re-defining the string orchestra

RE-DEFINING THE STRING ORCHESTRA
2015/16
WELCOME
2015 2016
AUGUST
Mull
JANUARY
Sweden
SEPTEMBER
Bucharest
Sweden
Shetland
FEBRUARY
Sweden
Perth
Musselburgh
Glasgow
Shetland
Aberdeen
OCTOBER
Glasgow
Dundee
Inverness
Edinburgh
London
NOVEMBER
Glasgow
Dundee
Inverness
Aberdeen
Newcastle
DECEMBER
Dundee
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Aberdeen
Inverness
Perth
MARCH
Linlithgow
Inverness
Dundee
Glasgow
London
APRIL
Shetland
MAY
Edinburgh
Aix-en-Provence
Istanbul
Dumfries
Glasgow
How does classical music fit into our lives today? How
can we make it vital and relevant to everyone who
experiences it live?
SE has always strived to probe these questions not only
in its programming, through which we aim to create
new connections and perspectives, but also in opening
up the music to people who may not be familiar with it.
In our second large-scale, cross-artform adventure,
we’ve collaborated with Swedish contemporary dance
company Andersson Dance to blend music and
movement in new and unexpected ways. If you’ve
ever wanted to see a musician really sweat, now’s your
chance (!).
We’ve also asked two writers and a filmmaker to join the team to help us share our
stories and journeys with you. They will illuminate the programmes with visual and
written content, contextualising and positioning the music even further within today’s
world. And we do mean the whole world - this year we extend our reach even wider as
we travel to new places in Scotland as well as prestigious international stages.
Around me is, of course, a group of outstanding string players who are passionate about
making every performance powerful and meaningful - and if you come to any of the
concerts this season you’ll witness that for yourself. We hope you’ll join us for a concert
or two and help us re-define and re-imagine just what the string orchestra can be.
3
SE
with
PATRICIA KOPATCHINSKAJA
Silvestri
Brahms
Mansurian
Enescu
Ravel
Three Pieces for Strings
Three Chorale Preludes from Op. 122 (with Kopatchinskaja, leader)
Four Serious Songs (with Kopatchinskaja, soloist)
Two Intermezzi for Strings, Op. 12
Petite symphonie à cordes [arr. Barshai]
Wed 2 Sep 2015 Enescu Festival, The Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest
“Perfection, which is the passion of so many people, is irrelevant to me. What is important in art is to
vibrate and make others vibrate.” George Enescu
SE is thrilled to be invited to perform alongside Moldovan-Austrian violinist Patricia
Kopatchinskaja, named the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrumentalist of the Year in
2014, at this prestigious festival celebrating Romanian composer George Enescu. Enescu’s
mission to make people ‘vibrate’ is honoured by a programme which draws out a range of
moods, most notably the solemnity of Brahms’ chorale preludes, for which Kopatchinskaja
joins us as leader, and Mansurian’s Concerto No. 2 – nicknamed Four Serious Songs due to its
allusions to Brahms’ work of the same title.
4
SE+RCS
ENSEMBLE WEEK
Enescu
Octet for Strings in C major, Op.7 [arr. string orchestra]
Fri 9 Oct 2015
Stevenson Hall, RCS, Glasgow 1pm
rcs.ac.uk 0141 332 5057
Take one professional string orchestra. Build another one, from students at the start of
their careers. Put in one intensive week of coaching. Showcase the result.
Following a dedicated week of practice and coaching, 12 young musicians from the Royal
Conservatoire of Scotland join forces with SE’s principal players to create a veritable
strings supergroup featuring the musicians of today and tomorrow.
“Working with Scottish Ensemble has been a hugely rewarding experience. The rehearsals are funny, serious,
passionate, bonded, open minded… From the word go you’re treated like a professional musician. There’s no
special dispensation for being a student; you’re one of the team and this has an incredible effect on the way
you play. You find confidence and energy that you hadn’t found before; you try to match the amazing quality
of playing you are surrounded by; you try and contribute something worthy of the music making going on
around you. It’s a sink or swim situation and it’s so, so encouraging to know that the players believe you are
capable of swimming.” Alice Allen, a cellist on the SE Young Artist scheme
5
16-25 OCT 2015
“the warmth of Rysanov’s viola [leaves] you
wondering why composers bother with the violin...”
London Evening Standard
IN SCHUBERT’S
company
Something old:
Schubert’s rich, prolific genius, only really recognised in the decades after his death.
Something new:
Two contemporary composers’ take on Schubert’s mastery of romantic, tuneful melody.
Something borrowed:
His Arpeggione Sonata, originally written for bowed guitar, now transformed into a
work of melodic joy for string orchestra, and virtuosic viola prowess.
And something blue:
Death and The Maiden, Schubert’s testament to death in the form of his fourteenth string
quartet, written in the long stretch of months as the composer knew he was dying,
penniless and without hope.
WITH MAXIM RYSANOV (VIOLA)
Together with Grammy-nominated British-Ukranian violist Maxim Rysanov, we
explore the shifting shades of Schubert which have rippled across two centuries. Acting
as a nimble showcase of the instrument’s low, velvet tones against the rarely-heard burnt
caramel of its higher register, Rysanov’s performances are a welcome reminder of just
how distinctive the viola can sound.
Sergey Akhunov
6.36 in Schubert’s company
Sergey Akhunov
Der Erlkönig
Schubert
Arpeggione Sonata [arr. D. Tabakova]
Dobrinka Tabakova Fantasy Homage to Schubert
Schubert
String Quartet No. 14 in D minor
“Death and The Maiden” [arr. Mahler]
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
Fri 16 Oct Tue 20 Oct Wed 21 Oct Sat 24 Oct Caird Hall, Dundee 7.30pm*
dundeebox.co.uk 01382 434 940
Eden Court, Inverness 7.30pm* eden-court.co.uk 01463 234 234
Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh 7.30pm*assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk 0131 220 4348
Wigmore Hall, London 7.30pm wigmore-hall.org.uk 0207 935 2141
* With SE BLETHER at 6.45pm: Fiona Elliott on Schubert’s cultural landscape. See p23 for details.
SE RESIDENCIES:
Dundee ‘Immersion Day’ on Fri 16 Oct 2015 | Inverness Residency on 17-20 Oct 2015
Go to p23 for event listings.
Sun 25 Oct Mozart, Madrigals and Mavericks, Wigmore Hall, London 11.30am SE Director Emeritus and current leader of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Clio
Gould, joins Jonathan Morton for a handpicked selection of violin and viola duos from
Mozart to Martinů.
7
SEP/NOV 2015 + JAN/FEB 2016
Musicians and dancers are choreographed in a
performance which challenges the static nature of
the classical concert.
GOLDBERG
VARIATIONS
ternary patterns for insomnia
WITH ANDERSSON DANCE
It started life as a study for harpsichord; a simple aria, and a set of 30 variations.
Today, it’s not only one of the most well-known of Bach’s works – it’s one of the most
interpreted. From theories that its structure deliberately mirrors the ascent of the nine
spheres of Ptolemaic cosmology, to the claim that the whole thing is a cleverly coded
rebuke to a critic who had snubbed the composer, there is clearly something about this
sprawling, complex piece which invites interpretation.
Now, in 2015, Jonathan Morton and Örjan Andersson have come together to create
their own. With 12 musicians and 5 dancers moving together as equal partners, the
audience is given the singular experience of musician and dancer performing as one,
casting a 21st-century light on the notes and the spaces between them. Should we simply
listen to the music, or can we move?
CHOREOGRAPHY: ÖRJAN ANDERSSON
SET & LIGHT DESIGN: SUTODA
COSTUME DESIGN: BENTE ROLANDSDOTTER
PRODUCTION: ANDERSSON DANCE & SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE
CO-PRODUCTION: REGIONTEATERN BLEKINGE KRONOBERG & RIKSTEATERN
UK TOUR: 13-21 Nov 2015
12 musicians. 5 dancers. One stunning new interpretation.
Fri 13 - Sat 14 Nov Tramway, Glasgow 8pm tramway.org 0845 330 3501
Sun 15 Nov Caird Hall, Dundee 7.30pm dundeebox.co.uk 01382 434 940
Tue 17 Nov Eden Court, Inverness 8pm eden-court.co.uk 01463 234 234
Thu 19 Nov Music Hall, Aberdeen 8pm aberdeenperformingarts.com 01224 641 122
Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov Dance City, Newcastle 7.30pm (Fri) / 8pm (Sat)
dancecity.co.uk 0191 261 0505
SWEDISH PREMIERE:
17-20 Sep 2015
Stockholm and Växjö
DANCENET SWEDEN TOUR:
27 Jan – 6 Feb 2016
Gävle, Västerås, Kungsbacka, Vara, Malmö, Umeå
7-12 DEC 2015
Set in churches and cathedrals across Scotland,
our much-loved candlelit concerts are given a
new lease of light.
THREE
PÄRTS
BACH
concerts by candlelight
Pärt Fratres
Bach Violin Concerto in A minor, BMW 1041
Bach
Chorale: Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein
(from Art of Fugue, BWV 1080)
Gubaidulina Meditation über der Bach Chorale:
Vor deinen Thron tret ich hier mit
Bach
Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043
Pärt Collage über Bach – Toccata
Bach Contrapunctus XIX (from Art of Fugue, BWV 1080)
Pärt
Summa
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
The meditative music of Bach and Pärt illuminated by flickering flame.
The meditative, cyclic, cascading notes of Bach hold a subtle power. As musicians begin
to play by the soft light of candles, as well as other specially-created lighting touches
designed to add to the mesmeric effect, they will fill and transform the space. Add to
this slices of spiritual calm, in the form of Arvo Pärt’s cinematic violins, as well as the
surprise of Sofia Gubaidulina’s eerie homage to the Baroque master, and the overall
effect is one of meditation, reflection and immersion.
With his specialist knowledge and passion for period instrument performance, we are
thrilled to welcome Matthew Truscott as guest director and solo violinist in two Bach
concerti. Matthew regularly leads the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the
Magdalena Consort; his engagements as concertmaster include the Mahler Chamber
Orchestra and English National Opera.
Mon 7 Dec Tue 8 Dec Wed 9 Dec Thu 10 Dec Fri 11 Dec Sat 12 Dec Caird Hall, Dundee 7.30pm
dundeebox.co.uk 01382 434 940
Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh 7.30pm
thequeenshall.net 0131 668 2019
Wellington Church, Glasgow 7.30pm glasgowconcerthalls.com 0141 353 8000
St Machar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen 7.30pm aberdeenperformingarts.com 01224 641 122
Inverness Cathedral, Inverness 7.30pm
eden-court.co.uk 01463 234 234
St John’s Kirk, Perth 7.30pm horsecross.co.uk 01738 621 031
GUEST DIRECTOR: MATTHEW TRUSCOTT
LIGHTING DESIGN: DO-ARCHITECTURE
11
22-27 FEB 2016
In the key of G, five Scottish Ensemble musicians
take you from minor to major as we get intimate
with the quintet form.
QUINTETS
Mozart
Brahms
String Quintet No. 4 in G minor, K516
String Quintet No. 2 in G major, Op.111
The minor fall and the major lift –
beautifully crafted chamber music from two masters of the form.
G minor has long been associated, in Mozart’s work, with agitation, anguish and
desperation (look to his 40th Symphony or his first Piano Quartet for evidence).
This quintet is no different, sinking as it does into an out-of-character contemplative
melancholy. With the addition of the extra viola adding that essential extra flesh, it’s
easy to see why this and Mozart’s five other quintets are considered so spectacular,
paving the way for the romantic model...
…the model that was perfected and, arguably, transcended by Brahms, whose second
quintet was intended as his last ever work. His Opus 111, he claimed, had said all he
could as a composer and no more works should be expected. From the rich orchestral
fullness of its first movement to the Slavonic gypsy rhythms of the fourth, it’s a difficult
claim to refute.
Glasgow-born composer Martin Suckling’s Nocturne (evening concerts only) is
something different altogether: its feather-light, ethereal, lingering slides and tones will
stay with you long after the performance ends.
Mon 22 Feb Tue 23 Feb Wed 24 Feb Fri 26 Feb Sat 27 Feb Perth Concert Hall, Perth 1pm horsecross.co.uk 01738 621 031
Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh,7.30pm thebrunton.co.uk 0131 665 2240
The Merchant’s House, Glasgow 12.45pm 0141 221 1876
Mareel, Shetland 7.30pm mareel.org 01595 745 555
Music Hall, Aberdeen 7.30pm aberdeenperformingarts.com 01224 641 122
13
8-15 MAR 2016
One of South America’s most innovative
performers is the perfect partner with whom
to explore what happens when the music and
traditions of two different continents collide.
SOUTH ATLANTIC
crossings
WITH GABRIELA MONTERO (PIANO)
Mozart
Villa-Lobos
Bach Piazzolla Golijov Mozart Adagio and Fugue
Aria from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 [arr. John Krance]
Ricercar à 6
Three Pieces for Piano and Strings
Last Round
Piano Concerto No. 14 in E flat major, K449
Dancing on the edge of two very different traditions, where better than the joyfully
addictive work of Piazzolla to explore this meeting of sounds? The tango rhythms of
his Three Pieces for Piano and Strings - half-dance, half-fugue - are complemented by
Villa-Lobos’ imagining of a Brazilian Bach, taking drama and structure and creating
one passionate yet ordered flow of cultures.
With numerous awards for her spontaneous and expressive improvisations, who better
than Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero to join us for Mozart’s Piano Concerto in E
flat major? Her extended sparkling cadenzas ring out with exuberance and a sense of
freedom, making for an invigorating experience. After performing she very often asks
the audience to call out pieces and ideas for her to improvise on - come prepared with
your best challenge…
Tue 8 Mar Fri 11 Mar Sun 13 Mar Tue 15 Mar Passion and structure collide as Latin America meets Central Europe.
Eden Court, Inverness* 7.30pm
Caird Hall, Dundee 7.30pm
City Halls, Glasgow* 3.30pm
Wigmore Hall, London 7.30pm
eden-court.co.uk 01463 234 234
dundeebox.co.uk 01382 434 940
glasgowconcerthalls.com 0141 353 8000
wigmore-hall.org.uk 0207 935 2141
*With SE BLETHER: South American Culture Explored 6.45pm (Inverness) and 2.45pm (Glasgow)
A free discussion on the dramatic cultural landscape of this colourful continent, from classical
European influence to what’s igniting people right now.
SE RESIDENCIES:
Inverness ‘Immersion Day’ on Tue 8 Mar 2016 | Dundee Residency on 9-12 Mar 2016
Go to p24 for event listings.
15
SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE
re-defining the string orchestra
Cheryl Crockett, violin
Xander van Vliet, violin
Liza Johnson, violin
Tristan Gurney, violin
Joanne Green, violin
Laura Ghiro, violin
Resident yoga master, lover of
fine chocolate, herbal teas and the
occasional vanilla vodka. Not half
bad on the violin, either…
Laura on Cheryl
Perfectly coiffured, manicured,
permanently clad in designer clothes
and a very large grin.
Naomi on Xander
Quiet, thoughtful, generous.
Chief Rememberer of Birthdays and
the epitome of organisational calm. Her
children’s bedrooms are testament to this.
Jo on Liza
A fantastic sense of humour, a
great chamber musician, a sensitive
listener, a keen traveller and a real
gentleman.
Xander on Tristan
Feisty and brave, with a tender heart
and a passion for horse riding.
Cathy on Jo
Little known facts: she takes her
own pillow everywhere, studied
Law, trained in the Territorial Army
and takes it all in her stride.
Cheryl on Laura
Catherine Marwood, viola
Andrew Berridge, viola
Alison Lawrance, cello
Naomi Pavri, cello
Diane Clark, double bass
A positively cheery workaholic. Loves
to travel (not by bus), The Archers,
Top Gear, tea (always) and a glass
of wine (just the one).
Ali on Cathy
His humour is dry, his socks stripy,
his tea white and his Sambucca most
definitely black.
Di on Andy
Sublime player, accomplished baker,
loves dressing up. Especially if it
involves a wig.
Jon on Ali
Star cellist and friend, performing
a concerto one minute and running
around after three sports-mad
children the next. Inspirational.
Liza on Naomi
The foundation upon which the
ensemble rests - and yet still the most
likely to collapse in a fit of giggles at
the least encouragement.
Andy on Di
Jonathan Morton,
Artistic Director and Leader
16
The ‘urbanator’ of classical music
- naturally inspired by living in the
middle of nowhere, keeping livestock
and obsessing about coffee.
Tristan on Jon
As well as a soloist, director, leader, teacher and versatile performer, Jon is
a champion of new and little-known music, with an eclectic, innovative
programming style. With SE he has significantly expanded the string repertoire,
made a number of acclaimed recordings and collaborated with leading artists from
different musical traditions and art forms. In 2012 he became Leader of the
London Sinfonietta. He plays a Nicolo Amati violin, made circa 1640.
17
SE
ESSENTIAL
ENSEMBLE
NICOLA BENEDETTI
Mozart
Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins in A minor, RV 522
Britten
Simple Symphony
Pärt Fratres
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings
Sat 5 Mar 2016 St. Michael’s Church, Linlithgow 7.30pm Tickets: Linlithgow Burgh Hall Box Office (in person)
01506 282 720
Essential Ensemble: taking pieces from Scottish Ensemble’s core repertoire to make up
a musical tasting board spanning ages, places and styles.
Scottish Ensemble has always been bold in its mission of championing the string
repertoire, and this concert serves as a neat introduction. From the vital, call-toattention opening bars of Mozart’s classic we move to Vivaldi’s technically impressive
battling Baroque violins. Britten’s Simple Symphony is a welcome interlude of pastiche,
with movements named after the character of the tradition it honours – from the
Boisterous Bourée to the Sentimental Sarabande. Arvo Pärt’s Fratres then provides a
moment of shimmering spirituality before sweeping onwards to the meaty, sonorous
finale of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.
18
with
EDINBURGH + AIX-EN-PROVENCE
ISTANBUL
Respighi Ancient Airs & Dances, Suite No. 3
Vivaldi Violin Concerto in D minor, RV 235
Vivaldi Violin Concerto in D major, RV 211
Vivaldi Grosso Mogul
Wolf
Italian Serenade
Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
Tchaikovsky The Seasons
[arr. David Matthews]
Vivaldi Four Seasons
Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
Sun 1 May 2016 The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh 7.30pm
thequeenshall.net 0131 668 2019
Tue 3 May 2016 Grand Théâtre de Provence, Aix-en-Provence
Thu 5 May 2016 İş Sanat Concert Hall, Istanbul
Engaged with the notes on the page as well as the people listening to them, Scotland’s
most in-demand violinist Nicola Benedetti is a natural fit for the ethos and playing style
of Scottish Ensemble.
With a passion for Italian Baroque, she will be in her element as soloist in two Vivaldi
concerti and a later work, his Indian-inspired Grosso Mogul. A theatrically exuberant
piece with wonderfully demanding, fully-written out cadenzas, prepare to witness some
extreme dexterity from all performers.
19
27+29 MAY 2016
Dream-like music to expand the mind.
An escape from the structure of the real into
the realm of the imagined…
EN RÊVE
Ravel
Debussy Debussy and
Ravel Petite symphonie à cordes [arr. Barshai]
String Quartet [arr. Morton]
Six Epigraphes Antiques [arr. Paillard]
A collection of short evocative gems
If the music of Debussy and Ravel is known for its liberating historical leap into a freer,
more nuanced palette of sound, the string orchestra arrangements of some of their
most well-known pieces add yet another layer.
The natural expressiveness of strings, from the low, rich timbre of the double bass to the
suspended shimmer of the violin’s highest register, provides a fascinating canvas upon
which we can open up the heady impressionism of the two composers. Debussy’s only
String Quartet is followed by the exotic, pagan-tinged story-telling of his Epigraphes,
originally written for piano. Barshai’s arrangement for string orchestra of Ravel’s String
Quartet in F major, commissioned by SE, is matched with an array of his shorter works
to create a beautiful patchwork of textures and colours.
Fri 27 May Sun 29 May
Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries 7.30pm dgartsfestival.org.uk 01387 253 383
The Mackintosh Church, Glasgow 3.30pm glasgowconcerthalls.com 0141 353 8000
SE RESIDENCIES:
Dumfries Residency on 25-28 May 2016
Go to p24 for details on all SE residencies.
Exotic soundscapes from the turn of the century, painted by strings.
These are just some of the highlights of each residency. For the full programme of
events, go to scottishensemble.co.uk or email us at office@scottishensemble.co.uk
DUNDEE ‘IMMERSION DAY’: FRI 16 OCT 2015
Book in advance for all ticketed events at dundeebox.co.uk | 01382 434 940
Fri 16 Oct Lunchtime Lieder, Caird Hall, 12.45pm-1.45pm, £5
SE RESIDENCIES
Creative learning and community activity at the heart of our programmes.
Settle in the choir stalls for a lunchtime treat of Schubert Lieder and other songs from soprano
Emma Versteeg and pianist Maryam Sherhan. In partnership with Live Music Now.
Fri 16 Oct SE Blether: Fiona Elliott on Schubert’s cultural landscape
Caird Hall, 6.45pm, Free with concert ticket
Before the concert, join us for a free discussion – in both senses of the word – about the artistic and
cultural world surrounding Schubert as he wrote.
INVERNESS RESIDENCY: SAT 17 – TUE 20 OCT 2015
Mull
Shetland
Inverness
Dundee
Dumfries
12–14 Aug 2015
29 Sep 2015 / 26 Feb 2016 / 21 Apr 2016
17-20 Oct 2015 / 8 March 2016
16 Oct 2015 / 9-12 March 2016
25-28 May 2016
SE Residencies aim to bring music, and the joy of music-making, to people who may not
otherwise get to experience it, as well as providing invaluable coaching and support for those
who need it. As with our concerts, the residency work is tailored around the needs of each
location in order to make the biggest impact possible over the course of our stay.
This year, we’re introducing a few new things: the Immersion Days are a way of delving
deeper into the culture surrounding the evening concert programme with some extra events
during the day. We also embark on our first ever SE Residencies in Mull and Dumfries, and
a series of chamber music concerts on Shetland.
Book in advance for all ticketed events at eden-court.co.uk | 01463 234 234
Sat 17 Oct SE: Back to the Bookshop, Leakey’s Bookshop, 5.30pm, £4 (incl. refreshments)
Drama students from the University of the Highlands and Islands choose excerpts from
books which intrigue them, SE musicians find a bit of music that matches it, and you’ve got a
miniature, hand-crafted performance in this gorgeously cosy second-hand book nirvana.
Sat 17 Oct Beginners Strings Day, Eden Court, 1pm-5pm, £5
A rewarding workshop for young string players up to Grade 3. See p23 for how to register.
Sun 18 Oct SE: At Home
Can’t make it to a concert hall? Know someone who can’t get out much who’d love their own
private performance? SE musicians are ready and waiting to travel to your doorstep - whether
it’s a local community hall or someone’s living room. To nominate yourself or recommend a
friend, contact Robin on robin.hiley@scottishensemble.co.uk or 0141 332 4747.
Mon 19 Oct Harmony Quest, OneTouch Theatre, Eden Court, 2pm, £7/£5
An inventive play for children aged 5-9 which introduces young ones to string instruments in
a fun way by turning them into a range of characters on a musical adventure. Timid, fearless,
funny, kind… which one will your child relate to?
Tue 20 Oct SE Blether: Fiona Elliott on Schubert’s cultural landscape
Eden Court, 6.45pm, Free with concert ticket
See Dundee listing above.
23
INVERNESS ‘IMMERSION DAY’: TUE 8 MAR 2016
Book in advance for all ticketed events at eden-court.co.uk | 01463 234 234
Tue 8 Mar Beginners Strings Day, Eden Court, 2-6pm, £5, beginners to Grade 3
If you’re currently experiencing the dulcet tones of your child starting out on a string instrument, this coaching day could be just the thing for both of you. In small groups based on
standard, professional musicians will go through various techniques and help with any specific
questions or difficulties, before ending the day with a fun performance for friends and family.
Email robin.hiley@scottishensemble.co.uk to register.
Tue 8 Mar Film screening: The Motorcycle Diaries, Eden Court, 3pm, £7.50 (50% off with concert ticket)
Get yourself in the mood for some Latin American music with a journey through its incredible
landscapes. From Brazil to Peru, this is an inspirational coming-of-age tale from the back of Che
Guevara’s motorbike.
Tue 8 Mar SE Blether: South American Culture Explored, Eden Court, 6.45pm, free with concert ticket
A free discussion on the dramatic cultural landscape of this colourful continent, from classical
European influence to what’s igniting people right now.
ISLANDS
MULL RESIDENCY: WED 12 - FRI 14 AUGUST 2015
Book in advance for both events at comar.co.uk | 01688 302 211
Thu 13 Aug Violin and Cello Duos, An Tobar, 12.30pm, £10 or £22 (includes lunch)
Violin and cello get a close up as SE’s Cheryl Crockett and Alison Lawrance perform a
programme including Halvorsen’s Passacaglia for Violin and Viola, a brilliant Handel-inspired
gambol across all the strings. For an extra £12, follow the concert with a specially-created lunch
at the An Tobar café bar, with views of Tobermory bay.
Fri 14 Aug From Russia With Love, Druimfin, 7.30pm, £12/£10
DUNDEE RESIDENCY: WED 9 – SAT 12 MAR 2016
Book in advance and see the full programme at scottishensemble.co.uk
The power and passion of Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich as captured in four of their most
compelling works, including Barshai’s arrangement of Shostakovich’s haunting eighth string quartet,
Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings and the beautiful cello melody of his Andante Cantabile.
Wed 9 Mar Music and Art Promenade, McManus Gallery, 7pm, free
Immerse yourself in art and music as Scottish Ensemble musicians scatter themselves across the
rooms of Dundee’s McManus gallery, adding a musical layer to enhance your experience of
looking at the paintings, sculptures and photography.
Sat 12 Mar SE Scratch: Piazzolla, 10am-5pm, free, Grade 6 and above
Fancy becoming a member of Scottish Ensemble for a day? This scratch workshop is a chance
to play Piazzolla’s brilliantly colourful Four Seasons of Buenos Aires alongside professional musicians
in a relaxed, friendly environment, ending with a performance for friends and family. Email
robin.hiley@scottishensemble.co.uk to register.
SHETLAND 2015-2016
Book in advance for all events at shetlandboxoffice.org | 01595 745 555
Tue 29 Sep 2015 Mozart, Madrigals and Mavericks, Mareel, 7.30pm, £15/£13
SE Director Emeritus and current leader of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Clio Gould,
joins Jonathan Morton for a handpicked selection of violin and viola duos from Mozart to
Martinů.
Fri 26 Feb 2016 Quintets, Mareel, 7.30pm, £15/£13
DUMFRIES RESIDENCY: WED 25 - SAT 28 MAY 2016
Fri 27 May En Rêve, Easterbrook Hall, 7.30pm
Evocative music from the turn of the century, painted on strings. Including Debussy’s only
string quartet and Barshai’s arrangement of Ravel’s String Quartet in F major, in this beautiful
patchwork of texture and colour lurks the definitive sound of a new era of imaginative music.
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A treat of two halves – five SE musicians perform Mozart’s Quintet in G minor and Brahms’
harmony-rich Quintet in G Major. See p12 for details.
Thu 21 April 2016 Violin and Cello Duos, Mareel, 7.30pm, £15/£13
Cellist Alison Lawrance and violinist Cheryl Crockett perform a programme including an
arrangement of Halvorsen’s Passacaglia for Violin and Viola (see Mull listing above).
Supported by Inksters Solicitors.
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about
BOOKING YOUR TICKETS
HOW TO BOOK
Booking for a Scottish Ensemble concert is as simple and fuss-free as possible. For the
vast majority of events we offer one set price across all seats in the venue, so the only
thing you need to decide is which concert to go to.
Tickets for each event are sold from the Box Office at the concert venue, whether over
the phone, through their website, or face to face.
TICKET TYPES
Scottish Ensemble is a group of 12 outstanding string musicians.
We are dedicated to exploring and re-defining the potential of the string orchestra,
whether by championing and re-imagining the existing repertoire or by expanding it
with new works.
Being adventurous by nature, we like to explore the places that other orchestras don’t
reach, challenging expectations about classical music and its relevance today. We are
passionate about the connection between music and other art forms, and strive to
combine them in unique, one-off projects which give new meaning to both.
If you’re a student or under 16, you can benefit from our concession rates - students can
attend any concert for £5 and Under 16s get in free, with a paying adult aged 18 or over.
THE STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEASON TICKETS
Fraser Anderson, General Manager
Jenny Jamison, Director of Artistic Planning
Pippa Barnwell, Creative Learning Manager (maternity leave)
Rosie Davies, Marketing & Communications Manager
Angharad Hywel, Fundraising & Projects Officer
Robin Hiley, Planning & Creative Learning Officer (maternity cover)
Isabel Tulloch, Finance Manager
Samantha Barber (Chairman)
Bailie Liz Cameron
Diane Clark
Bob Downes
Jeff Fergus
Robert Fleming
Rachel Gwyon
Laura Ghiro
Andrew Lockyer
Jonathan Morton
Lesley Paterson
Malcolm Wishart
Fancy going to all the season concerts in your city?
We offer an excellent value Season Ticket which provides you with:
Savings: you’ll save around 15% off the price of each ticket
Ease: book all your tickets in one go and have them delivered together
Great Seats: you’ll be the first to hear about concerts, meaning you can guarantee your favourite seats
Bring a Friend: For key season events, you’ll be offered free tickets to give to friends and family as
a way of introducing them to something new
Ticket Swaps: If your plans change, simply swap your ticket for another SE event in the season
(subject to availability)
IN RESIDENCE
To become a subscriber please either:
- contact the SE office on office@scottishensemble.co.uk / 0141 332 4747 and ask for a form
- download a form from scottishensemble.co.uk
- call your local Box Office (See p31 for numbers)
We’d love to hear from you with feedback, comments or questions.
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Filmmaker: Hugh Carswell
Writer: Gareth K. Vile
Blogger: Rosie Davies
For general enquiries, email office@scottishensemble.co.uk or call us on 0141 332 4747.
Contact individual staff members using the format: firstname.lastname@scottishensemble.co.uk
Say hello on social media: FB: scottishensemble T: @scotensemble
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who ALREADY SUPPORTS US
HOW TO SUPPORT US
A little known but hugely important fact: in order to make everything happen,
including our concerts as well as our reative learning work, we need to raise £150,000
each year from private sources.
The fact that SE continues to thrive is down to the incredible generosity of our
supporters, from individuals who are part of our membership programme to
charitable trusts. As a small organisation with big ambitions, any gift - no matter its
size - will make a real impact.
INDIVIDUALS
If you’re looking for a way to become part of something meaningful, our Strings
Attached membership is ideal. You can give anything from £30 upwards and in return
you’ll be invited to receptions with the players and other supporters, receive regular
updates and see exactly how your donation has been spent.
CORPORATE SUPPORT
SE has a long and proud history of developing mutually beneficial corporate partnerships
which are tailored to your individual business needs. Whatever the objectives and priorities
of your company, we will listen to you and tailor benefits accordingly.
TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS
Grants play a key role in our annual activity, providing invaluable support for concerts,
tours, education projects and commissions and allowing us to plan with confidence and
ambition. Our City Residencies, with their local focus, are an excellent opportunity for
regional trusts to get involved and support a strand of activity which makes a noticeable
and tangible impact on their local community. Trusts and foundations can also become a
part of musical history by supporting commissions and cross-genre projects.
For full information on how you can support Scottish Ensemble go to
scottishensemble.co.uk or get in touch on office@scottishensemble.co.uk / 0141 332 4747.
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FUNDERS
STRINGS ATTACHED PARTNERS
LEGACIES
Creative Scotland
Glasgow City Council
Aberdeen City Council
Dundee City Council
Jeff & Emily Fergus
John Innes
Mrs L B Currie
Mr & Mrs T McCreery (pledged)
STRINGS ATTACHED ASSOCIATES
TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS
Samantha Barber
Ian & Irene Dickson
Iain Harrison
Andrew Lockyer
Malcolm & Aileen Wishart
THE FRIENDS OF
SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE
Alexander Moncur Charitable Trust
Binks Trust
W A Cargill Fund
Commonweal Fund
David and June Gordon Trust
D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
Ernest Cook Trust
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust
Hugh Fraser Foundation
Gannochy Trust
J R Gibb Charitable Trust
Jennie S Gordon Memorial Foundation
Holst Foundation
Hope Scott Trust
James T Howat Charitable Trust
Inchrye Trust
Kimie Trust
R J Larg Family Trust
Leach Family Charitable Trust
Leng Charitable Trust
MacRobert Trust
Michael Marks Charitable Trust
Bill & Margaret Nicol Trust
PRS for Music Foundation
Robertson Trust
RVW Trust
Stevenston Trust
Tay Charitable Trust
The Merchant’s House of Glasgow
D C Thomson Charitable Trust
Underwood Trust
SE CIRCLE
John Dale - In memory of
Jacqueline Dale
Margaret Fothergill
Iain McGlashan
Inksters Solicitors
Andrew Pringle
Esther Woodward
STRINGS ATTACHED FELLOWS
Gordon Adam
Fraser Anderson
Peter Armit
Dale A Bilsland
Cathie Boyd
Stephen & Margaret Brearley
Carola Bronte-Stewart
Anna & Stephen Brooke
Pam Clark
Dr Joe Coleiro
Sheila Colvin
Thorben Dittes
Bob and Julie Downes
David & Sylvia Dryer
George & Sylvia Edwards
Robert Fleming & Ellen Thomson
Alasdair Fraser
Jenny Jamison
Alison Lawrance
Cathy Lawrance
Josephine Leighton
Norman & Christine Lessels
Neil Metcalfe & Pat Monaghan
Rosemary Millington
Alan Moat
Michael & Margaret Moss
Clare Munn
Bob Nicolson
Simon & Lesley Paterson
Michael & Christina Paulson Ellis
Angela & Euan Petrie
Lessel Rennie
Elke Richter
Fred & Irene Shedden
Bill & Linda Stephens
Alan A Stewart
Gina Wilson
Alison Wyllie
Scottish Ensemble would also like to
thank our many supporters who prefer
to remain anonymous.
PARTNERS
Arts and Business Scotland
CCA
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Greenlight Creative
St Mary’s Music School
Scottish Music Centre
MacRoberts LLP
PATRONS
Marina, The Lady Marks
Lord Vallance of Tummel
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UK DATES
Mareel, Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0WQ
01595 745 555
shetlandboxoffice.org
SHETLAND
Tue 29 Sep 2015, Mareel (p25)
Fri 26 Feb 2016, Mareel (p25)
Thu 21 Apr 2016, Mareel (p25)
Eden Court, Inverness
Bishops Road
Inverness
IV3 5SA
01463 234 234
eden-court.co.uk
INVERNESS
Tue 20 Oct 2015, Eden Court (p6)
Tue 17 Nov 2015, Eden Court (p8)
Fri 11 Dec 2015, Inverness Cathedral (p10)
Tue 8 Mar 2016, Eden Court (p14)
ABERDEEN
Thu 19 Nov 2015, Music Hall (p8)
Thu 10 Dec 2015, St Machar’s Cathedral (p10)
Sat 27 Feb 2016, Music Hall (p12)
The Music Hall, Aberdeen
Union Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1QS
01244 641 122
aberdeenperformingarts.com
MULL
Thu 13 Aug 2015, An Tobar (p25)
Fri 14 Aug 2015, Druimfin (p25)
DUNDEE
Fri 16 Oct 2015, Caird Hall (p6)
Sun 15 Nov 2015, Caird Hall (p8)
Mon 7 Dec 2015, Caird Hall (p10)
Fri 11 Mar 2016, Caird Hall (p14)
PERTH
Sat 12 Dec 2015, St John’s Kirk (p10)
Mon 22 Feb 2016, Perth Concert Hall (p12)
LINLITHGOW
Sat 5 Mar 2016, St. Michael’s Church (p18)
EDINBURGH
Wed 21 Oct 2015, Assembly Rooms (p6)
Tue 8 Dec 2015, Greyfriars Kirk (p10)
Tue 23 Feb 2016, Brunton Theatre (p12)
Sun 1 May 2016, The Queen’s Hall (p19)
GLASGOW
Fri 9 Oct 2015, Stevenson Hall, RCS (p5)
13 -14 Nov 2015, Tramway (p8)
Wed 9 Dec 2015, Wellington Church (p10)
Wed 24 Feb 2016, Merchant’s House (p12)
Sun 13 Mar 2016, City Halls (p14)
Sun 29 May 2016, The Mackintosh Church (p20)
DUMFRIES
Fri 27 May 2016, Easterbrook Hall (p20)
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NEWCASTLE
20-21 Nov 2015, Dance City (p8)
LONDON
Sat 24 Oct 2015, Wigmore Hall (p6)
Sun 25 Oct 2015, Wigmore Hall (p6)
Tue 15 Mar 2016, Wigmore Hall (p14)
Comar, Mull
Druimfin Lodge
Tobermory
Isle of Mull
PA75 6QB
01688 302 211
comar.co.uk
Caird Hall, Dundee
16 City Square
Dundee
DD1 3BG
01382 434 940
dundeebox.co.uk
Perth Concert Hall, Perth
Mill Street
Perth
PH1 5HZ
01738 621 031
horsecross.co.uk
The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh
85-89 Clerk Street
Edinburgh
EH8 9JG
0131 668 2019
thequeenshall.net
Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh
54 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2LR
0131 220 4348
assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk
City Halls, Glasgow
Candleriggs
Glasgow
G1 1NQ
0141 353 8000
glasgowconcerthalls.com
350 Sauchiehall St
Glasgow
G2 3JD
scottishensemble.co.uk
Registered charity no. SC001539