Chart topping podcasters I'm Grand Mam are back with a bang. The two lads, originally from Cork, have a cuppa and catch up each week while exploring the collective life landmarks that accompany growing up gay in the world today. Join Kevin and PJ as they navigate their way through life, whilst battling with the internal shared struggle that every Irish gay man deals with - ‘what would Mam think?’

Join the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra for a celebration of one of the most iconic figures in swing music history: the incomparable Nat King Cole. Enjoy timeless classics such as Mona Lisa, Let’s Face the Music and Dance and L-O-V-E lovingly brought back to life by the instrumentalists and vocalists of this sensational 30-piece orchestra – one of the few UK jazz ensembles to feature a string section. This is not a tribute show, but rather a vibrant celebration of Nat King Cole’s life and music; a journey through the great man’s repertoire, from the intimate trio recordings he made early in his career to the later luscious orchestral work with arrangers such as Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins. Compèred by musical director and conductor Mike Paul-Smith, the performance blends anecdotes from Nat King Cole’s life with recreations of some of his greatest recordings, as well as original arrangements of other classics penned by members of the orchestra. The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is one of the UK’s leading swing ensembles with performance credits including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the London Jazz Festival, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Twinwood Festival. Join them for this one-of-a-kind celebration of a true musical legend in 2026. Programme Includes:
Mona Lisa, When I Fall In Love, Straighten Up and Fly Right, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, L-O-V-E, and many more! Performers: Down for the Count Orchestra, Mike Paul-Smith, conductor, Marvin Muoneké, vocals, and further guest vocalists to be announced.

Georgie Carroll is back with her brand-new show, Infectious. An undeniable live comedy powerhouse and a natural storyteller, she’s razor sharp and riotous. Nurse turned comedian, Georgie Carroll is not only brilliantly funny, she is unstoppable on the comedy circuit having performed her smash hit award winning show Sista Flo 2.0 for three solid years of sold out seasons. Don’t miss her brand-new show!

British singer-songwriter and poet whose debut studio album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, was released in 2021 to critical acclaim and peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart.

When his son is lured to a mysterious castle deep in the forests of New England, Jon finds himself on a darkly comic, perilous quest to uncover what was really happening inside its walls. The Castle, Jon’s first book in 11 years, is his most personal, revealing and gripping journey yet—a twisting tale of unmoored men, lost purpose and the absurd, frightening ways it can all go wrong. Does a world of disinhibition, where seemingly anything goes, lie ahead of us? In this brand-new live show, Jon brings the book’s extraordinary stories to life on stage with astonishing footage and online clips, including jaw-dropping material that has long since vanished from the internet. You’ll also get a first look at what’s coming in the next season of Things Fell Apart, and of course the chance to put your questions directly to Jon. Funny, unsettling, and unforgettable.

Mica Millar is a British soul singer, songwriter, producer and fiercely independent creative force whose music brings a contemporary, female perspective to the timeless genres of soul, RnB, blues, gospel and jazz. Since the release of her acclaimed debut album Heaven Knows in 2022, which has to date achieved over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, Millar has become one of the United Kingdom’s most compelling contemporary soul voices. Her long awaited second album, A Little Bit of Me, marks her most intimate and revealing work to date, shaped by self discovery, spiritual inquiry and the emotional realities that have defined the past six years of her life. Mica’s journey has always been one of determination, creativity and an unrelenting passion for music. As a self managed artist and the founder of her own independent label Golden Hour Music, she has defied industry norms and achieved international recognition entirely on her own terms. Her debut album Heaven Knows was self written and self produced and stands as a testament to her uncompromising artistic vision whilst exploring themes of human nature, spirituality, love, oppression, inequality and empowerment. Five star reviews have praised her voice as timeless and euphoric. She won the Jazz FM Award for Soul Act of the Year and was inducted into the Recording Academy in 2023. International sold out headline shows, festival appearances and support slots with greats including Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie and Gregory Porter followed.

Gavin DeGraw is a multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter with an expressive voice and a knack for penning relatable hits that traffic in pop, soul, country, folk, and funk elements. His 2003 debut album, Chariot, yielded the Top Ten single "I Don't Want to Be," which served as the opening theme to the popular teen drama series One Tree Hill. More hits followed, with 2008's "In Love with a Girl" and 2011's "Not Over You" achieving platinum certification, and his 2013 duet with Cobie Caillat, "We Both Know," earning a Grammy nomination. DeGraw continued to elicit acclaim with subsequent efforts Something Worth Saving (2016) and Face the River (2022).

Elevation Rhythm is the youth expression of Elevation Church based in Charlotte, NC - making music for the next generation to sing, dance, and worship to. They released their first album Growing Pains in 2022, followed by This Is The Gospel in 2023, featuring the original version of “PRAISES.” In 2024, they hit No. 1 at Christian radio with “PRAISES (remix)” featuring Forrest Frank, and dropped two more singles - “Goodbye YesterdaY” with Gracie Binion and “At the Altar” with Tiffany Hudson & Abbie Gamboa. Their latest album Victory Lap, was released on May 23, 2025 and includes breakout song, “Sing Of Your Love”. They recently concluded their debut headlining tour titled the “Goodbye Yesterday Tour”, which included shows in 20 cities including three in Europe. The ensemble has evolved from a student ministry worship band to a dynamic live force supporting Forrest Frank and Lecrae on tour, as well as sharing arena-fuelled bills with their pastor, Steven Furtick, and their sister collective, Elevation Worship.

Thirty years ago, a chance meeting at a South London party sparked one of British electronic music’s most enduring partnerships: Morcheeba. When multi-instrumentalist Ross Godfrey invited East London singer-songwriter Skye to play him a song, her quietly powerful voice sealed the deal and the rest is trip-hop history. Three decades on, Morcheeba have released 10 studio albums, sold over 10 million records, toured the world, and become synonymous with soulful calm and cinematic cool. From headlining Meltdown Festival at the invitation of Chaka Khan to soundtracking life’s highs and lows for generations of fans, their music remains a refuge in chaotic times. In 2025, they returned with their 11th studio album, Escape The Chaos, a 12-track journey of warmth, resilience and reconnection. Blending lush electronic textures with organic grooves and Skye’s unmistakable, soul-stirring vocal, the record explores love, healing and finding peace in turbulent times.

“Let love melt into memory, and pain into songs...” In the Vienna of Klimt and Freud, no emotion was off limits, and for composer Alexander von Zemlinsky love meant suffering, as well as sweetness. It all pours out in his Lyric Symphony: a sweeping homage to his friend Mahler, told in seven songs of sumptuous beauty and uninhibited drama. Conducted by BBC SSO Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth, and featuring two world-class singers, it’ll make a richly expressive opening to the orchestra’s new season. First, though, a very different letter from Vienna. When Beethoven wrote his Violin Concerto, he found the sweet, singing soul of the violin - and who better to help it take flight than Bomsori, a violinist who speaks directly to the heart?

A sinister motel, a strange young man, the sheer terror that lurks behind a shower-curtain...it’s no wonder that the stabbing violins of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho have become the soundtrack to all our nightmares. So this Halloween, give yourself the shivers all over again with this special big-screen showing. If you saw our popular screening of Bride of Frankenstein in 2025, you’ll know what to expect. If you didn’t, the concept is simple: Hitchcock’s classic thriller is screened in all its spine-chilling splendour. But beneath the screen is the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra with conductor Ben Palmer, performing Bernard Herrmann’s classic score live and in synch with the movie. This is terror with a whole new dimension...

“Composing is a never-ending voyage of discovery” says Matthew Kaner, “The key is to keep challenging yourself”, and his new Violin Concerto - specially written for the magnificent sound and adventurous spirit of our soloist Benjamin Baker - is keenly awaited. As a composer himself, BBC SSO Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth is ideally placed to help bring new music to life, and he’s framed the violin concerto with two masterpieces in which the Romantic spirit runs deep and true. Brahms composed his Second Symphony while on holiday in the Austrian Alps, and that sense of sunshine and soaring vistas glows in every note. And Schumann thought his Overture, Scherzo and Finale was simply too joyful to be called a symphony. In short, it’s wonderful.

The BBC SSO brings blockbuster hits to life in a dazzlingly festive celebration of cinematic sound. With soaring melodies, pulse-pounding rhythms and singer Jamie MacDougall adding a touch of star power, the City Halls is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. A night of nostalgia and toe-tapping fun-perfect for all ages. Get your Santa hat or sparkly top at the ready! Please note that the BBC SSO presents not one but two Christmas concerts at City Halls - Christmas Classics, and Christmas at the Movies.

Metropolis is the city of the future: a world of gleaming skyscrapers and diabolical machines, where the rich live in unimagined splendour and the poor feed the furnaces that drive this art deco dystopia. But the foundations of Metropolis are starting to shake. A revolutionary, a tyrant, a mad inventor and a robot goddess find their fates intertwined in Fritz Lang’s epic movie - a masterpiece of the silent era, whose stunning visuals are as breathtaking today as they were when Metropolis premiered in January 1927. As it turns 100, we’re screening the film complete with Gottfried Huppertz’s full, sumptuous original score, performed live by the BBC SSO and Ben Palmer, one of the world's most sought-after specialists in conducting live to picture. Expect sights - and sounds - like you’ve never experienced. Fritz Lang director Gottfried Huppertz composer Ben Palmer conductor Duration: 2hr 30min (plus 20 minute interval) BBFC rating: PG, contains mild violence and nudity Rotten Tomatoes: 97% Tickets: £23.50, £27.50, £31.50 (includes restoration fund) Half Price for Under 26s and Students

British music is wilder than you think. For Gustav Holst, inspiration could come from the primal landscape of a Dorset heath, filtered through the imagination of Thomas Hardy. Or it could stretch beyond the solar system; discovering ancient myths and wondrous visions in the dance of the planets. And great tunes too - there’s a reason why Holst’s spectacular “symphonic suite” is one of the most beloved British classics, though if all you know of it is Jupiter or Mars, you’re in for a revelation. Ryan Wigglesworth guides us from Wessex to infinity, and joins Laura van der Heijden in Walton’s luminous Cello Concerto, her remarkable calling card since winning the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year 2012 - music written on Mediterranean shores and drenched in bittersweet song.

Takemitsu How slow the wind (c.10 mins) Dai Fujikura Double Concerto for flute, violin and orchestra (c.20 mins) interval Beethoven Symphony No.7 in A major (c.38 mins). Akiko Suwanai violin Adam Walker flute Ilan Volkov conductor. There’s only one Ludwig van Beethoven, and although he died 200 years ago this year, his music still burns with the bright, unquenchable power of life itself. “I am the new Bacchus, pressing out glorious wine for all humanity”, he declared, and his Seventh Symphony goes straight to your head: unstoppable, elemental and triumphantly human. But BBC SSO Creative Partner Ilan Volkov never takes any music for granted. Against Beethoven’s headlong energy, he’s set two very different visions by modern Japanese masters. Takemitsu explores the poetic world of Emily Dickinson, and Dai Fujikura imagines our violin and flute soloists as birds — soaring free, leading flocks and murmurations of extraordinary sounds. This promises to be ravishing.

Jamie MacDougall singer and presenter. Let the sumptuous sounds of a full symphony orchestra wrap around you like a cosy blanket, as familiar carols and orchestral classics bring joyous harmony. With charismatic host Jamie MacDougall lending his voice once again to the celebrations, the spirit of Christmas shines through in this truly heartwarming evening of yuletide cheer. A week before Christmas, it’s the perfect time to dust off your Santa hat or a sparkly festive top, and immerse yourself in the magic of the season! This much-loved Christmas celebration always sells out quickly, so be sure to book early to secure the best seats and a fabulous festive night out.

Join host Scott Aukerman, along with Paul F. Tompkins & The Comedy Bang! Bang! All-Stars, as they perform a totally improvised version of the award-winning podcast!

Experience an inspiring evening as three of Scotland’s most exceptional young instrumentalists perform in the Grand Final of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Classical Musician 2026, performing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jonathan Bloxham. Following an outstanding semi-final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the three grand finalists are: Pianist Anastasia-Maria Barbu, who began her studies at the age of eight in her hometown of Brasov, Romania. She is now in her final undergraduate year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Oboist Alasdair Cottee is from East Lothian and studies at the Royal Conservatoire Junior Department, is a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and currently serves as Principal Oboe of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Cellist Finn Mannion is from Crieff and is completing his Masters in Music Performance at Basel Academy of Music in Switzerland. Free tickets are available for the Grand Final at Glasgow City Halls, which will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on Sunday 31 May 2026 at 7pm (up to 4 per booking). The evening will be hosted by Judith Ralston and judged by an esteemed panel comprising composer Helen Grime, cellist Su a Lee, and David McGuinness (Professor of Practical Music, University of Glasgow).

“The sea hurls itself into the sun’s great embrace; they kiss on soft sand, where rolling breakers shine”. Strong stuff; but when the beauty of nature and landscape met the imagination of the composers in today’s concert, emotions tended to catch fire. Guest conductor Emilia Hoving joins the “warm, bright” British baritone (and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist) Andrew Hamilton on a guided tour for the ears: from Respighi’s glittering panoramas of Rome, to Grace Williams’s bracing Sea Sketches - a Welsh composer in London, re-imagining the cliffs and horizons of her native Glamorgan. And at the untamed heart of a concert packed with colour, Chausson’s gorgeous Poème: passion beyond reason, in music that glows like an impressionist seascape.

Back by popular demand after last year’s sold-out event, host of the BBC’s The Music & Meditation Podcast, Izzy Judd, returns in June 2027 with a special guest and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra creating the magic. Under the softly glowing lights of the Old Fruitmarket, take a seat (or stretch out on the floor!) and enjoy peaceful melodies, gentle breathwork and a soothing guided meditation. It's the perfect way to pause, breathe and unwind as summer begins.

The gale roars, and the orchestra hurls down its challenge. The opening of Brahms’s youthful First Piano Concerto is a long way from the image of the gruff old composer, with his baggy trousers and beard, and this huge, emotionally-charged concerto has been described as a symphony in all but name. It demands a pianist of formidable talents, and we’ve got one today. “Even in a day when keyboard virtuosos are thick on the ground, Kozhukhin is special” wrote one critic of Denis Kozhukhin, and he’s no stranger to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. His performance should be a thrilling counterpart to the playful energy of Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony and the intimate, compelling soundworld of Laila Arafah, one of today’s most original voices.

What dreams may come: the night holds its terrors, but it’s a time for fantasy, too. When the 27-year-old Benjamin Britten encountered the sensual, surreal imagination of the poet Arthur Rimbaud... well, the result was Les Illuminations, and maybe it’s best to let the music do the talking. You can be sure that our soloist Erika Baikoff won’t hold back: this BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist is already famous for her “pure and very expressive” voice. First comes a brand new work from one of Britain’s most original young musical dramatists, and then Ryan Wigglesworth waltzes us off to the silken, seductive Vienna of Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. It’s a love story, of course, and musical dreams don’t come much sweeter.

Join us in January a few days before Burns Night to celebrate Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and rich musical heritage! The evening features music from distinctive Scottish voices past and present, plus a poignant arrangement of Auld Lang Syne. Experience an uplifting musical journey through Scotland’s history, scenery and spirit.

Exiled from his homeland, Béla Bartók was jobless and dangerously ill. His response? One of the most original shouts of joy in all of 20th century music. Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra is more - so much more - than just a spectacular workout for a great orchestra at the peak of its game. It’s a salute to the human spirit, tingling with living colours and driven by the raw, unstoppable rhythms of Bartók’s beloved Hungarian folk music. You wouldn’t guess that Mozart’s ravishing Clarinet Concerto was one of his last works, either, as BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Oleg Shebeta-Dragan brings a personal perspective to this evergreen favourite. Conductor Kalena Bovell opens with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Spanish spectacular, and you can almost feel the sunshine.

Once upon a time... Russia was always a land of storytellers. Why would its composers be any different? Today Ryan Wigglesworth opens that storybook and shares what comes out. There’s a witch in a hut with hen’s legs, and a lake that might harbour supernatural beings, or a whole lost city (anything’s possible in the magical sound-world of Prokofiev’s teacher Anatoly Lyadov). Things take a turn for the macabre and Death rides a general’s horse, as soprano Sophie Bevan sings Mussorgsky’s blackly comic songs. And then it’s over to Tchaikovsky, and a symphony of sorrow, joy and simply glorious melodies. “With desire and passion” wrote Tchaikovsky on the score of his Fifth Symphony, and you’re about to hear why.

North meets south, dark meets light, and believe us: sparks will fly. Imagine the Earth and the Sun as seen from the Moon; an eclipse in reverse, and the deep shadows and unimagined colours as solar rays glow and flex. That’s the idea behind Antiphaser; an astonishing new concerto for electric violin from the imagination of Mexican composer Enrico Chapela, unleashed today by one of the mos adventurous of British violinists. In orbit around it, Mihhail Gerts conducts two unsung masterpieces from his native Estonia. Swansong by Arvo Pärt captures twilight with the clarity and emotional depth that have made him the world’s most performed living composer, now in his 90s. And to finish, discover the beauty, defiance and raw power of Eduard Tubin, Estonia’s greatest 20th-century symphonist.

It was the artistic equivalent of raising the Titanic...When Gustav Mahler died, he left a vast final symphony tantalisingly incomplete. Five decades later, musicologist Deryck Cooke did the impossible and brought it to life, uncovering a lost masterpiece filled with puzzles and allusions - music in which cries of love and cries of pain resolve in music of shattering honesty and heartbreaking power. This is art that explores the great questions of life, and tonight, popular guest conductor Antony Hermus returns to guide us to the heart of Mahler’s final musical testament. He prefaces it with something unfamiliar, but wonderfully appropriate - a haunted, restless meditation on loss, Mahler and mortality by the remarkable Dutch composer Willem Jeths.

As a deadly storm shakes the forest, a desperate man seeks shelter. He finds love, but higher powers watch and judge, and Siegmund and Sieglinde’s illicit passion will have consequences on a cosmic scale. Act I of Wagner’s Die Walküre contains some of the most overwhelmingly romantic music in all opera, and many would say that this timeless tragedy of love and fate is the perfect entry point into Wagner’s epic world. On the last night of the season, Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth joins three of the 21st century’s finest Wagner singers for an evening of music that immerses you in emotion: from the pageantry of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg to the unchained ecstasy of Tristan und Isolde. Supreme bliss...

Did beauty really kill the beast? Enter the World of Shadows: a land beyond the living where the inhabitants are obsessed with King Kong. But the giant ape never lived, so how can he die? The painter Vermeer, his most famous model, a movie mogul and the demigod Orpheus all have a part to play, as composer Harrison Birtwistle and librettist Russell Hoban tip the whole of western culture into the blender. The result was The Second Mrs Kong - an opera like nothing else in British music. Utterly bizarre and gloriously entertaining, it’s been described as “hypnotically beautiful”, but performances have been rare since its world premiere in 1994. With Martyn Brabbins conducting an all-star cast, you won’t want to miss this one.

“They want me to write differently” said Anton Bruckner. “Certainly I could, but I must not”. And yes, it’s true that his vast, intensely heartfelt symphonies evoke strong reactions in listeners - the sound of a composer who saw further, heard differently, and expressed it all in sound that can seem to redefine time itself. For Ryan Wigglesworth, Bruckner’s Sixth is one of Romantic music’s most over- whelming experiences, profoundly moving and breathtakingly beautiful. Musical marmite or cathedral in sound? Decide for yourself, and before you do, savour the elegance, the playfulness and the sheer beauty of the 21-year-old Mozart. “Mozart has always been essential to my life” says soloist Elisabeth Brauss; expect poetry and enhancement in this exquisite concerto.

Falling leaves, melancholy songs, and an eternal sense of the British countryside in autumn - it’s hard to define the precise qualities that make Elgar’s Cello Concerto so enduringly popular. But that’s why it’s a classic; it always has something fresh to say. It’s perfect, in other words, for Raphaela Gromes, a cellist whose aim (she says) is to “immerse myself completely in the piece, to serve the music, to communicate it to the audience”. And perfect, too, for a conductor with the insight and stature of Michael Sanderling, who concludes the concert with Bruckner’s epic Third Symphony. This is Romantic music on a visionary scale, conducted by an artist who understands that Bruckner was speaking from-and to -the human soul.

New worlds, new wonders. At the threshold of the twentieth century, Debussy dreamed of a realm of pure poetry, in a Prélude whose sensuality and warmth sent shivers of unexpected pleasure through western music. But as the century unfolded, countless composers were forced into exile in America: embracing (or resisting) the rhythms of jazz, the energy of modern life and the lush sounds of Hollywood. Today, Principal Guest Conductor Delyana Lazarova presents two great songs of exile and nostalgia. Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony glimmers with passion, yet conceals a profound sense of loss. And Korngold’s Violin Concerto dreams of Vienna under blue Californian skies: a stunning showcase for the “gorgeous, silvery” tone (The Times) of violinist Liya Petrova.

Freude, schöner Götterfunken... “Joy, the most beautiful of God’s sparks.” Schiller’s Ode to Joy, set by Beethoven at the blazing summit of his Ninth Symphony, crowns one of the most gripping emotional journeys in all music. Every performance of the Ninth is a major occasion, and with Delyana Lazarova conducting the BBC SSO, four great soloists and the massed voices of the Hallé Choir from Manchester-where Lazarova had her professional breakthrough-this will be a beacon of light in a Scottish December. There’s a bonus item too, an explosive homage to Beethoven from one of the world’s most exciting-and unpredictable-composers of the 21st century, Unsuk Chin.

Celebrate the beauty of nature through sound in Dawn Chorus, a breathtaking new concerto by Emmy-nominated Scottish composer Erland Cooper, performed by violinist Freya Goldmark. Inspired by Sir David Attenborough's extraordinary legacy on his 100th birth year, Cooper - hailed as “nature’s songwriter” - weaves the evocative songs of birds and the rhythms of life into a musical tribute to the natural world. The concert also features classical music curated by Cooper alongside his original compositions.

Highly-energetic stand-up from the actor, comic and social media star who is known for sharing short-form comedic content across a range of social media platforms under the stage name Mo the Comedian.

The seven-piece band has been mesmerising audiences both locally and globally with its indigenous funk and high-energy performances that have fast made it one of South Africa’s most successful musical exports.

An avid fan of Miles Davis, Colin Steele is the master when it comes to paying homage to musical legends. The quintessential 50’s New York jazz club experience, selling out every night last year, and named as Ian Rankin’s live gig of the year 2025. Timeless classics played with freshness and passion. Featuring Colin Steele (trumpet), Martin Kershaw (saxophone), Dave Milligan (piano), Kenny Ellis (bass) and Max Popp (drums).

Kai Reesu are an emergent force on both the Scottish jazz and hiphop scenes. Blending Boom Bap and R’n’B instrumentals - inspired in no small part by legendary producers such as Madlib and J Dilla; along with polyrhythmic detail, odd time signatures, macabre jazz aesthetics and new wave electronic elements . A melting pot of underground hip-hop and jazz; led by Paul Copeland on keys and centred around a core rhythm section with Matt Sim on drums and Robert McArthur on guitar and bass, they blend elements of psychedelia, grime and melancholic neo-classical piano into a foundation of old skool funk and progressive hip-hop, with thumping polyrhthms and rich horns. GAÏA makes neo-soul straight from the source. She is a French singer-songwriter based in Glasgow, blending nu-jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. She began her artistic journey in Glasgow’s vibrant grassroots jazz scene-listening, learning, and developing her craft-eventually gaining recognition through local jam sessions and collaborations. Deeply influenced by Black music, GAÏA draws on her mixed heritage to create a genre-fluid sound rooted in soul, hip-hop, and R&B. Her songwriting explores identity, belonging, and self-expression, shaped by both personal experience and community. Glasgow, Scotland is the gift that keeps on giving and Pippa Blundell is fast becoming one of its most captivating new voices. The rising singer-songwriter has already earned recognition from the Scottish Album of the Year Awards, Scottish Alternative Music awards and winner of the 2025 'rising star' in the Scottish Jazz Awards. Their album was hailed 2025 album of the Year on BBC Radio Scotland’s 'Roddy Hart' show and this year they were invited to perform with the BBC SSO as for their Burns night 2026. Their music blends the intimacy of folk storytelling with ambient textures and a classical vocal edge, drawing comparisons to This Is the Kit and Jeff Buckley, with lyrics that navigate stillness, observation and life’s chaos. Formed in Glasgow in late 2021, Sekoya is a contemporary jazz group whose music is rich yet simple with ever-flowing and evolving textures. They draw inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, including European jazz, soul, minimal electronic, contemporary classical, folk, and Scottish trad. This unique blend of genres creates a genre-defying musical entanglement that is distinctly their own. The amalgamation of these three instrumentalists results in a singular sonic spirit, evoking a meditative, cinematic sound characterised by dynamic and interplay.

Primed to be the next group from the UK jazz underground to break out, Azamiah draw on jazz roots while incorporating everything from James Blake-style production to dubby low-end, taking listeners on a journey across moody and light soundscapes. Their 2023 debut album In Phases won praise from The Skinny and Clash and received plays on BBC 6 Music and NTS. A bridge between their first album and second, their recent EP Two Lands, released in May 2025, resonates with emotional honesty and is played with a fresh intensity. Their latest singles, New Moon (October 2025) and Too Precious (March 2026), continue to expand their sonic palette and showcase their evolving sound. The band has performed on stages across the UK and Europe, including Latitude Festival, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, JAZZMI Festival, North Sea Round Town, and showcases at SXSW 2026, jazzahead! 2026, and Wide Days 2026. Their Autumn UK Tour 2025 saw them playing London, Brighton, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, and Glasgow, strengthening their presence across the UK live scene. Born in Ghana and raised in Scotland, Nathan Somevi is a jazz, soul and gospel guitarist and producer known for his expressive hybrid guitar style inspired by Charlie Hunter. His sound was shaped through years of playing in church, where feel and purpose were central. He has released the EPs Can't Be Done (2020) and Brave (2023), and has been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and Scottish Jazz Awards. Sonedo is a Japanese-Scottish producer, pianist and bandleader crafting a distinctive UK sound that blends jazz improvisation with rap, grime and club culture. Based in Glasgow and having completed his studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, his music is collaborative and fluid, built from live instrumentation, MCs and vocalists. Supported by Jamz Supernova and Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio 6 Music for his work with Rebecca Vasmant, Sonedo has also received the Peter Whittingham Jazz Development Award and headlined his debut show at Lancaster Jazz Festival. Influenced by A Tribe Called Quest, Alfa Mist, Yussef Dayes and corto.alto, he connects jazz tradition with a contemporary UK sound. As longtime Musical Director and bandleader for BEMZ, Sonedo has become a key link between Scotland’s jazz and rap scenes, with live appearances spanning SWG3, Kelburn Garden Party and FLY Open Air. His sound is collaborative, culturally fluid and fast emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in UK jazz. Unoma Okudo is a Glasgow-based vocalist and songwriter whose music sits at the crossroads of jazz and soul, with subtle echoes of gospel and folk traditions. Born in Nigeria and now part of Scotland's vibrant music scene, she brings an expressive voice and a deep love of melody to the stage. Drawing on the musical traditions that shaped her, her performances blend warmth, improvisation and rich vocal textures, creating an intimate and stirring live experience that lingers long after the final note.

Do you love staring at screens? Are you staring at a screen right now? You should get out more. Specifically to a show that has an enormous screen smack-bang in the middle of it. The Umbilicals take the energy of live performance and the spectacle of cinema and smashes them together into a new show performed simultaneously on stage and on the big screen. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen, and nothing they’ve ever done, and it will blow your mind way more literally than you are expecting. The Distraction: enabling your screen addiction. The Umbilical Brothers are an international comedy phenomenon. Their unique mix of mind-bending comedy and back-breaking physicality has taken the world’s favourite Australian comedy duo to 40 countries - from stadiums supporting Robin Williams to stadiums supporting N★Sync. Named as two of Entertainment Weekly’s 100 Most Creative People in Entertainment, they have appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, after James Brown at Woodstock ’99, and before Queen Elizabeth II. Their global gigs have included a year long off-Broadway run where they received raves from The New York Times and a New York Drama Desk nomination. Awards include a Helpmann for Comedy Performance of the year, The Edinburgh Critic’s Choice Award and a couple of BAFTA’s. Younger fans and stoners know them from The Upside Down Show, which they created with Sesame Workshop and won them an Emmy and a Logie. They haven’t just broken down the rules of theatre; they’ve invented a new theatrical multiverse. Unbelievable human performances meets special-effects wizadry. It feels so much like magic, you’ll want to burn them at the stake.

We launch our 2026/27 Season with a celebration of Berlioz, a true musical trailblazer. Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev brings his flair and imagination to a programme full of drama and colour. Our journey begins with Harold in Italy, Berlioz’s poetic response to Byron’s wanderer. The viola becomes the voice of a restless soul, guided by Timothy Ridout, one of today’s most compelling violists. We then perform Symphonie fantastique, Berlioz’s revolutionary masterpiece. From tender dreams to hallucinatory visions of passion and the macabre, this is music that changed everything – brought vividly to life by Maxim and the SCO. Kindly supported by Donald and Louise MacDonald

To mark 300 years since its first performance, we present Bach’s St Matthew Passion — a towering work at the heart of our 2026/27 Season. Conducted by Maxim Emelyanychev, this profound retelling of the Passion story brings together the SCO, SCO Chorus and choristers from St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral. Kindly supported by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Foundation

Caroline Shaw, Punctum † Beethoven, Piano Concerto No.4 Beethoven, Piano Concerto No.5 ‘Emperor’ Sunwook Kim - piano/director Stephanie Gonley - violin/director † This exhilarating programme opens with Caroline Shaw’s Punctum, a piece of luminous clarity that sets the scene for two of Beethoven’s most celebrated piano concertos. The intimacy of the Fourth and the heroic power of the Fifth show Beethoven at his most inventive. Pianist Sunwook Kim performs and directs both concertos, bringing a combination of elegance, insight and authority to these iconic works. Stephanie Gonley directs Shaw’s evocative opening piece.

Max Richter - Opus 2020 Philip Glass - Company John Adams - The Chairman Dances Max Richter - Recomposed: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons David Brophy - conductor Mari Samuelsen - violin/director Chris Ekers - sound Few composers have reshaped contemporary classical music like Max Richter. His work blends minimalism, electronica and cinematic sound to create music that feels both intimate and expansive. This programme opens with Richter’s Opus 2020, a reflective piece shaped by themes of memory and time. Glass’ Company follows with clear textures and pulsing rhythms, before Adams’ The Chairman Dances brings lively, jazz‑inflected energy. The concert ends with Richter’s Recomposed: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons, a fresh reimagining of the original. Mari Samuelsen leads the performance with vivid, expressive insight.

Zain Zohaib bring their mesmerizing live Sufi experience for an unforgettable evening of powerful vocals, spiritual energy, and timeless musical tradition. Following a phenomenal comeback year, the duo continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their seamless fusion of traditional Qawwali and contemporary Sufi music. Known for soul-stirring tracks such as Ranjheya Ve, Thagyan, Haidereum, O Sahib, and Shayar, Zain Zohaib create deeply emotive performances rooted in poetic storytelling and heartfelt expression. Carrying forward a rich musical heritage connected to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the duo have earned international acclaim for reimagining Sufi sound for modern audiences. Following sold-out UK performances in 2025 at Alexandra Palace, Royal Northern College of Music, and Bradford Live, they have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting live Sufi acts touring today. Their appearances on platforms such as Coke Studio have further elevated their global recognition. Glasgow can expect an immersive and uplifting live performance, filled with passion, devotion, and musical brilliance, where the spirit of traditional Sufi music meets a bold contemporary sound. Brought to you by Strings Entertainment

Join the cream of young conducting talent from across the UK and beyond for an afternoon with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Featuring Brahms’ Third Symphony and the Tuba Concerto by Ralph Vaughan Williams, this showcase is the culmination of a five-day conducting course with the orchestra and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Visiting Professor of Conducting, Martyn Brabbins. The event is jointly presented by the BBC SSO and RCS.

Ryan Bancroft brings his trademark energy to an evening centred on two of Barber’s most powerful works. Clara-Jumi Kang performs the Violin Concerto, offering compelling insight and virtuosity. The Orchestra then plays Barber’s instantly recognisable Adagio, well known from its use in films such as Platoon and The Elephant Man. The programme opens with Schulhoff’s jazz‑tinged Suite for Chamber Orchestra and ends with Kurt Weill’s darkly brilliant Second Symphony, a striking contrast to Barber’s intimate intensity.

Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze leads the SCO in a programme that spans centuries and styles, from Nordic refinement to Russian Romanticism. The concert opens with Lars-Erik Larsson’s Lyric Fantasy, a graceful and atmospheric work that complements Anders Hillborg’s bold and imaginative Cello Concerto. Soloist Amalie Stalheim brings out the concerto’s striking contrasts, moments of delicate intimacy and brilliant virtuosity. Stalheim then returns for Tchaikovsky’s elegant Rococo Variations, followed by the Serenade, a masterpiece full of soaring melodies and lyrical warmth.

MENDELSSOHN Piano Concerto No.1 Symphony No.2 ̒Lobgesang’ - Maxim Emelyanychev - conductor - Sir Stephen Hough - piano - Carolyn Sampson - soprano - Emma Morwood - soprano - Thomas Walker - tenor - SCO Chorus - Gregory Batsleer - chorus director Enjoy an evening of Romantic intensity as the SCO celebrates the music of Felix Mendelssohn. Sir Stephen Hough brings elegance and finesse to the Piano Concerto No.1, a work full of youthful energy and lyrical charm. The programme continues with Symphony No.2, ‘Lobgesang’, a fusion of orchestra, chorus and solo voices. Rich in melody and expressive depth, the music rises from a noble opening to an uplifting choral finale. Maxim Emelyanychev leads the SCO and SCO Chorus with three exceptional soloists.

- SCHNITTKE Concerto for Piano and Strings - BARTÓK Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste - DVOŘÁK Serenade for Winds Maxim Emelyanychev - conductor/piano Join us for a programme that revels in the brilliance of strings and winds, led by Maxim Emelyanychev in the dual role of conductor and pianist. The evening opens with Schnittke’s Concerto for Piano and Strings, a work of striking contrasts that showcases Maxim’s artistry at the keyboard. At the heart of the programme is Bartók’s Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste, celebrated for its rhythmic vitality and haunting beauty. The concert concludes with Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds, a Romantic gem full of elegance and warmth.

- JC BACH Overture, Amadis de Gaule - HAYDN Symphony No.99 in E-flat - BEETHOVEN Symphony No.1 Rachel Podger - director/violin Discover the elegance and energy of the Classical era in this programme tracing the evolution of the symphony. Rachel Podger directs from the violin, opening with JC Bach’s Overture from Amadis de Gaule, music that charmed audiences and influenced the young Mozart. The concert continues with Haydn’s Symphony No.99, a work full of wit and sophistication that showcases his mastery of orchestral colour. The programme ends with Beethoven’s Symphony No.1, a bold debut that hints at the revolutionary spirit to come.

- HANDEL Concerto a due Cori No.2 - Locatelli - Concerto Grosso in F minor Op.1 No.8 ‘Christmas Concerto’ - Muffat - Sonata V from Armonico Tributo (Salzburg 1682) - Corelli Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op.6 No.8 ‘fatto per la notte di Natale’ - VIVALDI Violin Concerto in E ‘Il riposo per il Santissimo Natale’ - JS BACH Orchestral Suite No.4 Rachel Podger - director/violin Celebrate the season in true Baroque style as Rachel Podger leads an evening of festive music. From the grandeur of Handel to the intimacy of Corelli and the brilliance of Bach, this programme is full of warmth and spirit. Expect moments of jubilation, serenity and virtuosity – a perfect musical treat for the festive period.

Fat Dog’s particular brand of chaos seems a fine antidote to the remains of pent-up lockdown frustration. The collective scream has found a mouth; the potential energy has been activated. Joe’s singing, his words slurred and distorted in the time-honoured tradition of delta bluesmen, melds to Jazz’s wordless vocals, high and keening like some punk banshee princess, equal parts Grace Slick and Yoko Ono.

Glasgow Life, Scottish Ballet, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, The Health and Social Care Alliance, Voluntary Health Scotland, Scottish Opera and other national and local organisations host Healing Arts Scotland Glasgow Day. Part of the 2026 Healing Arts Scotland Week, Healing Arts Scotland Glasgow Day is a bold, energising event created to inspire and inform anyone working at the intersection of health and creativity, whether you come from health and social care, the arts, or anywhere in between. Join fellow links workers, healthcare professionals, creative industry practitioners and leaders across our field from the UK and internationally for a day packed with inspiration, connection and performances. Hear from leading speakers including: Bogdan Chiva Giurca, Clinical Lead and Global Director, National Academy for Social Prescribing Katie Duffy, Head of Arts and Music, Glasgow Life Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer Scotland Jill Sonke, Research Director, Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida Nisha Sajnani, Founding Director of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, Professor Drama Therapy NYU Nils Fietje, Founding Director, Jameel Arts & Health Lab & Technical Officer: Culture and Health, World Health Organization Manira Ahmed, Chief Officer at Public Health Scotland Yazmany Arboleda, People’s Artist, Civic Engagement Commission, New York Sonia Sabri OBE, UK senior cultural leader, choreographer, and international performer Dive into panel discussions and challenge sessions rooted in the core themes of Healing Arts Scotland. Be moved by live performances. And take time to network and build relationships with people who share your passion for the transformative power of the arts. Tickets for this event are exempt from the below transaction and restoration fund fees.

Beethoven Musik zu einem Ritterballett WoO1 Symphony No.2 Symphony No.4 Lorenza Borrani - director/violin Experience Beethoven’s genius in a programme led by Lorenza Borrani. The concert opens with the rarely heard Musik zu einem Ritterballett, a playful and spirited work showing Beethoven’s youthful charm and theatrical flair. The journey continues with the exuberant Second Symphony, full of wit, rhythmic drive and unexpected twists. The programme ends with the radiant Fourth Symphony, often described as Beethoven’s hidden treasure, combining Classical grace with flashes of daring invention.

Berg Lyric Suite Nico Muhly Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra Jonny Greenwood Water LIGETI Melodien Missy Mazzoli Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres) Geoffrey Paterson - conductor Brooklyn Rider This New Dimensions concert brings the SCO together with the genre‑defying quartet Brooklyn Rider for a bold and exploratory evening. The world premiere of Nico Muhly’s new concerto, written for the quartet, offers fresh textures and vivid interplay. The programme also features Berg’s Lyric Suite, Ligeti’s Melodien and Missy Mazzoli’s Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres). Jonny Greenwood’s Water adds a hypnotic sound world that blends classical and contemporary elements. World Premiere, commissioned by Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Santa Fe Pro Musica, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and La Toscanini.

SCHUBERT Symphony No.8 in B minor 'Unfinished‘ SCHUBERT Mass in E-flat Raphaël Pichon - conductor Lucy Crowe - soprano Jennifer Johnston - mezzo soprano Kieran Carrel - tenor Robin Tritschler - tenor Samuel Hasselhorn - baritone SCO Chorus Gregory Batsleer - chorus director Renowned for his imaginative programming, Raphaël Pichon makes his SCO debut in this celebration of Schubert’s enduring legacy. The concert opens with Symphony No.8, the Unfinished, a masterpiece of lyrical intensity and haunting contrasts. The programme culminates in the Mass in E‑flat, one of Schubert’s ambitious sacred works. Rich in colour and drama, it combines soaring choral writing with moments of intimate devotion, brought to life by the SCO Chorus and an exceptional cast of soloists. Kindly supported by Claire and Mark Urquhart

Gaza. Ukraine. Syria. Sudan. Yemen. The world is facing more armed conflicts than at any point in decades, and Jeremy Bowen has reported from the centre of nearly all of them. As the BBC's International Editor, Jeremy has spent over 40 years covering more than 90 countries and 20 wars. From El Salvador in 1989 to the frontlines today, he has interviewed world leaders, documented war crimes, been shot at, and survived to tell the stories. But something has changed. Israel prevents foreign journalists from entering Gaza. Russia controls the narrative in occupied Ukraine. Governments from Syria to Sudan restrict access, manipulate information, and discredit reporters who contradict official accounts. In the age of social media, competing claims flood our screens, but who is telling the truth? And how do we know? Jeremy has spent his career fighting for access, verifying what others want hidden, and bearing witness when governments would rather the world look away. He will explain how the battle for truth is being waged, why press freedom is collapsing in conflict zones, and what it means when the first casualty of war is not just truth, but those trying to report it. In the second half, audiences will have the chance to put their questions to a journalist who has made it his life's work to get as close to the truth as possible—even when that truth is dangerous, disputed, or under fire. An essential evening for anyone who wants to understand the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.

Tickets on sale: 10am on Tuesday 19th May 2026 Glasgow Jazz Festival 2026 Sue McKenzie's Sound Explorers - Children's Workshop Are you ready to uncover the exciting world of sound and rhythm? Come on a journey with us from jazz music to sonic creation using some crazy instruments and fun props. This creative and interactive workshop is led by saxophonist and educator Sue McKenzie (Jazz for Kids). Designed for 5-9 year-olds (not suitable for younger children). Parents must remain with their children. Please book one ticket for each child, guardians do not need to book a place. Duration: 60 minutes.

Tickets On Sale: 10am, Friday 15th May 2026 Senior Showcase Concert Sunday 30 August, 3.00pm, Grand Hall, City Halls, Glasgow West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra & Concert Band Directed by James Lowe & Chris Mitchell The West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band will perform their final concert of the 2026 season at Glasgow’s City Halls this August. The performance marks the culmination of a season of intensive study and rehearsal for advanced young musicians drawn from across West and Central Scotland. Programme Highlights Include Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade - Symphony Orchestra Directed by James Lowe Oscar Navarro: Libertadores - Concert Band Directed by Chris Mitchell The performers represent the most advanced tier of the West of Scotland Schools’ ensembles. Having successfully auditioned from various local authorities across the region, these students have spent the 2026 season mastering challenging repertoire that spans traditional orchestral masterworks and contemporary wind band compositions. We can promise a wonderful evening of world-class music-making by the next generation of Scotland's finest musicians.

Dvořák Romance Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2 Prokofiev Overture on Hebrew Themes Op.34 Bis Bartók Divertimento Alena Baeva - violin/director Alena Baeva returns to Scotland to direct a matinee performance full of energy, elegance and drama. At the heart of the programme is Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto, a work of striking beauty and bold invention, from its haunting opening to a fiery finale. The programme opens with Dvořák’s lyrical Romance, followed by Prokofiev’s colourful Overture on Hebrew Themes. Bartók’s Divertimento closes the afternoon with rhythmic vitality and folk‑inspired charm.

Hummel Trumpet Concerto Beethoven Arr Brett Dean Adagio Molto E Mesto Brett Dean Testament Beethoven the Creatures of Prometheus (excerpts) interspersed with Hk Gruber Three Mob Pieces and Manhattan Broadcasts Håkan Hardenberger - director/trumpet For this Season’s final New Dimensions concert, we journey into Beethoven’s creative world, exploring the influences, ideals and innovations that shaped his music and how they resonate today. Håkan Hardenberger directs and performs Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, a showpiece by Beethoven’s contemporary. The programme moves to Brett Dean, whose Adagio molto e mesto and Testament offer thoughtful reflections on Beethoven’s struggles and achievements, viewed through a modern lens. The evening ends with excerpts from The Creatures of Prometheus interspersed with HK Gruber’s Three Mob Pieces and Manhattan Broadcasts, creating a lively dialogue between tradition and contemporary invention.

Haydn Symphony No.103 in E-Flat ‘drum Roll’ Beethoven Violin Concerto Pekka Kuusisto - director/violin We join forces again with Pekka Kuusisto, who performs and directs a programme rich in invention and charm. The evening opens with Haydn’s much‑loved Drum Roll Symphony, from its dramatic timpani opening to its playful finale, showing Haydn at his most imaginative. Beethoven’s Violin Concerto then takes centre stage — one of the greatest works written for the instrument. Expansive and poetic, it sings with warmth and humanity, offering a profound dialogue between soloist and orchestra. In Pekka Kuusisto’s hands, expect a performance full of colour, spontaneity and emotional depth. Pekka Kuusisto Visiting Artist Chair kindly supported by The Honorary Consulate of Finland, Edinburgh & Glasgow.

Ravel Suite, Mother Goose Stravinsky Suite, the Soldier’s Tale Poulenc La Voix Humaine Maxim Emelyanychev - conductor Carolyn Sampson - soprano Poulenc’s La Voix humaine is a one‑act opera of raw intensity. Through a single phone call, the music captures heartbreak and vulnerability with striking emotional power. Carolyn Sampson brings this gripping drama vividly to life. The evening opens with Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, a delicate evocation of childhood wonder filled with colour and charm. Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale Suite follows, a sharp, witty work with jazz‑inflected character, offering a vivid contrast to Ravel’s dreamlike world.

Fanny Mendelssohn Orch Detlev Glanert Das Jahr (october, November, December) Felix Mendelssohn String Symphony No.10 in B Minor Fanny Mendelssohn Orch Detlev Glanert Das Jahr (january, February, March) Schumann Symphony No.1 ‘spring’ Lorenza Borrani - director/violin A celebration of spring and renewal, this programme brings together music by Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn alongside Schumann’s radiant ‘Spring’ Symphony. At its heart is Fanny Mendelssohn’s Das Jahr, in vivid orchestrations by Detlev Glanert. Following the seasons from October to March, the music reveals colour and emotional power. Felix Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No.10 offers youthful intensity, while Schumann’s ‘Spring’ Symphony brings the evening to a joyful close. Commissioned by the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg (financed by the Friends of the Mozarteum Orchestra Association), the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kodály Dances of Galánta Mozart Violin Concerto No.5 ‘turkish’ Dvořák Symphony No.5 Václav Luks - conductor Alena Baeva - violin A concert full of colour and character awaits as Václav Luks leads the SCO in a programme that moves between Hungarian fire and Austrian grace. The evening begins with Kodály’s Dances of Galánta, a dazzling homage to the composer’s childhood memories, shaped by folk rhythms and gypsy flair. At the heart of the programme is Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.5, the beloved ‘Turkish’. Playful and refined, the concerto surprises with its exotic, percussive finale — a flourish that has captivated audiences for centuries. In her second appearance this Season, Alena Baeva brings radiant tone and expressive style to this jewel of the repertoire. The concert concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No.5, a rustic and much‑loved work infused with the composer’s love of nature and Bohemian spirit.

Beethoven Missa Solemnis Andrew Manze - conductor Carolyn Sampson - soprano Jennifer Johnston - mezzo soprano Andrew Staples - tenor Roderick Williams - baritone SCO Chorus Gregory Batsleer - chorus director Beethoven considered his Missa Solemnis one of his greatest achievements, a work of profound spiritual and musical ambition. Conducted by Andrew Manze, this performance brings together the SCO Chorus, a cast of acclaimed soloists and the full orchestra for a rare opportunity to hear Beethoven’s monumental setting of the Mass. Written during the same period as the Ninth Symphony, the Missa Solemnis blends dramatic intensity with moments of deep introspection, pushing the boundaries of choral and orchestral writing.

Rebel Les Elémens: Le Chaos Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin Thomas Adès Three Studies from Couperin Telemann Concerto for Flute and Recorder, TWV 52: e1 Telemann Concerto for 3 Oboes and 3 Violins, TWV 44:43 Telemann Concerto in A major for Flute, Violin and Cello TWV 53: A2 Maxim Emelyanychev - conductor Welcome to Maxim Emelyanychev’s Baroque Inspirations programme – where timeless style sparks fresh creativity. It opens with Rebel’s Les Élémens: Le Chaos, a vivid 18th century soundscape. Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin follows, a tribute to Baroque elegance. Thomas Adès’ Three Studies from Couperin continues the conversation, reimagining the French master. The spotlight turns to Telemann, whose concertos reveal the variety and wit of the Baroque era, showcasing Telemann’s imagination and flair. Sponsored by Institut Français Écosse

Weber Overture, Oberon Brahms Double Concerto Schumann Symphony No.3 ‘Rhenish’ Maxim Emelyanychev - conductor Nicola Benedetti - violin Philip Higham - cello To close the Season, we invite you to an evening centred on one of the jewels of the Romantic repertoire: Brahms’ Double Concerto, a work of sweeping grandeur and intimate dialogue between violin and cello. Nicola Benedetti, a long‑time SCO collaborator, joins the SCO’s Principal Cello Philip Higham in a partnership that promises musical drama and elegance. The programme begins with Weber’s enchanting Oberon Overture and concludes with Schumann’s radiant Symphony No.3, a work full of warmth and vitality.

Drawn to the confessional nature of songwriters such as Patti Smith, Elliott Smith, and Tracey Chapman, alt-rock upstart Sabrina Teitelbaum, aka Blondshell, has applied a similar approach with her vulnerable and often uncomfortable lyricism. Pulling at the threads from bands of grunge’s golden era – where pain and performance are inextricably tied – her angry, cathartic brand of guitar music hits like a bombshell.