SCO News | May 2019

news

INSPIRING AND CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE OF ALL AGES

www.sco.org.uk | Issue 73 | May 2019

INSPIRING THROUGH MUSIC Introducing our Baillie Gifford Creative Learning Partnership

Also inside: DUNARD Centre | Summer Tour 2019 | 40 Years at the Queen’s Hall

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CONTENTS 4

Issue 73 | MAY 2019

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REGULARS 3 FOREWORD 4 SCO NEWS 6 60 SECOND INTERVIEW 30 YOUR ORCHESTRA, YOUR SAY 31 THROUGH THE EYES OF...

FEATURES 16 Patron Events and 250 Society 18 The Quilter Cheviot Benedetti Series A Private Dinner at Kinross House

20 Summer Tour 2019 COVER 8 Introducing our Baillie Gifford Creative Learning Partnership

4 Royal Terrace Edinburgh EH7 5AB telephone: 0131 557 6800 email: info@sco.org.uk www.sco.org.uk

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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is a charity registered in Scotland No. SC015039 Company registration No. SC075079

28 Celebrating 40 Years at the Queen’s Hall

Core funded by

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FOREWORD A very warm welcome to SCO News.

Our big news, of which I am sure you will already be aware, is that City of Edinburgh Council has granted planning approval for our new home in St Andrew Square. This is, of course, magnificent news not only for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, but also for everyone throughout Edinburgh and beyond and turns the ambition for a world-class centre for music and performance into a reality.

Once built, the effect of this new venue will be utterly transformational. It will enable the SCO to fulfil our greatest potential; not only by providing our audiences with regular concerts in one of the great concert halls of the world and by attracting the most exciting artists to perform with us, but most importantly by engaging with and involving as many people as we possibly can from all over the city and further afield from all walks of life. In doing so, we will transform and enhance people’s lives through the power of inspirational music-making. It is a truly exciting prospect and we all look forward to the day it opens.

Gavin Reid

I am particularly pleased that the new venue will be known as the Dunard Centre, supported

by Royal Bank of Scotland, in recognition of the huge contribution Carol Grigor has made to this project through the charitable trust Dunard Fund. Carol and the Dunard Fund have been tremendous supporters of the SCO for many years and we are exceptionally grateful.

The SCO is, of course, blessed with many wonderful supporters and in the pages that follow, you can read about one extraordinary partnership.

We recently announced that investment management firm Baillie Gifford has become our Creative Learning Partner.

Over the next five years, Baillie Gifford will support a broad range of our work.

Projects include an expansion of our successful community

residency in Wester Hailes, a new social prescribing programme for young people diagnosed with mental health conditions, innovative digital resources for schools across all 32 of our local authorities and the development of our most recent project – a free Youth Academy training programme for young musicians.

As our Winter Season draws to a close, there is no rest for the SCO. The second half of May sees the Orchestra recording a CD of French music with François Leleux before embarking upon a tour of European cities with stops in Birmingham, Copenhagen, Basel and Würzburg. Then it is straight into an expanded Summer touring programme which this year takes us as far north as Stornoway and south to Stranraer and Annan with a community residency in Caithness in between.

I do hope you will be able to join us along the way

Gavin Reid Chief Executive

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SCO NEWS

APPROVAL FOR EDINBURGH’S DUNARD CENTRE –––––– We are delighted to announce that our new home for the Orchestra and Chorus – Edinburgh’s first purpose-built music and performance venue for over 100 years – will be called Dunard Centre, supported by Royal Bank of Scotland.

The venue, which is the flagship cultural project of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal was granted planning approval by the Development Management Sub

Committee of City of Edinburgh Council.

Welcoming the decision, Sir Ewan Brown, Chairman of IMPACT Scotland said: “Today’s decision is tremendous news for the City and turns the ambition for a world-class centre for music and performance, into a reality.

“I am particularly pleased to announce today that the official name of the venue will be Dunard Centre supported by Royal Bank of Scotland. This is in recognition of the huge contribution Carol Grigor has made to this project through the charitable trust Dunard Fund.

“We now have the opportunity to create an exciting new venue for everyone, in a building to be proud of.”

Speaking during the committee hearing, architect Sir David Chipperfield said: “This will be a public building that relates to Edinburgh on a civic scale by both fitting in and standing out in order to perform an important social and cultural role in a city with strong, established cultural traditions.”

–––––– To learn more of the project and the opportunity to support the fundraising campaign to realise it, please visit impactscotland.org.uk

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WELCOME TO THE ORCHESTRA, KANA AND SIÚN! –––––– We are very happy to welcome Kana Kawashima and Siún Milne to the First Violins!

Japanese-born Kana Kawashima was appointed First Violin in March 2019. After studying as a child at the Yehudi Menhuin School, Kana gained both a Bachelors and Masters Degree at the Vienna Conservatory under Pavel Vernikov. In 2017, she gained her Artist Diploma from the Royal Academy of Music, before working with Southbank Sinfonia and freelancing with orchestras including London Mozart Players, London Philharmonic and English Chamber Orchestra.

Irish-born Siún Milne was also appointed First Violin in March 2019. She gained her BMus at the Royal Academy of Music as a scholarship student on both baroque and modern violin.

Siún is currently a lecturer at CIT Cork School of Music and regularly performs with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. She is a keen chamber musician, having performed with ensembles including the Royal Academy of Music Baroque Soloists at Wigmore Hall, European Union Chamber Orchestra, and Camerata Ireland.

Kana Kawashima

Siún Milne

STAFF CHANGES –––––– Our Marketing and Communications Director, Caroline Dooley, is leaving the Orchestra after six and a half years. She won’t be far away though, taking up a similar role at another of our National Companies, Scottish Opera.

She will be succeeded by Gareth Beedie who is currently Head of Communications at National Theatre of Wales. Gareth has also held roles at the National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. We wish Caroline all the very best and look forward to welcoming Gareth at the end of June!

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THE INTERNATIONAL OPERA AWARDS 2019 –––––– Congratulations to our Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev on winning The International Opera Awards 2019 ‘Newcomer Award’ – an award which recognises an artist who had a breakthrough year in 2018.

Bravo Maestro!

PARLIAMENT RECOGNITION AND NOMINATION FOR INCREDIBLE DISTANCE PROJECT –––––– We are pleased to share the news that our project Incredible Distance has been short-listed in the Scottish Awards for New Music 2019 in the Community / Education category.

Incredible Distance is a partnership project with WHALE Arts which is part of our three-year residency in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. It is an audio-visual exhibition created by members of the community, who have worked in collaboration with the composer, Suzanne Parry and workshop leader, Emma Smith.

The result is an original audiovisual installation that explores the sonic and visual identity of Wester Hailes. It captures snapshots of daily life through the collection of found sound, imagery, film and original musical composition There was also a Motion in the Scottish Parliament by Gordon Macdonald MSP, wishing us all luck at the awards ceremony, which takes place on 13 May 2019 in Glasgow!

INTERCONNECT – A CONCERT OF NEW STUDENT WORKS SUNDAY 2 JUNE, 3PM –––––– Interested in hearing from some of our future composers? Come and enjoy our collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art Composition Students at the Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show! Seven final year BMus Composition students

have worked alongside SCO musicians to develop their compositions, which will be premiered by Aisling O’Dea (Violin), Felix Tanner (Viola), Philip Higham (Cello), Brontë Hudnott (Flute) and Gillian Horn (Bassoon).

–––––– Details of how to book your free ticket for this event are at sco.org.uk/whats-on.

PROM 55: SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND SCO CHORUS –––––– We are delighted to be performing Handel’s last, and perhaps greatest, oratorio, Jephtha, at this year’s BBC Proms on Friday 30th August!

Conductor and long-time friend of the Orchestra, Richard Egarr, conducts this devastating story of the warrior Jephtha commanded by God to sacrifice his daughter Iphis. Tenor Allan Clayton is the conflicted Jephtha, with Trinidadian soprano Jeanine De Bique as Iphis.

–––––– Tickets are on sale now from the Royal Albert Hall box office.

RECORDING –––––– Last summer we were fortunate to premiere a new theorbo

concerto – not something that happens very often! A theorbo is a large lute which is generally heard in 17th and 18th century repertoire, and incidentally could also be heard in our “Brilliance of the Baroque” programme with Richard Egarr in March this year. The performer on both occasions was Matthew Wadsworth, and composer Stephen Goss wrote his new concerto especially for Matthew.

We have since released a recording of the Theorbo Concerto which takes its ‘principle of interwoven narratives’ from David Mitchell’s mind-bending novel Cloud Atlas, whose six connected stories are set in different times and places.

It is in four movements – a Baroque suite of sorts – separated by three interludes.

There are many stylistic references, from Baroque to blues and boogie-woogie.

There is even a Shostakovian waltz and a Mexican huapango!

As always, Wadsworth finds the greatest expressive potential in the smallest element without losing sight of the whole. He has the ideal collaborators in the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under Benjamin Marquise Gilmore.

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SECOND INTERVIEW NIKITA NAUMOV You’ve performed internationally with many incredible orchestras and ensembles, what makes performing with the SCO special?

I remember the first time I played with SCO, I couldn’t believe the sound of the Orchestra, it was such an incredible standard of music-making. There’s a real passion and energy in the Orchestra, people really care about the musical details.

Next Season you will be performing the UK premiere of Peter Eötvös’ Double Bass Concerto ‘Aurora’ – do you approach a new commission in a different manner to existing repertoire?

Have you spoken to the composer about the piece?

How would you compare playing as a soloist to playing Principal Double Bass?

I haven’t spoken to the composer yet about the piece, I’m really looking forward to see what he has written! Playing as a soloist is always nerve wracking but I’m excited to show the sound of the Double Bass to our audiences.

Outside of your concert, what are you most looking forward to in the 2019/2020 Season?

Playing with our new Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev! He is bringing a huge variety of interesting programmes for us to explore!

–––––– Nikita Naumov Plays Eötvös Double Bass Concerto on 19, 20 and 22 March in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness Conducted by Thomas Zehetmair

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INTRODUCING OUR BAILLIE GIFFORD CREATIVE LEARNING PARTNERSHIP

We aim to inspire and motivate people of all ages and backgrounds right across Scotland, and our Creative Learning programme is as important to us as our concert-giving. Everything we do is, above all, about the joy and enrichment of lives through music, supporting inclusion and positive social interaction, improving well-being and raising aspirations.

Our ambitions to grow and exceed expectations in these areas far outweigh our resources. From April 2019 onwards, however, we are able to extend our reach and introduce a new programme, all thanks to our Creative Learning Partner Baillie Gifford.

With Baillie Gifford’s support the SCO will launch a new Social Prescribing project, NEW VIBE in October 2019. Our Community Residency programme will expand, providing free access to high quality, innovative projects which build connection and community, diminish social isolation, and develop musicianship, creativity and confidence. And we’ll increase the reach of our education programmes for young musicians across Scotland which provide free, inclusive opportunities for young musicians who want to learn and excel.

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SOCIAL PRESCRIBING: SCO NEW VIBE –––––– What is ‘social prescribing’?

Social prescribing enables GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. Social prescribing is designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, and many schemes are focussed on improving mental health and physical well-being. Those who could benefit from social prescribing schemes include people with mild or long-term mental health problems, vulnerable groups, and people who are socially isolated (https://www.kingsfund. org.uk/publications/socialprescribing) The SCO runs several projects which support social prescribing and in October 2019, the Baillie Gifford partnership will enable us to launch, NEW VIBE, in partnership with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). NEW VIBE is designed to support young people aged 14-18 with a diagnosis of moderate to severe mental health problems who will be referred into the project

by CAMHS.

Why are we focusing on mental health?

Mental health is one of the major public health challenges in Scotland, and we are all uncomfortably aware of the growing numbers of young people struggling with a lack of mental well-being. It is estimated that around one in ten children and young people aged between 5 and 16 years old have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem (https://www. seemescotland.org/).

What can NEW VIBE do?

Our aim is for NEW VIBE to provide a safe space for young people currently using the

CAMHS service to feel heard, supported, and encouraged to develop musically and socially. It is open to young people who have an interest in any style of music, including classical, folk, rock and pop, and regardless of their musical experience. NEW VIBE will be led by internationally renowned animateur and guitarist Paul Griffiths alongside a team of specially trained expert musicians. The project will be supported by a carefully selected group of peer mentors, drawn from the existing cohort of young musicians who attend other SCO projects, and members of the CAMHS team.

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MASTERWORKS –––––– The Baillie Gifford partnership will enable us to enhance our flagship education project, Masterworks, with new digital resources. Masterworks aims to reach secondary school music students in all 32 Scottish local authorities over a three-year cycle with an annual series of concerts, workshops and teacher-training sessions. The new digital resources will enable pupils to watch some of the SCO’s performance online and to access linked educational resources which support their curricular learning. We expect these new resources to be particularly useful for remote

schools who cannot access the concerts but who have engaged with Masterworks through the workshop and teacher training programme. From 2017 to 2019, SCO musicians will have visited schools as far afield as Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, as well as western areas of Argyll & Bute and Dumfries & Galloway.

Featured events: Concerts in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock Masterworks 2019 features Sir James MacMillan’s Tryst. As we celebrate his 60th birthday year, the concerts will include a full performance of this stunning piece conducted by the composer himself, with a guided

presentation by Rachel Leach The content was superb, your presenter does a great job of keeping the pace and interest just right. Music teacher, 2018 The project is designed for S4-S6 music students. We encourage teachers to adopt Masterworks as part of their music curriculum, and teaching resources linked to National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher course requirements are made available online. We invite a small number of schools to take part in interactive creative compositon workshops led by expert Scottish Chamber Orchestra musicians.

Impressive, entertaining and spectacular. Student, 2017 Masterworks takes students on a creative journey, offering a fantastic opportunity for upper secondary school music students to experience the excitement of a live orchestra up close in concert, and to hone their listening, performing, composing and improvising skills through experiential workshops. The project is designed to open up new sound-worlds to young people, to encourage them to listen to a wider variety of genres, and to equip them with knowledge and musical tools to be more adventurous in their own compositions.

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SOUNDMOVES: A WESTER HAILES RESIDENCY PROJECT –––––– Featured event: The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, in partnership with Edinburgh International Film Festival & Edinburgh International Festival, presents Soundmoves: Music Movies on Friday 21 June 11am at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh.

Pupils from Sighthill, Clovenstone and Canal View Primary Schools will showcase their own unique and expressive short films, accompanied by live performance.

The six short movies featured are based on original ideas developed during a series of Soundmoves primary school workshops, and are created and performed by pupils and composer Matilda Brown, movement specialist Ana Almeida, videographer Sandy Butler and musicians from the SCO. Our Soundmoves project forms part of the SCO’s Wester Hailes Residency and was designed to introduce primary pupils to music and movement – and to enhance life skills such as teamwork, communication, focus and confidence. Pupils and teachers take part in a series of creative workshops, exploring music and movement to create new pieces of work which bring

together ideas from the whole class. The project is designed to ignite an interest and excitement for playing and listening to music, and to support the development of individual strengths and interests by giving pupils a forum to contribute to and influence creative decisions.

Residency background: The SCO Wester Hailes Residency is a three-year programme of free creative

music workshops and performances for people of all ages. The Residency aims to embed the SCO in the life of the community, inspiring and empowering local people to engage with music and the arts in Wester Hailes and beyond.

The Residency programme is designed to make the SCO’s work accessible by bringing free, high quality music making to local community venues and schools and creating

opportunities for residents to engage with cultural activity in Edinburgh City Centre.

Since the launch of the SCO Wester Hailes Residency in October 2017, the SCO has worked with 1500 people in the area. www.sco.org.uk/ westerhailes I felt amazing because I didn’t know that I could play an instrument that good in my life.

P3 pupil, Sighthill Primary

I saw a new confidence in some children that I haven’t seen before... The children who speak English as an additional language particularly enjoyed sessions and singing along, having their own role to fulfil. The children loved the project, all motivated throughout which shows the cross-artform approach works to engage participants. They didn’t know they were learning.

Teacher, Clovenstone Primary School

… it really stretches my mind, and makes me feel more calm, and, yeah, let all the stress go away. P4 pupil, Canal View Primary School It makes me feel happy that I’m getting to take part in this, and also makes me feel good about myself. P4 pupil, Canal View Primary School

SCO String Acadamy with SCO Violinist Rachel Smith

DEVELOPING TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS –––––– SCO musicians are passionate about engaging with young people through music and in the past year we have worked with over 10,000 young people across Scotland.

One of the programme strands we aim to grow is our work with talented young musicians, and in March 2019 we were proud to launch the SCO String Academy in partnership with St Mary’s Music School – a free initiative for young string players who

have reached Grade 6+. Young musicians from all walks of life were invited to spend three Sunday afternoons working alongside SCO musicians to develop their technique, musicianship and orchestral playing. In addition to the enhanced psychological wellbeing that group music-making confers, the project aimed to help participants develop key life skills such as social confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of accomplishment, in a relaxed but focused environment.

50 string players aged 9-18 from Edinburgh, Midlothian, Fife,

Dundee, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and South Lanarkshire signed up for the course and enjoyed working with conductor Gordon Bragg (SCO Violin) and a team of SCO musicians. At the end of the three afternoons, families and supporters were treated to a delightful performance of music

by Sibelius and Rautavaara.

We were thoroughly impressed by the focus and motivation of the young musicians who took part and by the positive, friendly atmosphere they helped to create. The feedback from participants and parents told us that the social aspects of the project were very important, as

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well as having fun and learning from each other and from the SCO. Plans are now underway for the next course in Autumn 2019. .

–––––– The Wester Hailes Residency is kindly supported by The Castansa Trust, The Robertson Trust, Paul and Clare Rooney, The Christina Mary Hendrie Trust, Mrs Rowena Goffin’s Charitable Trust, The Stevenston Charitable Trust, The Nancie Massey Charitable Trust, Geraldine Kirkpatrick Charitable Trust, Ponton House Trust and Anonymous

It was great fun and I made friends and met lots of interesting, lovely people

–––––– SCO String Academy 2019 was kindly supported by The Penpont Charitable Trust and St Mary’s Music School Development Fund.

–––––– Masterworks 2019 is kindly supported by The Misses Barrie Charitable Trust, Aberdeen City Council Creative Funding, PF Charitable Trust, Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust, JTH Charitable Trust, The Educational Institute of Scotland and Tay Charitable Trust.

Really enjoyed it. I had fun learning the pieces For me it was more of a social thing as well, to meet new people, to work with professional musicians, be inspired by them, see how their ideas of playing music and getting to know more repertoire

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PATRON EVENTS

We are lucky enough to have a wonderful family of Patrons and are extremely grateful for the philanthropic support they provide. Last Season Patrons were able to get closer to the SCO through a variety of events ranging from a delicious afternoon tea with François Leleux and members of the Orchestra in Edinburgh’s Archers’ Hall, a special tour of the recently transformed Aberdeen Music Hall, and a private pre-concert supper in The Corinthian Club in Glasgow.

You may have noticed in some of our communications that we have been introducing a £60 minimum (or just £5 a month!) as an

Our Principal Double Bass Nikita Naumov

WIN £250 –––––– A delicious afternoon tea with François Leleux

entry level to become a Patron. The SCO absolutely appreciates every size of donation but we need to ensure that our income is efficiently spent on bringing music to as many people as possible, rather than administration costs.

If you are currently a Patron and giving below £60, we would be delighted if you would consider increasing your support, thereby ensuring you remain a Patron and have access to our communications and any future events –––––– To learn more about becoming a Patron, please contact Laura Hickey on 0131 478 8344.

250 SOCIETY Just £5 a month as a member of the 250 Society gives you the chance to scoop £250 in our monthly draw at the same time as knowing that you are contributing towards the SCO’s Creative Learning programme.

Please join us in congratulating recent winners of our 250 Society: Jan – Alistair Montgomerie Feb – Tom Hagan March – Gordon Smith April – John Donaldson To learn more about the 250 Society or to join now, contact Laura Hickey on 0131 478 8344.

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THE QUILTER CHEVIOT BENEDETTI SERIES A Private Dinner at Kinross House Immediately following our sell-out Quilter Cheviot Benedetti Series of concerts in Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow, we were very honoured that Nicola Benedetti agreed to perform with members of the Orchestra at a special fundraising dinner attended by guests of some of our Business Partners in the privately-owned Kinross House on Saturday 6 April.

Built in 1685 and refurbished between 2011 and 2013, this breathtaking property reflects

the original owner’s vision for opulent entertaining, and we certainly enjoyed the privilege of being in such beautiful surroundings!

As one of the most soughtafter violinists in the world, Nicola’s ability to captivate audiences with her musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high profile advocate for music education, has made her one of the most influential artists of today. In a moving

“We had a fabulous evening at Kinross House, made all the better by the stunning musicianship of your folk from the SCO, playing with and without Nicola Benedetti.”

speech, she expressed her admiration and love for the SCO and said that it was like coming home to family when she performed with us. This feeling is, no doubt, further reinforced by her longstanding friendship with our leader, Benjamin Marquise Gilmore, who she was at school with from the tender age of nine!

We are very grateful to Donald Fothergill for opening his home to us, to Quilter Cheviot for sponsoring the dinner, to Nicola Benedetti and our musicians for performing, and to the generosity of the guests who helped make the event such a success

SCOTTISH SUMMER TOURING SEASON Each summer, the SCO hits the road along with internationally-acclaimed guest soloists and conductors – to bring inspiring live music to communities across the whole of Scotland.

Where will you join us?

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ON TOUR SUMMER 2019

–––––– See you in MUSSELBURGH/ STRANRAER/ ANNAN/ GALASHIELS/ CAITHNESS/ SOUTH UIST/ NORTH UIST/ HARRIS/ LEWIS/ ELGIN/ BANCHORY/ ABERFELDY/ EAST NEUK FESTIVAL/ STIRLING/ FINDHORN/ TURRIFF/ FORFAR/ OBAN/ CAMPBELTOWN/ BOWMORE/ DUNOON/ EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL/ ST ANDREWS/ LARGS/ LANARK and LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN MUSSELBURGH | STRANRAER | ANNAN | GALASHIELS  1. MUSSELBURGH  2. STRANRAER  3. ANNAN  4. GALASHIELS

5 June 6 June 7 June 8 June

MENDELSSOHN Hebrides Overture MOZART Clarinet Concerto BEETHOVEN Symphony No 4 GÁBOR KÁLI – Conductor MAXIMILIANO MARTÍN – Clarinet

Spanish clarinettist Maximiliano Martín is a tour de force, never failing to inspire audiences in his dual career as SCO Principal Clarinet and in-demand international soloist. His effortless phrasing and mellifluous tone, demonstrated in celebrated recordings of the clarinet repertoire, are what will make this performance of Mozart’s famous Clarinet Concerto magical.

Hungarian conductor Gábor Káli – winner of the prestigious 2018 Nestlé and Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award – opens the concert with Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides, music inspired by the 19th century composer’s spectacular journey by steamer from Fort William to Tobermory. The unyielding energy of Beethoven’s playful Symphony No 4 makes for an exhilarating conclusion to the evening

ON TOUR SUMMER 2019 ––––––

ON TOUR SUMMER 2019 ––––––

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN CAITHNESS  5. SCO RESIDENCY IN CAITHNESS

15-17 June

The SCO’s Summer Touring programme includes more than just concerts! This year we are collaborating with Caithness Music and Lyth Arts Centre to bring six special events to Caithness, working with people of all ages across the community.

On 15th June, join the SCO Wind Trio for a live music experience with your little one.

Big Ears, Little Ears offers a chance to relax and enjoy wonderful performances up close in a child-friendly atmosphere. The same evening, experience a delightful concert of chamber music, specially programmed and performed by seven SCO musicians at Thurso West Church.

Local brass players will spend an afternoon with Peter Franks (SCO Principal Trumpet), and orchestral musicians are invited to Come & Play with SCO musicians for a day which features a new commission by local musician Gordon. The team will also be out and about visiting local schools and care homes.

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SCO WINDS SOLOISTS ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES  6. SOUTH UIST  7. NORTH UIST  8. HARRIS  9. LEWIS

24 JUNE 25 JUNE 26 JUNE 27 JUNE

GOUNOD Petite Symphonie MUSSORGSKY arr LINCKLEMANN Movements from Pictures at an Exhibition McCRAE Wind Trio PROKOFIEV arr TARKMANN Suite, Romeo & Juliet With the SCO WIND SOLOISTS Please join the world-class Scottish Chamber Orchestra Wind Soloists as they make the Outer Hebrides their home for the week. Wit, ingenuity and entertainment are at the heart of their concerts! Immerse yourself in the romantic intensity of two star-crossed lovers! Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, with its dramatic scenes and heart-on-sleeve melodies, has a strong claim to being the greatest ballet score ever composed.

After ballet, make way for painting! Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition is an homage to visual arts. Each of the movements evoke a painting of the composer’s late friend, artist Hartmann. Let this imaginative music take you into the world of costume sketches, architectural designs and atmospheric paintings. Join us for an inspiring evening of music!

ON TOUR SUMMER 2019 ––––––

SCO STRINGS IN ELGIN | BANCHORY | ABERFELDY  10. ELGIN 26 June  11. BANCHORY 27 June  12. ABERFELDY 28 June JANÁČEK Suite for Strings VERESS Transylvanian Dances BORODIN Notturno BOTTESINI Concerto alla Mendelssohn DVOŘÁK Serenade BENJAMIN MARQUISE GILMORE – Director/Violin NIKITA NAUMOV – Double Bass SCO STRINGS

ON TOUR SUMMER 2019 ––––––

It’s a rare occasion for bass players to step forward into the spotlight as a concert soloist, as our superb Principal Double Bass Nikita Naumov does here! Composer Giovanni Bottesini – known as the “Paganini of the Double Bass” – was instrumental to in extending the capabilities of the double bass and Nikita’s performance will be a sure-fire demonstration of this.

Across the evening, Benjamin Marquise Gilmore dynamically leads the SCO Strings in bohemian rhapsodies of the folk-inspired Hungarian and Czech musical tradition.

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ON TOUR SUMMER 2019 ––––––

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN STIRLING | FINDHORN | TURRIFF | FORFAR  14.  15.  16.  17.

STIRLING CASTLE FINDHORN TURRIFF FORFAR

18 July 19 July 20 July 21 July

MOZART Symphony No 31 ‘Paris’ TCHAIKOVSKY Variations on a Rococo Theme HAYDN Symphony No 104 ‘London’ PHILIPP VON STEINAECKER – Conductor PHILIP HIGHAM – Cello The Orchestra’s superb Principal Cellist Philip Higham is soloist in Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations – a work that tips its hat to the eighteenth century, but is utterly Romantic at heart.

The opening of Mozart’s ‘Paris’ Symphony is one of the grandest, most thrilling sounds, with Mozart making use of clarinets for the first time in a symphony.

Conductor Philipp von Steinaecker continues the genial high spirits and passion in Haydn’s final Symphony, written when the conductor was staying in London.

ON TOUR SUMMER 2019 ––––––

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN OBAN | CAMPBELTOWN | BOWMORE | DUNOON  18. OBAN  19. CAMPBELTOWN  20. BOWMORE, ISLAY  21. DUNOON

24 July 25 July 26 July 27 July

SAINT-SAËNS Suite Op 49 MENDELSSOHN Violin Concerto BEETHOVEN Symphony No 2 HOLLY MATHIESON – Conductor BENJAMIN MARQUISE GILMORE – Violin

The full Orchestra will tour throughout Argyll and Bute, returning first to Oban where the SCO Strings gave an exhilarating concert last summer. The Orchestra also makes a longawaited return to Dunoon, and will perform in Campbeltown and in Bowmore, Islay for the first time in more than 20 years.

New Zealand-born Holly Mathieson takes the baton for an exquisite programme including Mendelssohn’s much-loved and technicallychallenging Violin Concerto. Soloist Benjamin Marquise Gilmore is certain to embrace this major piece of Romantic music with panache.

The programme opens with a rarity: SaintSaëns’ Orchestral Suite, and to close the night, Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No 2: a superb evening of music not to be missed!

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SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN ST ANDREWS | LARGS | LANARK  22. ST ANDREWS  23. LARGS  24. LANARK  25. LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL

12 September 13 September 14 September 15 September

HAYDN Symphony No 44 in E minor ‘Trauer’ NIELSEN Flute Concerto DEAN Siduri Dances (Scottish Premiere) MOZART Symphony No 36 ‘Linz’ DANIEL BLENDULF – Conductor ADAM WALKER – Flute

British flautist Adam Walker landed the plum job of principal flautist with the London Symphony Orchestra aged only 21. He performs Nielsen’s witty and imaginative Flute Concerto, 15 years after demonstrating his astonishing virtuosity with this signature showpiece as a finalist in the 2004 BBC Young Musician of the Year.

Scandinavian conductor Daniel Blendulf directs stirring symphonies by ‘Father of the Symphony’ J Haydn and his admired friend WA Mozart, a composer whom Haydn described as “the greatest composer known to me by person and repute”.

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ALSO MEET THE SCO IN FESTIVALS!  13. EAST NEUK FESTIVAL CLOSING CONCERT 30 June – With Conductor Joseph Swensen 26. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 5 & 6 August – West Side Story, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner 12 August – Maxim Emelyanychev & SCO Principals 17 August – MacMillan Symphony No 5 – World Premiere 26 August – Virgin Money Fireworks concerts

1.30pm for 2000+ school pupils,

9pm general public BBC PROMS 30 August – HANDEL Jephtha, Conducted by Richard Egarr and with the SCO Chorus

TICKETS FROM SCO.ORG.UK

ON TOUR SUMMER 2019 ––––––

12|SCO NEWS

SCO NEWS|29 TOP LEFT Christopher Lee (narrator) rehearses Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale with Lionel Friend conducting and soloists from the SCO including the late John Tunnell (Violin/Leader), the late John Steer (Principal Double Bass) and (partially obscured) Peter Franks (Principal Trumpet), Kim Walker (Basson) (1986) BOTTOM LEFT The late David Nicholson, Principal Flute, warming up backstage at the Queen’s Hall TOP RIGHT Rehearsing at the Queen’s Hall: Adrian Bornet (partially), Double Bass, Bob Cook (former Principal Horn), the late David Nicholson (Principal Flute), Ursula Leveaux (former Principal Bassoon) and Robin Williams and Rosie Staniforth (still Principal and Sub-Principal Oboe respectively), with guest Principal Timpanist(?)

Jonathon Swensen, Joseph’s son (c1998) BELOW LEFT The ‘Opening’ announcement of the Queens Hall BELOW RIGHT Rehearsal in the 1990s with Jim Clark (Leader) and Julie Taylor (violin)

–––––– We celebrate Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall in its 40th year with Anderszewski Plays Haydn and Schumann on 24 October

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS AT THE QUEEN’S HALL

30|SCO NEWS

YOUR ORCHESTRA, YOUR SAY...

Insta pick of the Season

–––––– Your opportunity to comment and have your say.

Whether it is via social media or by sending us a letter, we love to hear from you.

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A superb afternoon yesterday for the final day of SCO String Academy in partnership with @stmarys_music. A big thank you to all the amazing musicians involved and everyone behind the scenes who made it happen. #mysco

Rehearsals are inspiring yet relaxed with the sublime @nickybenedettio fficial

St Mary’s Music @stmarys_music Fantastic concert at the Usher Hall last night with Nicola Benedetti.

Loved the Mozart, but hearing the Anna Clyne piece for the first time was a treat. Looking forward to more over the next few years.

Keith Main (Facebook)

JOIN THE CONVERSATION –––––– Sign up for our email newsletter For all our latest news, films, photos, blogs and special offers, visit sco.org.uk/latest Email us Michael Devlin, Customer Communications michael.devlin@sco.org.uk Comment on Facebook facebook.com/scottishchamberorchestra

Great night of musicianship @glasgowcityhalls with the super-talented @DAMusicSchool ensembles providing room-filling sound followed by refreshing informality and exquisite virtuosity of Pekka Kuuisisto and @scomusic #fridaynightismusicnight

Share your experience on Twitter @SCOmusic Share your experience on Instagram @scottishchamberorchestra #mySCO

Robin MacLellan @robmaclellan

I thought the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Concert with Nicola Benedetti at Perth Concert Hall was magical. I love Mozart and found the performance just exquisite in bringing his music to life.

Jane Murphy (Audience survey)

#mySCO

THROUGH THE EYES OF...

PHILIP HIGHAM Principal Cello Our 2019/20 featured artist is Pekka Kuusisto. Are you excited to work with him again?

I heard Pekka play chamber music on a few memorable occasions, and was captivated by his unique musical dialect, its vibrancy and communicative power. I remember noting that, in the Bartók Contrasts, for example, there seemed not to be one single sound that belonged “to the violin” as I knew it – everything he did sounded new, and his imagination for sound and colour, especially, simply transcended all convention. I’m looking forward to our explorations through the broad variety of repertoire and musical styles with Pekka.

Pekka is passionate about breaking down the barriers between performers and listeners and shaking up the format of a traditional classical concert – how do you think that mentality suits the SCO? It seems to me that he rather breaks down barriers within music itself – or, to put it another way, he has a way of opening musical doors that are often not so immediately visible to others. What he can produce, in terms of tonal range, atmosphere, gesture, a sense of theatre, is so out of the ordinary for many, that people are compelled to listen in a new way. Not to mention his immense honesty on the concert platform; perhaps a little like Yo Yo Ma, his sense of warmth and openness speaks to everyone in the hall before even a note has been played. We welcome any artist who genuinely shares their music-making, and in that

respect I can’t think of a more generous figure than Pekka.

Looking ahead to next Season, you are teaming up with Benjamin Marquise Gilmore and Kristian Bezuidenhout for Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, what is your experience of this piece?

I’ve loved this piece since I was a child, so it’s something of a “dream come true” to be playing it with SCO - especially alongside my wonderful colleagues, Messrs Gilmore and Bezuidenhout. It’s a magnificent work: heroic, noble, dramatic, and full of conversation and humour, particularly in the Finale. And, most likely, not a little sweat from the cellist, who has to play mostly up in the violin register!

–––––– HEAR PEKKA KUUSISTO IN CONCERT Pekka Kuusisto is our Season 2019/2020 Featured Artist. Tickets for his concerts can be purchased from the Edinburgh Queen’s Hall, Glasgow City Halls and St Andrews Byer Theatre Box Offices, online or over the phone (0131 668 2019).

–––––– Philip’s Chair is kindly supported by The Thomas Family

Every time we play a note You’ll still be there ––––– If the SCO is something you treasure, leaving a gift in your Will can make a significant and lasting difference.

Help us to ensure that orchestral music can continue to inspire future generations.

sco.org.uk/support-us/legacies To speak in confidence about leaving a gift in your Will to the SCO, please call Lucinda Coulthard on 0131 478 8364.

The SCO is a charity registered in Scotland No SC015039.