The Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) has unveiled details of its upcoming 2024-25 season. Following its 50th anniversary celebrations last year, the orchestra is looking to the future as it aims to welcome newcomers, together with seasoned audiences, with a programme that includes less traditional concerts as part of its New Dimensions series.
This series of three concerts will feature Scottish classics, iconic orchestral works and new pieces, in a relaxed and informal format. Borealis, Ad Absurdum and Parabola will take place in The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, and City Halls, Glasgow, between October 2024 and March 2025.

SCO veteran Andrew Manze will take up a new role as its principal guest conductor and he’ll lead the orchestra in three programmes: as part of Nordic Music Days, he’ll host a musical tour from Scandinavia to Scotland; also Mozart’s Flute Concerto with SCO principle flute, André Cebrián; and Faure’s Requiem with baritone Roderick Williams and the SCO Chorus.
Principal conductor, Maxim Emelyanychev, is both conductor and soloist for nine programmes, exploring the music of Dvořák, Mozart and Handel. He’ll also perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto with Nicola Benedetti, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto with Yeol Eum Son, and the world premiere of Jay Capperauld’s Bruckner’s Skull. Capperauld will also premiere Carmina Gadelica, inspired by Gaelic hymns, incantations and lore. Other new music includes Péter Eötvös’ Aurora, inspired by the Northern Lights, performed by the SCO’s principal double bass, Nikita Naumov, and conducted by Mark Wigglesworth.
Details of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s 2024-25 season can be found on their website; main picture: Christopher Bowen.