Appassionata Roman Rabinovich Piano When Roman Rabinovich isn’t astonishing the critics as an awardwinning pianist, he’s a painter – and there’s an almost visual flair about his playing too. Every one of his recitals tells a story, and this one begins by placing the romantic Russian fairy tales of Nikolai Medtner next to the elegance and wit of Haydn’s playful 18th-century sonatas. Finally, Beethoven unleashes all his fantasy and fury in the famous Appassionata Sonata – and no-one plays it quite like Roman Rabinovich.

I PERFORM

‘From the minute the oboe gives the A to tune up, you can feel a crackle in the air of excitement and anticipation.’

CHAMBER SERIES POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLISH REFLECTIONS

FRENCH IMPRESSIONS

Britten Phantasy Quartet Szymanowski Violin Sonata Lutosławski Epitaph for Oboe and Piano Bacewicz String Quartet No4

Beethoven Piano Trio Op11 Gassenhauer Saint-Saëns Oboe Sonata Saint-Saëns Bassoon Sonata Poulenc Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano

Featuring Adrian Wilson, Lena Zeliszewska, Robin Wilson, Tom Dunn, Arthur Boutillier and Julia Strehle-Lynch

Featuring Adrian Wilson, David Hubbard and Scott Mitchell

Sun 25 Apr 2021: 2.30pm

In the 20th century, Polish music burst out of its homeland and set Europe on fire. The three Polish pieces in this concert are intimate in scale, but epic in emotion, whether they’re Szymanowski’s sensuous, soaring Violin Sonata, Lutosławski’s haunting Epitaph or the brilliantly imaginative Fourth Quartet by Grażyna Bacewicz – possibly one of the 20th century’s wittiest composers. Britten’s bracing Phantasy Quartet offers a very British perspective on a concert that’s as surprising as it is entertaining.

38 Season 2020:21

Sun 2 May 2021: 2.30pm

‘Do not analyse my music,’ demanded the French composer Francis Poulenc.

‘Love it!’ And it’s hard not to love music as playful, as tuneful and as dapper as his delightful Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano. But then, French music has always had a certain je-ne-sais-quoi, and these three players are also playing two rarely heard sonatas by the man behind the Organ Symphony, Camille SaintSaëns: music that simply oozes melody, romance and that indefinable Gallic chic.

BACH’S GOLDBERG VARIATIONS

Sun 23 May 2021: 2.30pm Bach Selected Inventions Bach Goldberg Variations Featuring Sharon Roffman, Tom Dunn and Aleksei Kiseliov They say that Bach wrote his Goldberg Variations to soothe an insomniac nobleman. A simple melody unlocks a chain of 30 musical puzzles; brilliant, profound and endlessly fascinating, they’re one of those pieces that are bigger than the imagination of any one performer, and there are as many different ways to experience them as there are musicians and listeners. Today, three of the RSNO’s string players come together for an encounter with one of music’s most beautiful minds.

DELVE DEEPER

Discover more with Scotland’s National Orchestra. Delve deeper with our In Focus talks and experience the rehearsal process as we workshop new compositions from the members of our Composers’ Hub.

IN FOCUS

BEETHOVEN, MUSIC AND THE MIND

Tue 15 Sep 2020: 7.30pm Gillian Moore CBE Director of Music, Southbank Centre Katherine Bryan Flute Jay Capperauld Composer As we continue our Beethoven 250 celebrations, Gillian Moore chairs an enlightening round-table discussion exploring the themes of mental health and music. Scottish Composer Jay Capperauld and Principal Flute Katherine Bryan introduce the themes behind Jay’s new Flute Concerto Our Gilded Veins, which was inspired by the Japanese technique kintsugi and is centred around the idea of celebrating the broken histories of ourselves.

Join us for what promises to be a fascinating evening.

IN FOCUS

POLSKA SCOTLAND

Tue 23 Mar 2021: 7.30pm Alistair Mackie RSNO Chief Executive Lady Camilla Panufnik Robert Ostrycharz Historian Ewen McKay RSNO Head of Orchestra Management This Season the RSNO celebrates the rich history and cultural connections between Poland and Scotland in our series Polska Scotland. Join RSNO Chief Executive Alistair Mackie as he hosts a unique round-table discussion with Lady Camilla Panufnik, wife of the esteemed composer Andrzej Panufnik, Polish historian Robert Ostrycharz and Ewen McKay, unofficial historian of the RSNO! Explore the connections between these two great countries, including tales of espionage, and learn more about the role Scotland’s National Orchestra has played over the decades in supporting Polish composers.

COMPOSERS’ HUB WORKSHOP

Tue 27 Apr 2021: 10am-5pm The RSNO’s Composers’ Hub goes from strength to strength. An exciting scheme which offers emerging composers the chance to work with the RSNO over the course of a Season, this year our composers will be focusing on the theme of migration. In this public workshop you will hear five brandnew works composed especially for the RSNO by the members of the Composers’ Hub. Each composition will be rehearsed and discussed, with one piece selected for performance in the RSNO’s 2021:22 Season. Join us and witness musical history in the making.

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

POLSKA SCOTLAND

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SHOWCASE The RSNO is committed to supporting and nurturing young musicians across Scotland.

This Season we’re delighted to showcase the musicians of the Music School of Douglas Academy, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Come and show your support for the next generation of musicians.

MUSIC SCHOOL OF DOUGLAS ACADEMY SHOWCASE Fri 12 Mar 2021: 7.30pm

We’re thrilled to present the young musicians from the Music School of Douglas Academy, one of four Centres of Excellence for Music in Scotland funded by the Scottish Government.

The RSNO is delighted to be working in partnership with Douglas Academy to offer their young students the opportunity to shine in the wonderful New Auditorium. Come and enjoy this special evening showcasing some of the brightest young musicians in Scotland.

THE MUSIC SCHOOL OF DOUGLAS ACADEMY IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL

NICOLA BENEDETTI WITH NYOS & RSNO Sat 17 Apr 2021: 7.30pm

Over the last two years, the RSNO has been proud to present the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland in concert as part of our Season. This year, under the baton of Thomas Søndergård, RSNO musicians will join NYOS on stage for a spectacular side-by-side performance of Shostakovich’s powerful Leningrad Symphony. Before that though, Scottish superstar Nicola Benedetti joins NYOS to perform the concerto with which she won the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, Szymanowski’s ravishing Violin Concerto No1. Don’t miss this evening showcasing the best of Scottish talent.

POLSKA SCOTLAND

40 Season 2020:21

POLSKA SCOTLAND

ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND CONCERTO SHOWCASE Thu 20 May 2021: 7.30pm

The RSNO is delighted to showcase our partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. During the course of the year, RCS students work closely with RSNO musicians through our Professional Experience Scheme, side-by-side and conducting days. Tonight, top students from the RCS’ strings, piano, woodwind and brass departments perform a varied concerto programme accompanied

by Scotland’s National Orchestra. This public performance is open to all and is an exciting and inspiring opportunity to see the musicians of tomorrow at the start of their career.

At the RSNO, we believe that music can enrich lives and support the ambition and well-being of our communities.

Through RSNO Engage, our dynamic learning and engagement programme, we aim to inspire and engage as broad an audience as possible, increasing access to music for all.

RSNO Engage activity happens in concert halls across Scotland through an imaginative programme of performances and concerts and out in our local communities through participatory workshops and events that connect our orchestra, its music and musicians with people of all ages and backgrounds.

In schools, on stages, in hospitals, care homes and community centres, our activity is delivered by our professional musicians who share the power and wonder of world-class music through our varied year-round programme.

RSNO Engage

CONNECT LISTEN PARTICIPATE CREATE

We are grateful for the generosity of our donors, and the numerous charitable trusts and foundations which support the RSNO’s learning and engagement activities across Scotland.

In 2018:19

31,000 4,900 380 People engaged in our programmes

Total number of nursery and primary children who attended our 360LIVE concerts

Members of the RSNO Junior Chorus aged 7-18

100+

Workshop sessions delivered to community groups across Scotland

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE RSNO Engage offers a variety of activity that aims to inspire the next generation of musicians and concertgoers. From schools concerts and creative workshops to talent development opportunities, the RSNO supports young people at the beginning of their creative journey.

TAKEOVER 2021

NOTES FROM SCOTLAND

If you’re aged 16-18, apply today to ‘take over’ the RSNO! On 14 and 15 June 2021 up to 50 young people will work across the organisation to produce a public concert at the end of this twoday event. Application deadline is Fri 4 Dec 2020. rsno.org.uk/takeover

An exciting competition for young composers aged 12-18 years. Five shortlisted pieces will be performed and recorded by RSNO musicians for an audience and panel of judges. The winning composer will receive a pair of Bose SoundLink® headphones and enjoy VIP access to RSNO concerts. rsno.org.uk/notes-from-scotland

SCHOOLS AND NURSERIES

YOUNG AMBASSADORS

RSNO JUNIOR CHORUS

The RSNO’s interactive Nursery and Primary School concerts are a lively and engaging introduction to the orchestra for young pupils. We also offer specially tailored in-school workshops and activities. Teachers can register their school for updates by emailing engage@rsno.org.uk or find out more at rsno.org.uk/primary

If you’re aged 16-21 and looking to develop as a young creative leader, gain new skills and share your love of classical music with others, then apply to become an RSNO Young Ambassador.

With free tickets to concerts and access to a whole new network, this is your chance to help shape the work of the RSNO. Applications open in August 2020. rsno.org.uk/young-ambassadors

With over 350 members, the RSNO Junior Chorus is one of the leading youth choirs in the UK. To find out more about the Junior Chorus or to arrange an audition, please email chorus@rsno.org.uk or visit rsno.org.uk/junior-chorus

42 Season 2020:21

ANTHONY AND ANNA, RSNO YOUNG AMBASSADORS

WE ENGAGE

‘We want people to know who we are, why we’re here and how other people can get involved next year and the years after.’

I SING ‘To be able to sing with a big orchestra like the RSNO is a luxury and is just the most exciting thing.’

JUDITH, RSNO CHORUS SOPRANO

JOIN IN

Making music is a fun way to improve your health and well-being. We’d love you to join us for these exciting opportunities, led by our professional musicians.

COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA The RSNO Community Orchestra is open to all and is aimed at those who play anything from ABRSM Grade 1 to Grade 4 standard. Whether you played an instrument at school and haven’t picked it up in years, or are a beginner to intermediate player, come and join in! rsno.org.uk/community-orchestra

COME AND SING BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM Join Chorus Director Gregory Batsleer on Sat 9 Jan 2021 for a day of rehearsal before putting on a public performance of Brahms’ German Requiem accompanied by Scotland’s National Orchestra. Book your place at rsno.org.uk/come-and-sing

CHORUS ACADEMY

RSNO CHORUS

Are you interested in singing choral music but don’t feel you’re quite ready to audition for the RSNO Chorus? Are you passionate about classical music but have never sung it before? Then this is the group for you. The RSNO Chorus Academy is open to all, without audition. rsno.org.uk/chorus-academy

From new commissions to popular film scores, the RSNO Chorus sings it all! If you’re an enthusiastic and committed singer who’d like to share this passion with others, please email chorus@rsno.org.uk to arrange your audition today. rsno.org.uk/chorus

‘I’m really glad that I’m back playing. It just felt completely natural, and it was really nice to speak to a lot of different people of different backgrounds and ages who were all there just to get back into their music.’

RSNO COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA MEMBER

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I ENJOY ‘A huge orchestra, fabulous conductors, it’s just great fun!’

ALISTAIR, RSNO JUNIOR CHORUS MEMBER

CONNECTING GENERATIONS THROUGH MUSIC Support our 2020:21 appeal which focuses on addressing the challenge of age segregation across Scotland.

It has been proven that the quality and quantity of interactions we have with other people play a vital role in our happiness and quality of life. As the divide between the youngest and oldest members of our society grows, there are fewer opportunities to connect and communicate, and this often results in mistrust and loneliness.

As Scotland’s National Orchestra we want to challenge the divide between young and old because we believe that – with every concert, tour, or music workshop – our work has the power to bring generations together and improve well-being.

We need your support to enable us to bring different generations together through great musical experiences.

Your donation will help engage and connect the youngest and oldest in our society through:

• RSNO Generations: Our Generations project connects elderly care home residents with nursery school pupils through tailored, fun music-making activities.

• Festive and Family Concerts:

Grandparents hold the hands of their excited grandchildren as they experience a live orchestral performance for the very first time.

• Our Eight Choruses: Singing is good for the body and soul! The RSNO hosts over 600 singers aged from 8 to 83 at weekly rehearsals.

• RSNO Community Orchestra: A friendly and supportive orchestra where 7-year- olds make music alongside 70-year-olds.

Your donation enables the RSNO to bring generations together through music.

Simply complete the box on the booking form with your gift amount.

Alternatively, you can donate at rsno.org.uk/appeal

‘Singing with the children brightened my day.’

Care home resident RSNO Generations

We are deeply grateful for your support.

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JOIN THE

RSNO CIRCLE Our community of music-lovers

Join our Circle and get to know us better with free access to behind-the-scenes events, priority booking and regular news.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Support Scotland’s National Orchestra Invitations to RSNO Circle Open Rehearsals Priority single ticket booking for Season concerts

Acknowledgement in our Season concert programmes as a Sonata, Concerto, Symphony and Virtuoso member Our exclusive magazine Inner Circle

To join, please add a gift to your subscription payment. Simply complete the box on the booking form with your level of membership. Or you can go online and join at www.rsno.org.uk/circle

To all our existing Circle members, thank you.

Thank you for your vital support that helps us bring music to so many people, from our learning and engagement programmes to our concert performances across Scotland.

If you have any questions about the RSNO Circle, please send Kirsten Reid, our Membership Officer, an email at circle@rsno.org.uk or telephone on 0141 225 3586.

Help make your gift go further by dating and signing the Gift Aid box. If you are a UK taxpayer the RSNO can claim an additional 25p for every £1 you donate.

YOUR LEVEL OF SUPPORT:

£35†/40

OVERTURE

£150

SONATA

CONCERTO

SYMPHONY

£600

£1,200

annually †Concession

or £12.50 per month by Direct Debit

or £25 per month by Direct Debit

or £50 per month by Direct Debit

or £100 per month by Direct Debit

48 Season 2020:21

£300

VIRTUOSO

I SUPPORT

‘It’s so good to see how things are changing, developing – and it’s always exciting.’

KAREN, RSNO SUBSCRIBER AND CIRCLE MEMBER

THANK YOU Funders

Corporate Supporters

Principal Media Partner

Principal Transport Provider

Trust ScotRail to keep you moving to the music 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. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is just minutes from both Queen Street and Central Stations.

Visit scotrail.co.uk to book tickets.

50 Season 2020:21

Broadcast Partner

Chair Sponsors

The RSNO is deeply grateful for the generosity of its individual supporters. Our inspirational Conductors’ Circle and dedicated Patrons are a vital part of our annual fundraising. As a charity, we also rely upon a wide range of support from Trusts and Foundations; each grant received makes a difference and we would like to thank all of those who continue to support the RSNO in this way.

BOOK NOW SAVE UP TO

35%

BY SUBSCRIBING TO THE SEASON!

Under 18s go free Two under 18s can attend all 20 RSNO Season Concerts in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of two free children per adult. Additional children £6 each. Show your U18 tickets on the night to receive a free programme.

Tickets to RSNO at the Movies are 50% off for U18s.

Free tickets for 16-17 year olds

Online subscriptions and single tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 5 May 2020.

Young people aged 16-17 can attend all 20 RSNO Season 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 RSNO at the Movies are 50% off for U18s. Offers may be limited for some concerts.*

Book your tickets

Under 26s and mature students

Booking five or more Season concerts?

Would you like to renew your subscription and keep your seats? Simply complete and return the booking form at the centre of the brochure within your priority booking period.

Online†: rsno.org.uk Phone†: 0141 353 8000 Open Mon–Sat 10am to 6pm In person: Visit the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Box Office at 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY Open Mon–Sat 10am to 6pm †

A transaction fee of £1.50 is charged for online bookings and £1.75 for phone bookings. Postage, where applicable, is charged at £1. Fees correct at time of print.

Single ticket prices

Season concerts: £38.50, £29.50, £25, £19, £13.50 RSNO at the Movies: £45, £39, £33, £26, £19 Messiah: £45, £39, £33, £26, £19 Symphony, Soup and a Sandwich: £25 including lunch, £16 concert only Chamber Series: £16 in advance, £18 on the day Children’s Classic Concerts: Adult from £11, Child from £7 Douglas Academy & RSNO Chorus in Concert: £14 Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: £5-£17 Come and Sing: £25 participant, £12.50 audience In Focus: £16 Composers’ Hub Workshop: £10

If you are aged between 18 and 25 inclusive, or are in full-time education, you can purchase tickets to all 20 RSNO Season concerts in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for £6 each in advance of the concert or £8 after 5pm on the day* (RSNO at the Movies Concerts 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 benefit, you can purchase tickets to all 20 RSNO Season concerts in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for £6 each.* 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 subscription prices.) Wheelchair spaces are situated at the ends of Terraces A and C and row G in the Arena (Price Band V).

Access for disabled patrons is via the North Entrance (Killermont Street). Lifts are available to all levels.

Additional needs Visitors are encouraged to contact the Box Office in advance if they have any questions about access requirements.

Schools and youth groups Free tickets to RSNO Season concerts are available for schools and groups of young people aged 17 and under.

Visit rsno.org.uk/under-18 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.

Email groups@rsno.org.uk to reserve the best seats for your group. Discounts are subject to availability.

*Seating area restrictions may apply to some performances. Subject to availability.

Full details of RSNO tickets offers are available online at rsno.org.uk/discounts Subscriptions on sale from Friday 6 March 2020. RSNO Circle members can priority book single tickets from Monday 27 April 2020. Online subscriptions and single tickets on general sale from Tuesday 5 May 2020.

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SEASON 2020:21 SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION GLW Sat 12 Sep 2020 IN FOCUS BEETHOVEN, MUSIC & THE MIND GLW Tue 15 Sep 2020 EDN Wed 16 Sep 2020

SYMPHONY, SOUP AND A SANDWICH INSPIRATIONAL BRAHMS GLW Wed 18 Nov 2020: 1pm AFTERNOON CONCERT BARBER VIOLIN CONCERTO EDN Fri 20 Nov 2020: 2pm

RSNO CHORUS IN CONCERT GLW Sun 28 Feb 2021: 2.30pm PRESENTING POLISH NATIONAL RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TCHAIKOVSKY FOUR EDN Fri 5 Mar 2021 GLW Sat 6 Mar 2021 PTH Sun 7 Mar 2021: 3pm

SEASON OPENER BEETHOVEN NINE EDN Fri 18 Sep 2020 GLW Sat 19 Sep 2020

VIDEO GAMES MUSIC IN CONCERT EDN Fri 20 Nov 2020 GLW Sat 21 Nov 2020

MIDORI PLAYS BEETHOVEN DND Thu 1 Oct 2020 EDN Fri 2 Oct 2020 GLW Sat 3 Oct 2020

PAUL LEWIS PLAYS GRIEG EDN Fri 27 Nov 2020 GLW Sat 28 Nov 2020

SIBELIUS ONE EDN Fri 12 Mar 2021 GLW Sat 13 Mar 2021

CHAMBER PAUL LEWIS PLAYS MOZART GLW Sun 29 Nov 2020: 2.30pm

THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS EDN Fri 19 Mar 2021 GLW Sat 20 Mar 2021: 3pm & 7.30pm DND Sun 21 Mar 2021: 3pm

CHAMBER FAURÉ & BRAHMS PIANO QUARTETS GLW Sun 4 Oct 2020: 2.30pm SHOSTAKOVICH FIVE EDN Fri 9 Oct 2020 GLW Sat 10 Oct 2020 ABN Thu 15 Oct 2020 SYMPHONY, SOUP AND A SANDWICH SPARKLING RACHMANINOV GLW Wed 14 Oct 2020: 1pm THE RITE OF SPRING EDN Fri 23 Oct 2020 GLW Sat 24 Oct 2020 CHAMBER JÖRG WIDMANN: CLARINET CREATIONS GLW Sun 25 Oct 2020: 2.30pm BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL EDN Fri 30 Oct 2020 GLW Sat 31 Oct 2020 CHILDREN’S CLASSIC CONCERTS GHOST SHIP GLW Sat 31 Oct 2020: 3pm EDN Sun 1 Nov 2020: 3pm BEETHOVEN FIVE PTH Thu 5 Nov 2020 EDN Fri 6 Nov 2020 GLW Sat 7 Nov 2020 SIBELIUS FIVE EDN Fri 13 Nov 2020 GLW Sat 14 Nov 2020

SCHEHERAZADE EDN Fri 4 Dec 2020 GLW Sat 5 Dec 2020 CHILDREN’S CLASSIC CONCERTS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS GLW Sat 5 Dec 2020: 1pm & 3pm EDN Sun 6 Dec 2020: 3pm SWAN LAKE EDN Fri 11 Dec 2020 GLW Sat 12 Dec 2020 RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERT ABN Thu 17 Dec 2020 DND Fri 18 Dec 2020 GLW Sat 19 Dec 2020: 2pm & 6pm EDN Sun 20 Dec 2020: 3pm VIENNESE GALA INV Wed 6 Jan 2021 DND Thu 7 Jan 2021 DNF Fri 8 Jan 2021 LNG Sun 10 Jan 2021 COME AND SING BRAHMS’ GERMAN REQUIEM GLW Sat 9 Jan 2021: 10am-5pm Public concert: 7pm GERSHWIN & RACHMANINOV DND Thu 4 Feb 2021 EDN Fri 5 Feb 2021 GLW Sat 6 Feb 2021 BRUCH SCOTTISH FANTASY EDN Fri 12 Feb 2021 GLW Sat 13 Feb 2021

MUSIC SCHOOL OF DOUGLAS ACADEMY SHOWCASE GLW Fri 12 Mar 2021

IN FOCUS POLSKA SCOTLAND GLW Tue 23 Mar 2021 EDN Wed 24 Mar 2021 PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO & JULIET ABN Thu 25 Mar 2021 EDN Fri 26 Mar 2021 GLW Sat 27 Mar 2021 CHAMBER RABINOVICH PLAYS BEETHOVEN’S APPASSIONATA GLW Sun 28 Mar 2021: 2.30pm HANDEL’S MESSIAH GLW Sat 3 Apr 2021: 3pm NICOLA BENEDETTI WITH NYOS & RSNO DND Thu 15 Apr 2021 EDN Fri 16 Apr 2021 GLW Sat 17 Apr 2021 NICOLA BENEDETTI PLAYS SIMPSON PTH Thu 22 Apr 2021 EDN Fri 23 Apr 2021 GLW Sat 24 Apr 2021 CHAMBER POLISH REFLECTIONS Sun 25 Apr 2021: 2.30pm COMPOSERS’ HUB WORKSHOP GLW Tue 27 Apr 2021: 10am-5pm FAURÉ’S REQUIEM EDN Fri 30 Apr 2021 GLW Sat 1 May 2021

19 Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NX +44 (0)141 226 3868 rsno.org.uk Scottish Company No 27809 Scottish Charity No SC010702

The RSNO is supported by the Scottish Government

CHAMBER FRENCH IMPRESSIONS GLW Sun 2 May 2021: 2.30pm SYMPHONY, SOUP AND A SANDWICH HEROIC DVOŘÁK GLW Wed 5 May 2021: 1pm THE MAGICAL MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER PTH Thu 6 May 2021 EDN Fri 7 May 2021 GLW Sat 8 May 2021: 3pm & 7.30pm DND Sun 9 May 2021: 3pm BENJAMIN GROSVENOR PLAYS CHOPIN ABN Thu 13 May 2021 EDN Fri 14 May 2021 GLW Sat 15 May 2021 ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND CONCERTO SHOWCASE GLW Thu 20 May 2021 THE MUSIC OF BOND, JAMES BOND EDN Fri 21 May 2021 GLW Sat 22 May 2021 CHAMBER BACH GOLDBERG VARIATIONS GLW Sun 23 May 2021: 2.30pm SEASON FINALE MAHLER TWO EDN Fri 4 Jun 2021 GLW Sat 5 Jun 2021 All concerts start at 7.30pm unless otherwise noted.

BOX OFFICE NUMBERS Aberdeen ABN 01224 641122 Dundee DND 01382 434940 Dunfermline DNF 01383 602302 Edinburgh EDN 0131 228 1155 Glasgow GLW 0141 353 8000 Inverness INV 01463 234234 Langholm LNG 01387 381196 Perth PTH 01738 621031 RSNO Photography © Martin McCready, Upfront Photography Cover: Emily Davis, RSNO Associate Leader All details correct at time of print.