SCO Annual Review 24/25

Annual Review

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

His Majesty King Charles III Patron Donald MacDonald CBE Life President Joanna Baker CBE Chair Gavin Reid LVO Chief Executive Maxim Emelyanychev Principal Conductor Andrew Manze Principal Guest Conductor Joseph Swensen Conductor Emeritus Gregory Batsleer Chorus Director Jay Capperauld Associate Composer

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Contents

Front Cover illustration: D8 Inside Cover Photo: © Ryan Buchanan (Maxim Emelyanychev, Principal Conductor)

Music for Everyone

5

Chair’s Statement

6

Chief Executive’s Statement

7

Our Concerts

8

SCO Chorus

12

Festivals & International Touring

13

Scottish Touring

14

Digital Season, Broadcasts & Recordings

16

Music & Dementia

18

Children & Families

20

Our Work with Young People

21

Developing Young Talent

22

SCO in Craigmillar

24

New Music & Commissions

26

Audience in Numbers

28

Audience Development

29

Dunard Centre

30

Sustainability

32

Our People

33

Key Financial Facts

34

Supporters

36

Partners

38

Trusts & Foundations

39

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

“Consistently the best, most inspiring modern ensemble I’ve had the pleasure of hearing! Thank you!”

Audience member (2024 Audience Survey)

“Every time they have attended an SCO performance, they have come back invigorated – it is a pleasure to see.”

Craigmillar Project Delivery Team

“Dive in headfirst to an evening of pure musical joy.”

A Youngish Perspective (13 Oct, 2024) on Baroque Inspirations

Photo: Christopher Bowen

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Music for everyone The Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s activities during 2024/25 stand as a testament to our enduring mission: to create transformative musical experiences that enrich lives, inspire communities and champion artistic excellence across Scotland and beyond.

Guided by our vision to be a leading force in classical music - innovative, inclusive, and deeply connected to our audiences - we have continued to place collaboration, reflection and accessibility at the heart of everything we do.

This year, these values have been reflected in every facet of our work: from world-class performances and bold new commissions to pioneering creative learning programmes and creative health initiatives.

Our commitment to openness and shared purpose has driven partnerships with artists, communities and supporters, enabling us to reach new audiences and deepen our impact.

We remain committed to increasing our reach, our relevance and the value of our work. This review captures a year of achievement, ambition and the unwavering belief that music can transform lives.

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Chair’s Statement Joanna Baker CBE

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s 2024/25 season has been a year of purpose, progress, and exceptional music-making. Guided by our strategic vision to be a leading force in classical music innovative, inclusive, and deeply connected to our audiences - we have delivered on the priorities that shape our work: artistic excellence, accessibility, and impact. I am proud that this year’s achievements reflect all three and, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, extend my thanks and admiration to our inspirational musicians and exceptional staff team, so ably led by Maxim Emelyanychev and Gavin Reid.

From world-class performances and bold new commissions to pioneering education and health initiatives, the SCO has shown how creativity and responsibility can work hand in hand. Our commitment to openness and collaboration has strengthened relationships with communities across Scotland, expanded our international reach, and reinforced the Orchestra’s role as a cultural ambassador.

Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum. The opening of the Dunard Centre will mark a transformative chapter for the SCO, giving us a world-class home in Edinburgh and a platform for innovation and engagement. This will ensure the SCO remains at the heart of Scotland’s cultural life for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

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Chief Executive’s Statement Gavin Reid LVO

The 2024/25 season has been a year of extraordinary breadth and ambition for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. At its heart lies the artistry of our musicians and our Principal Conductor, Maxim Emelyanychev, whose energy and vision continue to inspire. Alongside Maxim, we have benefitted from the insight of Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze, the creative leadership of Chorus Director Gregory Batsleer and the distinctive voice of Associate Composer Jay Capperauld. Together, they have shaped a season that celebrates tradition while embracing innovation.

Our work this year has reached concert halls, schools, hospitals, and communities across Scotland and beyond. From acclaimed performances and international tours to programmes such as ReConnect for people living with a dementia and creative learning initiatives for young people, the SCO has reaffirmed its mission to make music for everyone. We have championed new music through bold commissions, nurtured emerging talent and extended our reach through digital broadcasts and Scottish summer touring.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our musicians, staff, and partners, and the unwavering support of our audiences and donors. Your belief in our work sustains everything we do.

On behalf of the entire SCO family, thank you for sharing in our vision and helping us bring the joy and power of music to so many lives.

Photo: © Stuart Armit

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Our Concerts The conclusion of our 50th Anniversary celebrations in May 2024 was marked by performances that epitomised the SCO’s spirit of excellence, collaboration and innovation. Maxim Emelyanychev closed the Season with one of his most cherished composers, Felix Mendelssohn. His dramatic reading of Elijah, featuring the SCO Chorus and an international cast of soloists including Carolyn Sampson and Roderick Williams, received five-star reviews and brought our anniversary year to a resounding conclusion.

2024/25 Winter Season

Principal Guest Conductor – Andrew Manze

Our 2024/25 Winter Season encompassed over 70 concerts in eight Scottish cities and towns.

The programme blended beloved masterpieces, rediscovered gems, new commissions and imaginative collaborations, sustaining the energy of our anniversary year.

In April 2024, Andrew Manze was announced as our new Principal Guest Conductor, coinciding with two memorable concerts at the end of the 2023/24 Season. The first, a programme with Steven Osborne featuring Ravel’s Piano Concerto. The second brought together 39 young musicians of varying abilities from Edinburgh, East Lothian and Glasgow to perform Vaughan Williams’ Concerto Grosso alongside SCO players at the Usher Hall and City Halls.

Principal Conductor – Maxim Emelyanychev Maxim’s sixth season as Principal Conductor deepened his already profound artistic relationship with the Orchestra. His artistry and energy continue to lift every performance.

Highlights included a joyful Celebration of Dvořák with cellist Steven Isserlis, powerful performances of Prokofiev’s ‘Classical’ Symphony, Brahms’ Second Symphony, and Mozart’s Mass in C minor, and a dynamic concert centred around Eine kleine Nachtmusik.

Whether leading a week of Baroque favourites, navigating the bold colours of Prokofiev and Brahms, or championing new commissions such as SCO Associate Composer Jay Capperauld’s thrilling Bruckner’s Skull, Maxim’s bond with both musicians and audiences remains palpable.

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Andrew brought his renowned insight to three distinctive programmes during the 2024/25 Season including Mozart’s Flute Concerto with SCO’s André Cebrián, Fauré’s Requiem with the SCO Chorus and Roderick Williams and Borealis, a concert exploring Nordic and Scottish soundscapes featuring MacMillan, Hillborg and Capperauld as part of our inaugural New Dimensions series and the Nordic Music Days festival.

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Top Maxim Emelyanychev.

Photo: © Andrej Grilc Bottom Steven Isserlis.

Photo: © Christopher Bowen Left: Andrew Manze Photo: © Chris Christodoulou

“Steven Isserlis’s muscular, passionate and deeply thoughtful performance in Dvořák’s Cello Concerto was a highlight of this opening concert of the SCO’s new season.”

The Scotsman on A Celebration of Dvořák (24 Sep, 2024)

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Top Pekka Kuusisto Photo: © Christopher Bowen Bottom Geneva Lewis Photo: © Motti Fang-Bentov

“Geneva Lewis’ performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the SCO was full of deeply considered musical insights… immensely powerful.”

The Scotsman on Sibelius’ Violin Concerto (17 Jan, 2025)

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Our Concerts Guest Artists and Soloists Our line-up of guest conductors and soloists brought remarkable variety.

Rachel Podger and Isabelle van Keulen illuminated Baroque and Romantic repertoire; pianists Yeol Eum Son and Eric Lu showcased lyricism and virtuosity; Geneva Lewis made a revelatory debut; and trumpet virtuoso Sergei Nakariakov dazzled in Widmann’s Ad Absurdum. Kazakhstan-born violinist Alena Baeva, stepping in at short notice for Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, delivered one of the Season’s most talked-about performances, and we look forward to future collaborations.

Our close friendship with violinist Pekka Kuusisto remained a season highlight, though his Residency was interrupted by the sad passing of his father, composer Ilkka Kuusisto. We were delighted to welcome him back later in the year for a typically eclectic and exuberant programme mixing Britten, Adès, Beamish and Haydn. As always, Pekka’s fearless creativity and warmth drew audiences into a uniquely theatrical and genre-crossing experience.

American conductor Ryan Bancroft returned for a second season with a sensitive performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto, while Václav Luks led a festive, period-informed Christmas Oratorio.

The SCO’s own musicians shone brightly too. André Cebrián, Maximiliano Martín, William Stafford, Cerys Ambrose-Evans, Stephanie Gonley, Max Mandel and Nikita Naumov all took featured roles, exemplifying the depth of talent within the Orchestra and underlining our commitment to celebrating the artistry of our players.

Whether in a grand symphony, a daring new commission or an intimate chamber work, the SCO’s 2024/25 Winter Season concerts embodied our mission to create transformative musical experiences. The Season’s range, spanning the monumental to the miniature, the familiar to the adventurous, was a testament to the Orchestra’s agility and its deep connection with audiences across Scotland.

“Nakariakov performed with dazzling virtuosity as well as hugely impressive breath control.”

The Arts Desk on Ad Absurdum (4 Feb, 2025)

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Photo: © Christopher Bowen

SCO Chorus Under the direction of Gregory Batsleer, the SCO Chorus was at the heart of some of the year’s most powerful musical moments. Equally compelling in large-scale symphonic works and in more intimate settings, the choir continued to demonstrate its trademark versatility and expressive range.

The Chorus helped bring our 50th Anniversary season to a close in May 2024 with a triumphant performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, following on from its acclaimed appearance with Maxim and the Orchestra at the 2023 BBC Proms. Mozart’s Mass in C minor arrived early in the following season, revealing the choir’s agility and precision, while Haydn’s Nelson Mass brought together Chorus and Orchestra in a radiant display of Classical grandeur. At Easter, Sir James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross, provided a deeply moving centrepiece.for an atmospheric concert in Greyfriars Kirk.

The Chorus’ 2024 festive concerts in Greyfriars Kirk carried added significance with the premiere of a new arrangement of Silent Night by Lucy Walker.

With its hushed opening bars building gradually towards a radiant conclusion, the work invited both Chorus and audience to share in an unforgettable communal experience. The commission not only enriched the audiences’ experience but also reflected the Chorus’ commitment to renewing tradition through fresh creative voices.

The Chorus had its first SCO Scottish Summer Tour concerts in 2024, bringing the power and warmth of choral music to audiences in Stirling Castle and St John’s Kirk, Perth. These appearances were met with great enthusiasm and underlined the Chorus’ role in extending the SCO’s reach across Scotland.

Alongside these artistic achievements, the Chorus benefitted from the support of our generous philanthropic community through the SCO Chorus Big Give appeal, which raised over £67,000 to support the Chorus’ future development. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed: their generosity sustains the Chorus’ ambitious work on stage and in the wider community.

“The SCO Chorus were on their finest form, singing the great fugues with impressive precision…”

The Times on Mozart’s C minor Mass (7 Oct, 2024)

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Così fan tutte Photo: © Andrew Perry

Festivals & International Touring The 2024/25 season featured exhilarating festival performances and international engagements, led with expressive brilliance by Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev and other musical collaborators.

At the Edinburgh International Festival, the SCO delivered two operatic triumphs: a bold and emotionally charged performance of Bizet’s Carmen and Mozart’s Così fan tutte rendered with elegance and wit. The latter marked the latest chapter in an acclaimed multi-year partnership between the SCO, Maxim Emelyanychev, and the Festival, presenting Mozart’s operas in concert to widespread critical and audience acclaim.

Beyond Scotland, the Orchestra embarked on a compelling European tour, bringing its distinctive sound to audiences in Toulouse, Liège, and Antwerp, plus two dates at Mozartfest in Würzburg.

These performances highlighted the SCO’s

commitment to cultural exchange and its growing presence on the international stage. Each venue offered a unique opportunity to connect with new audiences and deepen artistic collaborations.

Closer to home, the Orchestra was scheduled to perform at Celtic Connections in January 2025, but the concert was regrettably cancelled due to Storm Éowyn, which caused widespread disruption across Scotland.

Despite this setback, the Season’s touring and Festival highlights underscored the SCO’s artistic ambition, reinforcing its role as a leading force in both national and international classical music circles. These achievements were made possible through the Orchestra’s exceptional ability to collaborate with guest artists, partner organisations and festival curators.

The SCO’s European tour dates were supported by the Scottish Government’s International Touring Fund.

“Rarely do musicians sound to be enjoying their work as much as the SCO players do from the wonderful overture onwards.”

The Herald on Carmen at Edinburgh International Festival (5 Aug, 2024)

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Scottish Touring In 2024 we celebrated 45 years of Scottish Summer touring, reaffirming our commitment to bringing worldclass live music to communities across the country.

From Stranraer to Thurso, the Orchestra performed in over 20 locations, many of them remote, continuing its mission to make exceptional classical music accessible to all.

The 2024 summer touring programme expanded in scope and format, showcasing the versatility and creativity of SCO musicians. Alongside traditional orchestral concerts, audiences experienced the power of the SCO Chorus, the energy of our UN:TITLED gig-style performances and the warmth of our dementia-friendly concerts.

Our summer tours featured a stellar line-up of conductors and soloists, each bringing fresh perspectives and artistry to the stage. Whether in village halls or historic churches, the SCO’s performances were met with huge enthusiasm and gratitude, reinforcing the Orchestra’s role as a cultural lifeline to communities in Scotland.

Overall, the 2024 Summer Tour was a box office success with the majority of dates exceeding audience targets.

We sold 3,805 tickets in 2024 compared to 2,756 tickets in 2023.

The 2024 Summer Touring programme was kindly supported

by Eriadne & George Mackintosh and Claire & Anthony Tait.

“Concert was out of this world ♥. Awe inspiringly wonderful.”

Audience Member, Callander Kirk

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Date

Locations

Sat 8 Jun

Perth

Sun 9 Jun

Stirling

Wed 12 Jun

Glasgow

Thu 13 Jun

Stirling

Sat 15 Jun

Edinburgh

Sun 16 Jun

Glasgow

Wed 19 Jun

Inverness

Thu 20 Jun

Thurso

Sat 21 Jun

Findhorn

Wed 26 Jun

Inverness

Thu 27 Jun

Stonehaven

Wed 26 Jun

Dunoon

Thu 27 Jun

Killin

Fri 28 Jun

Dollar

Wed 3 Jul

Helensburgh

Thu 4 Jul

Blair Atholl

Fri 5 Jul

Kinlochleven

Sat 6 Jul

Callander

Thu 25 Jul

Stirling

Fri 26 Jul

Stranraer

Sat 27 Jul

Galashiels

Thu 12 Sep

Paisley

Fri 13 Sep

Linlithgow

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Digital Season, Broadcasts & Recordings 2024/25 Digital Season

Radio Broadcasts

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s free Digital Season continued to reach audiences far beyond the concert hall, offering intimate musical experiences filmed in Edinburgh’s iconic Leith Theatre. Across three beautifully crafted digital concerts, SCO musicians brought their artistry directly into homes around the world, reaffirming the Orchestra’s commitment to accessibility and innovation.

In 2024/25, the SCO’s music reached audiences across the UK and internationally through three BBC Radio 3 broadcasts, showcasing the Orchestra’s innovative programming, the virtuosity of the SCO players.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Novelletten (Nos 1 & 3) Thursday 10 October, 7.30pm Andrea Tarrodi Serenade in Seven Colours Sunday 10 November, 7.30pm Ruth Gipps Seascape Thursday 13 February, 7.30pm Available to stream free for a year after release, the Digital Season continued to build global connections and offer high-quality classical music to those unable to attend in person. At the time of going to press there had been over 19,000 views across the three works via SCO YouTube and The Scotsman website.

In association with

The Lark Ascending Andrew Manze Conductor | Stephanie Gonley Violin | SCO String Academy Recorded and broadcast live on Friday 3 May 2024 at City Halls, Glasgow.

Borealis Andrew Manze Conductor | Lawrence Power Viola Recorded on Friday 1 November at City Halls, Glasgow, and broadcast on Wednesday 6 November 2024.

Prokofiev & Brahms Maxim Emelyanychev Conductor | Aylen Pritchin Violin Recorded on Friday 6 December at City Halls, Glasgow, and broadcast on Wednesday 8 January 2025.

In association with

“I discovered the work of the SCO online during lockdown and I am so impressed by all the incredible digital projects since.”

Online audience member (2024 Audience Survey)

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Recording

Photos: © Beth Chalmers

Following a critically acclaimed recording of Symphony No.9, ‘The Great’, Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev and the SCO continue their survey of Schubert’s orchestral music with a recording of Symphonies Nos. 5 & 8, released on Linn in November 2024. The recording also featured Schubert’s Rondo in A major, D.438, featuring the SCO’s Leader, Stephanie Gonley, as soloist.

“The playing is exquisite… Emelyanychev’s grasp of the textural perspectives is sheer magic.”

The Scotsman ★★★★★

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Photos: © Stuart Armitt

Music & Dementia Our ReConnect programme challenges the stigma of dementia as a time of loss and decline and emphasises the capacity for joy, connection, and creativity that music can provide for people living with a dementia.

ReConnect ReConnect consists of weekly one-hour music sessions over an eight-week period, aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of all those involved by enabling creative agency, a sense of purpose, and meaningful connections. During the last year, the programme has continued to be delivered in partnership with Caring in Craigmillar, a day care centre in Edinburgh, as part of our residency in Craigmillar and also with NHS Lothian. This partnership has flourished over the past year and expanded to include delivery within both Royal Edinburgh Hospital’s dementia assessment wards and at Findlay House, a complex clinical care unit where our musicians have worked sensitively and compassionately to bring music to those who are acutely unwell.

“It’s not just the music your musicians create that’s wonderful.

It’s the warmth and the welcome too.”

Edinburgh Care Home Staff Member

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Dementia-friendly Concerts Our dementia-friendly concerts were also offered as part of our main 24/25 concert season in Edinburgh as well as on our 2024 Summer Tour in Glasgow and Stirling.

Helping to combat social isolation amongst people living with a dementia and their carers, this concert series provides a joyful, shared experience for our audiences. Young musicians from Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise programmes have joined us to perform, bringing an important intergenerational element to the concert experience. The concerts continue to be co-created with the Scottish Dementia Working Group through our ongoing partnership with Alzheimer Scotland.

“Thank you so much for giving people living with a dementia and their carers this concert and these special moments.”

Audience member

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Photo: © Stuart Armitt

Children & Families We know the importance of early experiences on lifelong health and wellbeing and our programme of interactive, multi-sensory concert experiences for children and their grown-ups provide fully accessible and inclusive experiences of live music for our youngest audiences that can be shared with the whole family.

The Great Grumpy Gaboon In February 2025, The Great Grumpy Gaboon, our unique and playful musical storytelling concert for children aged seven to 12, returned for a second year with performances and pre-concert familyfocused activities in Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness, reaching audiences of over 2,700 across the three cities.

Big Ears, Little Ears In March 2025 Big Ears, Little Ears, our concert series aimed at the under fives, returned developed and delivered by a quartet of our musicians in partnership with Starcatchers, Scotland’s Arts and Early Years organisation .

These concerts took place in St Andrews and Perth, as part of the SCO’s ongoing partnership with the University of St Andrews and Perth Theatre and Concert Hall.

“Our children really enjoyed the show and haven’t stopped talking about it since. We came back home and found some of the music and instruments from the concert for our children to explore further.”

Parent, Perth

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Our Work with Young People This past year has seen us engaging with young people both in and out of the school environment.

All our activity has been driven by the belief that the knowledge, joy and connection live musical experiences bring, opens doors that help young people grow into the world around them with confidence, creativity and in community with others.

Immerse

Backstage Pass

Our annual Immerse programme, which took place in September 2024, offered a concert experience to secondary school pupils that is linked to the Scottish curriculum for Expressive Arts. Often the first opportunity that many young people have had to see and hear live orchestral music, our Immerse concerts enhance classroom teaching and are supported by accompanying learning resources. This year, Immerse once again featured The Origin of Colour by our Associate Composer Jay Capperauld who hosted performances in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness.

As well as providing an opportunity for young people to experience live orchestral music, we are also committed to supporting them to explore available careers in the performing arts and creative industries. In November 2024, our Youth Assembly planned and delivered Backstage Pass, a creative careers event held in Glasgow, for S4-5 students.

This event explored the variety of career opportunities in the performing arts sector, giving young people the chance to speak directly with arts organisations. The event attracted over 250 students and their teachers. We now aim for Backstage Pass to be an annual event.

Photo: © Christopher Bowen

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Top photo: © Christopher Bowen Left photo © Christopher Bowen Right photo: © Stuart Armitt

Developing Young Talent Throughout 2024/25, the Orchestra and Chorus were busy supporting the development of the next generation of young musicians and singers through our biennial SCO Academy programme and our Young Singers’ Programme.

SCO Academy In May 2024, our SCO Academy focused on the SCO’s Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze’s Lark Ascending concert programme. 39 young string players of varying ages and abilities learnt and performed Vaughan Williams’ Concerto Grosso, a piece written for multi-abilities. Young musicians, drawn from ensembles run by Instrumental Music Services in East Lothian, Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as from Castlebrae High School in Craigmillar, Edinburgh, participated in two weekends of workshops and rehearsals tutored by Andrew Manze and players from the Orchestra. The Academy culminated in two public performances of the Concerto Grosso in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

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Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – Winds Side by Side Project We continue our ongoing partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) through our Winds Side by Side Project. This initiative exemplifies the SCO’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent by pairing its Wind Soloists with RCS students in a professional rehearsal and performance setting. The 2024 project featured a compelling programme of Hummel, Schmitt, Caplet and Kaprálová. Rehearsals in Edinburgh and Glasgow culminated in public performances at RCS in Glasgow and the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh.

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Young Singers’ Programme

Traineeships

Our Young Singers’ Programme nurtures accomplished and ambitious young vocalists.

As well as singing in the SCO Chorus’ season of concerts, covering four concerts with the Orchestra and a cappella performances in Perth, Stirling and Edinburgh, our Young Singers took part in a variety of diverse activities to support their vocal development including the opportunity to represent the SCO by performing at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2024.

During 24/25 we offered a paid, 10-month training scheme, open to anyone at the early stages of a career in participatory arts, to develop their skills, confidence and experience. Traineeships were offered to three practitioners as part of our work in schools across Craigmillar and one traineeship for a practitioner with a specific interest in working in health and social care settings was offered as part of our ReConnect programme.

Trainees received regular opportunities to participate in training and reflective sessions to support their learning and were mentored by our workshop leaders.

VIBE For young people who want to find new ways to express themselves and make new connections – our VIBE programme offers space out of school for young people aged 11-18, to make and create new music together. From February 2025, we started a multi-year residency to bring our VIBE programme to the Scottish Borders, working with Scottish Borders Council, Melrose Music Festival and local youth agencies. Whether complete beginners or experienced musicians, all young people are welcome and have the opportunity to perform as a group as part of the VIBE experience. We are looking forward to working with young people across the Scottish Borders in the next year.

“I wanted to thank you enormously for the wonderful weekend you gave my daughter… She loved every minute of it and was buzzing with excitement for a few days after.”

VIBE Participant Parent

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Photos: © Stuart Armitt

SCO in Craigmillar We are very proud of our role in taking music out of the concert hall and into the everyday lives of people across Scotland. SCO in Craigmillar is our five-year programme of music and cross-artform workshops and performances for residents of all ages in Greater Craigmillar, Edinburgh. It includes a variety of creative projects which run annually in schools and community centres, designed to develop musical and practical skills, and to promote wellbeing and creativity.

Number of participants (total)

501

Number of workshops and events for children and young people

132

Number of workshops and events for people in the community

60

Number of partners engaged in the area

8

Year 4 Activity

Evaluating Impact

Year four saw us working with children and young people in local nursery, primary and secondary schools, providing a weekly singing programme within Castlebrae High School, weekly music sessions and regular Meet the Musician performances within local primary and nursery schools.

As part of our residency in Craigmillar, we have partnered with the Centre for Person-centred Practice Research at Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh to rigorously evaluate the impact of the residency, co-design an evaluation framework to support future activity and develop an evaluation system for the SCO’s Creative Learning work.

In the wider community, we continued to develop community singing through our Craigmillar Voices community choir, to create new artworks and musical pieces with our Seen and Heard group with local arts organisation Craigmillar Now and to deliver our ReConnect programme at local day care centre Caring in Craigmillar. We have also been part of local events, such as the Christmas lights switch on, Make Music Day at Craigmillar Castle and Craigmillar Festival.

Throughout 2024/25, we have co-designed the evaluation framework through a series of workshops and discussion events with stakeholders and have developed a set of tools for capturing relevant data. The research team from QMU are currently rolling out training for using the framework across the SCO’s staff team, to build confidence in using these tools and also interpreting the data they yield.

“It’s just amazing to be a part of such a powerful project. I feel very honoured to be involved and to have the chance to see the impact first hand of how powerful community work can be.”

Craigmillar Workshop Musician

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Photos © Christopher Bowen

New Music & Commissions New music has always been at the heart of the SCO’s artistic identity, and we have reaffirmed that commitment over recent seasons with a wealth of premieres, commissions and performances that place living composers at the heart of our programmes.

Our Associate Composer Jay Capperauld continued to be a creative driving force. Two major new works were unveiled: Bruckner’s Skull, premiered by Maxim Emelyanychev and the Orchestra, was hailed by critics as “audacious” and “profoundly imaginative,” reimagining the symphonic tradition with Jay’s trademark wit and intensity. Later in the season, the wind dectet Carmina Gadelica drew inspiration from Alexander Carmichael’s celebrated collection of 19thcentury Scottish Gaelic poetry and incantations from the vanishing Western Isle cultures of Scotland. Its vivid orchestral colours and rhythmic drive spoke both to Scotland’s cultural heritage and to contemporary expression, affirming Jay as one of the most distinctive voices in Scottish music today.

Our commissioning programme embraced a diverse range of composers and styles. The late Hungarian composer Péter Eötvös’s Aurora - scored for double bass, strings, and accordion, and performed by former SCO Principal Double Bass Nikita Naumnov - offered a strikingly atmospheric exploration of the instrument.

Anders Hillborg’s Viola Concerto, performed by Lawrence Power, unveiled new sonic landscapes

Anders Hillborg and Lawrence Power

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and colours for the Orchestra, while Madeleine Isaksson’s Flows transported audiences to the raw, ethereal beauty of Sweden’s far north. At just fifteen years old, Tsotne Zédginidze became the youngest composer ever to be commissioned by the SCO, with the premiere of his Symphony No.1 marking an extraordinary milestone in our tradition of championing new talent.

The SCO Chorus also unveiled a specially commissioned arrangement of Silent Night by Lucy Walker, created to highlight the carol’s mystical qualities to celebrate the magic of the Christmas season.

Together, these premieres and commissions demonstrated the SCO’s unwavering belief that new music is not an addition to our programme but an essential strand of who we are: an Orchestra that celebrates the past while boldly shaping the sound of the future.

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Madeleine Isaksson, Jay Capperauld and Anders Hillborg

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Photos © Christopher Bowen

Audiences in Numbers Activity

No.

Winter Season attendance

46,204

Scottish Summer Tour attendance

4,298

Chamber Concerts attendance

875

SCO Chorus Concerts attendance

1,100

Digital Season views

19,328

Dementia-friendly Concerts attendance

284

Family Concerts attendance

1,504

Schools Concerts

2,974

Engagements (UK) attendance

9,328

Engagements (Intl) attendance

3,418

Local Authorities where Creative Learning work delivered

12

Creative Learning participants

13,612

Workshops/events for young people

161 unique events

Workshops/events in health/community settings

82 unique events

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Audience Development Our commitment to building and diversifying our audience base continues to shape every aspect of our programming and outreach. In 2024/25, we focused on deepening engagement with existing audiences while removing barriers for new ones - through inclusive ticketing, daytime concert formats, and innovative programming strands.

Accessible Tickets We maintained and expanded our accessible ticketing schemes to ensure that cost was not a barrier to attendance. Free tickets were available for young people aged 18 and under at most concerts, while those aged 19–26, students, and people in receipt of Universal Credit could attend for just £6. Audiences with disabilities received half-price tickets, and carers or essential companions attended free of charge. These offers were promoted through digital campaigns and venue communications, contributing to a steady increase in uptake across the season.

Matinees Following the success of our inaugural matinee concerts in 2023/24, we expanded the format this season with three afternoon programmes designed to welcome older audiences and those who prefer not to travel at night. Held in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, these concerts featured full-length programmes and retained the artistic calibre of our evening performances. Audience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the accessibility and atmosphere of these daytime events.

New Dimensions Our inaugural New Dimensions series pushed boundaries with three concerts – in Edinburgh and Glasgow - aimed at appealing to new audiences through bold programming, foyer DJ activation and media partnerships. These events were supported by targeted campaigns aimed at younger and culturally curious audiences, and formed a key part of our strategic priority to innovate and expand our demographic reach.

“I love that you offer better value tickets to young people and do outreach events for them. Thanks for encouraging them to be involved with music.”

Audience member (2024 Audience Survey)

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Dunard Centre Throughout 2024/25, momentum continued to build around the development of Edinburgh’s first new concert hall in over a century. The Dunard Centre project, led by IMPACT Scotland, reached a significant milestone in April 2024 with the signing of a pre-construction services agreement with its main contractor, Balfour Beatty. This agreement sets the stage for construction to begin in late 2025.

The international significance of this once-in-ageneration cultural investment was underscored by a series of high-profile developments. Notably, the project secured generous grants from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Wolfson Foundation, affirming global confidence in its vision. During New York’s Tartan Week, the Dunard Centre’s Chief Executive, Jo Buckley, joined Scotland’s First Minister at Carnegie Hall to present the project as part of the week’s closing celebrations, an emblematic moment that highlighted the Centre’s global reach and ambition.

Closer to home, an independent social and economic impact assessment projected that the Dunard Centre will generate £169.4 million in gross

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added value over its first 20 years of operation.

The venue is also expected to engage 17,000 participants through its outreach and education programmes. Public support for the Centre’s vision was further validated through an independent poll, demonstrating widespread enthusiasm for its role in shaping Edinburgh’s cultural future.

Designed by David Chipperfield Architects with acoustics by the world-renowned Nagata Acoustics, the 1,000-seat venue will become the new home of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

It promises a world-class acoustic experience and will redefine the city’s cultural infrastructure for generations to come.

The Dunard Centre is made possible through a unique blend of public and private funding.

Individual philanthropy, including substantial support from the Dunard Fund, sits alongside £25 million in funding through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. Royal Bank of Scotland also continues to support the project, reinforcing its importance to the city’s civic and cultural life.

24 | 25 ANNUAL REVIEW

Photo: © David Chipperfield Architects

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Photo: © Stuart Armitt

Sustainability In 2024/25, we continued to embed environmental sustainability at the core of our operations, achieving 128 tCO₂e of carbon emissions, a 10% reduction on the 2023/24 figure. With Orchestra and artist travel accounting for 77% of total emissions, the SCO implemented practical measures to mitigate its impact, promoting shared coach travel, scheduling multiweek residencies to reduce flights and partnering with sustainable travel providers.

The organisation transitioned to green renewable energy tariffs for its premises at 4 Royal Terrace and completed its first full year using a fully electric company vehicle.

While offsetting is no longer a priority, the future focus remains on direct emissions reduction and creative programming that reflects the urgency of climate action.

These efforts align with the City of Edinburgh’s net zero target by 2030 and demonstrate the SCO’s proactive role in shaping a more sustainable future for the arts.

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24 | 25 ANNUAL REVIEW

Photo: © Chris Christodoulou

Our People Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze Chorus Director Gregory Batsleer Associate Composer Jay Capperauld

SCO Board Lay Directors Joanna Baker, CBE Rachael Erskine resigned 9/12/24 Sarah Davidson, CB Peter Maniura, MVO Charles Macquaker Mark Urquhart Pamela Gillies, CBE Local Authority Cllr Val Walker (Edinburgh) resigned 17/4/25

Orchestra Advisers Katherine Bryer appointed 9/12/24 Eric de Wit appointed 9/12/24 Peter Franks resigned 9/12/24 Alison Green resigned 9/12/24 Philip Higham resigned 9/12/24 Kana Kawashima Jamie Kenny appointed 9/12/24 Louise Lewis Goodwin SCO Senior Management Team Gavin Reid, LVO, Chief Executive

appointed 29/5/25

Laura Baxter, Creative Learning Director

Cllr Eva Bolander (Glasgow)

Judith Colman, Concerts Director

resigned 26/6/24

Derek Gilchrist, Marketing and Communications Director

Cllr Margaret Graham (Edinburgh)

Cllr Paul Leinster (Glasgow) appointed 24/7/24

Cllr Jonny Tepp (Fife) resigned 7/4/25

Martin Lawlor, Development Director Ian White, Finance and Administration Director

The SCO Board acknowledges the dedicated contribution made by the SCO members, SCO Management Team, SCO Chorus members, and many freelance musicians and creative learning practitioners who regularly work with the Orchestra.

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

2024/25 Key Financial Facts 2024/25 Income Summary (£5,847,087) INVESTMENT INCOME

£26,898 (0.5%) £1,239,784 (21.2%)

FUNDRAISING PUBLIC SECTOR INCOME

£2,228,000 (38.1%)

ORCHESTRA TAX RELIEF

£1,094,309 (18.7%)

BROADCAST, ROYALTIES PROGRAMMES & CDS

£63,756 (1.1%)

FEES: OVERSEAS ENGAGEMENTS

£112,423 (1.9%)

FEES: UK ENGAGEMENTS

£233,832 (4.0%)

PERFORMANCE INCOME (TICKETS)

£848,085 (14.5 %) 0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

2024/25 Fundraising Income Summary (£1,239,784) GIFT AID £100,896 (8.1%) LEGACIES £128,330 (10.4%) INDIVIDUAL GIVING (<£5,000), £253,164 (20.4%) MAJOR DONATIONS (>£5,000), £308,669 (24.9%) AMERICAN FUNDRAISING £34,760 (2.8%) CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP £153,715 (12.4%) CHARITABLE TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS £260,250 (21.0%)

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24 | 25 ANNUAL REVIEW

2024/25 Expenditure Summary (£5,944,463) FUNDRAISING (INCL STAFF)

£285,865 (4.8%)

GOVERNANCE COSTS

£86,280 (1.5%)

SUPPORT COSTS

£361,751 (6.1%)

DIRECT OVERHEADS

£643,762 (10.8%)

STAFF COSTS (EXCL FUNDRAISING)

£934 ,101 (15.7%)

CONCERT & EVENT COSTS

£3,632,704 (61.1%) 0

500,000

1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 3,000,000 3,500,000 4,000,000

Expenditure Notes For more detailed financial information, please refer to the Directors’ Report and Financial Statements which can be found on our website at www.sco.org.uk 1) Direct overheads include audition, transport & external player travel and accommodation costs; SCO Chorus core costs; music & instrument hire; composer commissions; box office commissions; marketing and promotional activity.

2) S upport costs include property & utilities; general administration (facility management; office leases; communications; IT; H&S, insurance and compliance) and restricted fund depreciation.

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Supporters We are enormously grateful to every person and organisation who supported the SCO in 2024/25. They have made it possible for us to deliver exceptional musical experiences onstage and pioneering education and community work offstage. Every single donation makes a difference.

Principal Conductor’s Circle Geoff and Mary Ball Ken Barker and Martha Vail Barker Ronald and Stella Bowie Sir Ewan and Lady Brown Silvia and Andrew Brown Colin and Sue Buchan Bill and Celia Carman James and Patricia Cook Jo and Alison Elliot Gavin and Kate Gemmell Caroline Hahn and Richard Neville-Towle Erik Lars Hansen and Vanessa C L Chang J Douglas Home Christine Lessels Professor Sue Lightman Donald and Louise MacDonald Eriadne and George Mackintosh Jasmine Macquaker Charitable Fund Anne McFarlane Harry and Carol Nimmo Stuart and Alison Paul Anne and Matthew Richards Claire and Anthony Tait The Thomas Family Sabine and Brian Thomson Claire and Mark Urquhart Anne, Tom and Natalie Usher Anny and Bobby White Ulrike and Mark Wilson Hedley Gordon Wright Diamond The Cockaigne Fund Malcolm and Avril Gourlay John and Jane Griffiths James and Felicity Ivory Robin and Catherine Parbrook George Ritchie Claire and Vincent Ryan William Samuel Tom and Natalie Usher

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Platinum E.C. Benton Michael and Simone Bird David Caldwell in memory of Ann Dr Peter Williamson and Ms Margaret Duffy Judith and David Halkerston Audrey Hopkins David and Elizabeth Hudson Dr and Mrs Peter Jackson Dr Daniel Lamont Graham and Elma Leisk Chris and Gill Masters Duncan and Una McGhie Anne-Marie McQueen James F Muirhead Patrick and Susan Prenter Mr and Mrs J Reid Martin and Mairi Ritchie Hilary E Ross Elaine Ross George Rubienski Sir Muir and Lady Russell Jill and Brian Sandford Michael and Elizabeth Sudlow Robert and Elizabeth Turcan Alan and Sue Warner Finlay and Lynn Williamson Ruth Woodburn William Zachs Gold Peter Armit Adam Gaines and Joanna Baker John and Maggie Bolton Elizabeth Brittin Kate Calder Lord Matthew Clarke James Wastle and Glenn Craig Jo and Christine Danbolt James and Caroline Denison-Pender Andrew and Kirsty Desson David and Sheila Ferrier Chris and Claire Fletcher Dr J W E Forrester James Friend Iain Gow Margaret Green Christopher and Kathleen Haddow Catherine Johnstone Gordon Kirk Mike and Karen Mair Roy and Svend McEwan-Brown

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John and Liz Murphy Tom Pate Maggie Peatfield Charles Platt and Jennifer Bidwell Alison and Stephen Rawles Andrew Robinson Olivia Robinson Anne McAlistair and Philip Sawyer Irene Smith Dr Jonathan Smithers Ian S Swanson Ian and Janet Szymanski John-Paul and Joanna Temperley Bill Welsh Robert Mackay and Philip Whitley Catherine Wilson Neil and Philippa Woodcock G M Wright Bruce and Lynda Wyer Silver Roy Alexander William Armstrong Fiona and Neil Ballantyne The Batsleer Family Jack Bogle Jane Borland Alan Borthwick Dinah Bourne Michael and Jane Boyle Mary Brady John Brownlie Laura Buist Robert Burns Sheila Colvin Lorn and Camilla Cowie Philip Croft and David Lipetz Lord and Lady Cullen of Whitekirk Adam and Lesley Cumming Dr Wilma Dickson Sylvia Dow Raymond Ellis Dr and Mrs Alan Falconer Sheila Ferguson Malcolm Fleming Dr William Irvine Fortescue Dr David Grant Anne Grindley Andrew Hadden J Martin Haldane Ronnie and Ann Hanna Ruth Hannah Robin Harding Roderick Hart Norman Hazelton Ron and Evelynne Hill Philip Holman Clephane Hume

Tim and Anna Ingold David and Pamela Jenkins Margaret Mortimer and Ken Jobling Julie and Julian Keanie Marty Kehoe Professor Christopher and Mrs Alison Kelnar Dr Ian Laing Janey and Barrie Lambie Geoff Lewis Dorothy A Lunt Vincent Macaulay James McClure in memory of Robert Duncan Barry McCorkell Lucy McCorkell Gavin McCrone Brian Miller James and Helen Moir Alistair Montgomerie Andrew Murchison Hugh and Gillian Nimmo Pamela Andrews and Alan Norton Gilly Ogilvy-Wedderburn David and Tanya Parker Hilary and Bruce Patrick John Peutherer in memory of Audrey Peutherer James S Potter Alastair Reid Fiona Reith Timothy Barnes and Janet Sidaway Catherine Steel Takashi and Mikako Taji Douglas and Sandra Tweddle C S Weir Susannah Johnston and Jamie Weir

We are indebted to everyone acknowledged here who gives philanthropic gifts to the SCO of £300 or greater each year, as well as those who prefer to remain anonymous. We are also incredibly thankful to the many individuals not listed who are kind enough to support the Orchestra financially on a regular or ad-hoc basis.

Every single donation makes a difference.

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Partners Core Funder

Benefactor

Local Authority

Broadcast Partner

Media Partner

Funding Partner

Business Partners

Key Funders

Charity Partner

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24 | 25 ANNUAL REVIEW

Trusts & Foundations ABO Sirens Fund Baird Educational Trust Misses Barrie Charitable Trust Cockaigne Fund Cruden Foundation D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust Fidelio Charitable Trust Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust Mrs Rowena Goffin’s Charitable Trust David and June Gordon Memorial Trust Daphne Hamiton Trust Inverness Common Good Fund Jones Family Charitable Trust JTH Charitable Trust Leisure and Culture Dundee RS MacDonald Charitable Trust Marchus Trust Nancie Massey Charitable Trust Menzies J MacDonald Menzies Charitable Trust National Lottery Community Fund Plum Trust Power of Music Small Grants Fund PRS Foundation Resonate Fund The Radcliffe Trust Sir Iain Stewart Foundation Vaughan Williams Foundation Walter Scott Giving Group

Photo: © Stuart Armitt

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4 Royal Terrace Edinburgh EH7 5AB +44 (0)131 557 6800 sco.org.uk

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is a charity registered in Scotland No. SC015039.

Company registration No. SC075079