2015/16

RE-DEFINING THE STRING ORCHESTRA

WELCOME

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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 (!).

2015 AUGUSTMull

SEPTEMBERBucharestSweden Shetland

OCTOBERGlasgowDundeeInvernessEdinburghLondon

NOVEMBERGlasgowDundeeInvernessAberdeenNewcastle

DECEMBER DundeeEdinburghGlasgowAberdeenInvernessPerth

2016 JANUARY Sweden

FEBRUARYSwedenPerthMusselburghGlasgowShetlandAberdeen

MARCHLinlithgowInvernessDundeeGlasgowLondon

APRIL Shetland

MAYEdinburghAix-en-ProvenceIstanbulDumfriesGlasgow

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.

SE+RCS ENSEMBLE WEEKEnescu 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

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Silvestri Three Pieces for StringsBrahms Three Chorale Preludes from Op. 122 (with Kopatchinskaja, leader)Mansurian Four Serious Songs (with Kopatchinskaja, soloist)Enescu Two Intermezzi for Strings, Op. 12Ravel 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.

SE with PATRICIA KOPATCHINSKAJA

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Fri 16 Oct Caird Hall, Dundee 7.30pm* dundeebox.co.uk 01382 434 940Tue 20 Oct Eden Court, Inverness 7.30pm* eden-court.co.uk 01463 234 234Wed 21 Oct Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh 7.30pm* assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk 0131 220 4348Sat 24 Oct 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.

“the warmth of Rysanov’s viola [leaves] you wondering why composers bother with the violin...”London Evening Standard

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.

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.

16-25 OCT 2015

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IN SCHUBERT’S company

WITH MAXIM RYSANOV (VIOLA)

Sergey Akhunov 6.36 in Schubert’s companySergey 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.

UK TOUR: 13-21 Nov 2015

Fri 13 - Sat 14 Nov Tramway, Glasgow 8pm tramway.org 0845 330 3501Sun 15 Nov Caird Hall, Dundee 7.30pm dundeebox.co.uk 01382 434 940Tue 17 Nov Eden Court, Inverness 8pm eden-court.co.uk 01463 234 234 Thu 19 Nov Music Hall, Aberdeen 8pm aberdeenperformingarts.com 01224 641 122Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov Dance City, Newcastle 7.30pm (Fri) / 8pm (Sat) dancecity.co.uk 0191 261 0505

Musicians and dancers are choreographed in a performance which challenges the static nature of the classical concert.

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?

SEP/NOV 2015 + JAN/FEB 2016

CHOREOGRAPHY: ÖRJAN ANDERSSON SET & LIGHT DESIGN: SUTODACOSTUME DESIGN: BENTE ROLANDSDOTTERPRODUCTION: ANDERSSON DANCE & SCOTTISH ENSEMBLECO-PRODUCTION: REGIONTEATERN BLEKINGE KRONOBERG & RIKSTEATERN

SWEDISH PREMIERE: 17-20 Sep 2015Stockholm and Växjö

DANCENET SWEDEN TOUR: 27 Jan – 6 Feb 2016Gävle, Västerås, Kungsbacka, Vara, Malmö, Umeå

GOLDBERG VARIATIONS ternary patterns for insomnia

WITH ANDERSSON DANCE

12 musicians. 5 dancers. One stunning new interpretation.

Mon 7 Dec Caird Hall, Dundee 7.30pm dundeebox.co.uk 01382 434 940Tue 8 Dec Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh 7.30pm thequeenshall.net 0131 668 2019Wed 9 Dec Wellington Church, Glasgow 7.30pm glasgowconcerthalls.com 0141 353 8000Thu 10 Dec St Machar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen 7.30pm aberdeenperformingarts.com 01224 641 122Fri 11 Dec Inverness Cathedral, Inverness 7.30pm eden-court.co.uk 01463 234 234Sat 12 Dec St John’s Kirk, Perth 7.30pm horsecross.co.uk 01738 621 031

GUEST DIRECTOR: MATTHEW TRUSCOTT LIGHTING DESIGN: DO-ARCHITECTURE

Set in churches and cathedrals across Scotland, our much-loved candlelit concerts are given a new lease of light.

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.

7-12 DEC 2015

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THREE PÄRTS BACHconcerts 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 mitBach Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043 Pärt Collage über Bach – Toccata Bach Contrapunctus XIX (from Art of Fugue, BWV 1080) Pärt SummaBach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3

The meditative music of Bach and Pärt illuminated by flickering flame.

Mon 22 Feb Perth Concert Hall, Perth 1pm horsecross.co.uk 01738 621 031Tue 23 Feb Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh,7.30pm thebrunton.co.uk 0131 665 2240Wed 24 Feb The Merchant’s House, Glasgow 12.45pm 0141 221 1876Fri 26 Feb Mareel, Shetland 7.30pm mareel.org 01595 745 555Sat 27 Feb Music Hall, Aberdeen 7.30pm aberdeenperformingarts.com 01224 641 122

In the key of G, five Scottish Ensemble musicians take you from minor to major as we get intimate with the quintet 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.

22-27 FEB 2016

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QUINTETS

Mozart String Quintet No. 4 in G minor, K516 Brahms 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.

Tue 8 Mar Eden Court, Inverness* 7.30pm eden-court.co.uk 01463 234 234Fri 11 Mar Caird Hall, Dundee 7.30pm dundeebox.co.uk 01382 434 940Sun 13 Mar City Halls, Glasgow* 3.30pm glasgowconcerthalls.com 0141 353 8000Tue 15 Mar Wigmore Hall, London 7.30pm 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.

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.

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…

8-15 MAR 2016

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SOUTH ATLANTIC crossings

WITH GABRIELA MONTERO (PIANO)

Mozart Adagio and Fugue Villa-Lobos Aria from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 [arr. John Krance] Bach Ricercar à 6 Piazzolla Three Pieces for Piano and Strings Golijov Last Round Mozart Piano Concerto No. 14 in E flat major, K449

Passion and structure collide as Latin America meets Central Europe.

re-defining the string orchestra

Laura Ghiro, violinLittle 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

Tristan Gurney, violin A fantastic sense of humour, a great chamber musician, a sensitive listener, a keen traveller and a real gentleman.Xander on Tristan

Alison Lawrance, celloSublime player, accomplished baker, loves dressing up. Especially if it involves a wig.Jon on Ali

Joanne Green, violinFeisty and brave, with a tender heart and a passion for horse riding. Cathy on Jo

Naomi Pavri, celloStar cellist and friend, performing a concerto one minute and running around after three sports-mad children the next. Inspirational.Liza on Naomi

Diane Clark, double bassThe 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

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SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE

Cheryl Crockett, 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

Catherine Marwood, violaA 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

Andrew Berridge, violaHis humour is dry, his socks stripy, his tea white and his Sambucca most definitely black.Di on Andy

Liza Johnson, violinQuiet, thoughtful, generous. Chief Rememberer of Birthdays and the epitome of organisational calm. Her children’s bedrooms are testament to this. Jo on Liza

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director and LeaderThe ‘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.

Xander van Vliet, violinPerfectly coiffured, manicured, permanently clad in designer clothes and a very large grin.Naomi on Xander

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SE with NICOLA BENEDETTIEDINBURGH + AIX-EN-PROVENCE

Respighi Ancient Airs & Dances, Suite No. 3Vivaldi Violin Concerto in D minor, RV 235 Vivaldi Violin Concerto in D major, RV 211 Vivaldi Grosso Mogul Wolf Italian SerenadeTchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence

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.

ISTANBUL

Tchaikovsky The Seasons [arr. David Matthews] Vivaldi Four Seasons Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence

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Sun 1 May 2016 The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh 7.30pm thequeenshall.net 0131 668 2019Tue 3 May 2016 Grand Théâtre de Provence, Aix-en-Provence Thu 5 May 2016 İş Sanat Concert Hall, Istanbul

ESSENTIALENSEMBLEMozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins in A minor, RV 522Britten Simple Symphony Pärt FratresTchaikovsky Serenade for Strings

Sat 5 Mar 2016 St. Michael’s Church, Linlithgow 7.30pm 01506 282 720Tickets: Linlithgow Burgh Hall Box Office (in person)

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-to-attention 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.

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Fri 27 May Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries 7.30pm dgartsfestival.org.uk 01387 253 383Sun 29 May 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.

Dream-like music to expand the mind. An escape from the structure of the real into the realm of the imagined…

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.

27+29 MAY 2016

EN RÊVE

Ravel Petite symphonie à cordes [arr. Barshai] Debussy String Quartet [arr. Morton] Debussy Six Epigraphes Antiques [arr. Paillard] and Ravel A collection of short evocative gems

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, £5Settle 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 ticketBefore 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 2015Book 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 HomeCan’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/£5An 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 ticketSee Dundee listing above.

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SE RESIDENCIES Creative learning and community activity at the heart of our programmes.

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.

Mull 12–14 Aug 2015Shetland 29 Sep 2015 / 26 Feb 2016 / 21 Apr 2016Inverness 17-20 Oct 2015 / 8 March 2016 Dundee 16 Oct 2015 / 9-12 March 2016Dumfries 25-28 May 2016

MULL RESIDENCY: WED 12 - FRI 14 AUGUST 2015Book 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/£10The 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.

SHETLAND 2015-2016Book 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/£13A 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/£13Cellist 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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ISLANDS

INVERNESS ‘IMMERSION DAY’: TUE 8 MAR 2016Book 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 3If you’re currently experiencing the dulcet tones of your child starting out on a string instru-ment, 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 ticketA free discussion on the dramatic cultural landscape of this colourful continent, from classical European influence to what’s igniting people right now.

DUNDEE RESIDENCY: WED 9 – SAT 12 MAR 2016Book in advance and see the full programme at scottishensemble.co.uk

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.

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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THE STAFF

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 OfficerRobin Hiley, Planning & Creative Learning Officer (maternity cover) Isabel Tulloch, Finance Manager

IN RESIDENCE

Filmmaker: Hugh Carswell Writer: Gareth K. VileBlogger: Rosie Davies

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Samantha Barber (Chairman)Bailie Liz CameronDiane ClarkBob DownesJeff FergusRobert FlemingRachel GwyonLaura GhiroAndrew LockyerJonathan MortonLesley PatersonMalcolm Wishart

We’d love to hear from you with feedback, comments or questions.

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.ukSay hello on social media: FB: scottishensemble T: @scotensemble

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.

about

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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

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.

SEASON TICKETS

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 seatsBring 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 newTicket Swaps: If your plans change, simply swap your ticket for another SE event in the season (subject to availability)

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)

BOOKING YOUR TICKETS

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who ALREADY SUPPORTS USFUNDERSCreative ScotlandGlasgow City CouncilAberdeen City CouncilDundee City Council

TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONSAlexander Moncur Charitable TrustBinks TrustW A Cargill FundCommonweal FundDavid and June Gordon TrustD’Oyly Carte Charitable TrustErnest Cook TrustEsmée Fairbairn FoundationGordon Fraser Charitable TrustHugh Fraser FoundationGannochy TrustJ R Gibb Charitable TrustJennie S Gordon Memorial FoundationHolst FoundationHope Scott TrustJames T Howat Charitable TrustInchrye TrustKimie TrustR J Larg Family TrustLeach Family Charitable TrustLeng Charitable TrustMacRobert TrustMichael Marks Charitable TrustBill & Margaret Nicol TrustPRS for Music FoundationRobertson TrustRVW TrustStevenston TrustTay Charitable TrustThe Merchant’s House of GlasgowD C Thomson Charitable TrustUnderwood Trust

SE CIRCLEJohn Dale - In memory ofJacqueline DaleMargaret FothergillIain McGlashanInksters Solicitors Andrew PringleEsther Woodward

STRINGS ATTACHED PARTNERSJeff & Emily FergusJohn Innes

STRINGS ATTACHED ASSOCIATESSamantha BarberIan & Irene DicksonIain HarrisonAndrew LockyerMalcolm & Aileen Wishart

STRINGS ATTACHED FELLOWSGordon AdamFraser AndersonPeter ArmitDale A BilslandCathie BoydStephen & Margaret BrearleyCarola Bronte-StewartAnna & Stephen BrookePam ClarkDr Joe ColeiroSheila ColvinThorben DittesBob and Julie DownesDavid & Sylvia DryerGeorge & Sylvia EdwardsRobert Fleming & Ellen ThomsonAlasdair FraserJenny JamisonAlison LawranceCathy LawranceJosephine LeightonNorman & Christine LesselsNeil Metcalfe & Pat MonaghanRosemary MillingtonAlan MoatMichael & Margaret MossClare MunnBob NicolsonSimon & Lesley PatersonMichael & Christina Paulson EllisAngela & Euan PetrieLessel RennieElke RichterFred & Irene SheddenBill & Linda StephensAlan A StewartGina WilsonAlison Wyllie

LEGACIESMrs L B CurrieMr & Mrs T McCreery (pledged)

THE FRIENDS OF SCOTTISH ENSEMBLEScottish Ensemble would also like to thank our many supporters who prefer to remain anonymous.

PARTNERSArts and Business ScotlandCCARoyal Conservatoire of ScotlandGreenlight CreativeSt Mary’s Music SchoolScottish Music CentreMacRoberts LLP

PATRONSMarina, The Lady MarksLord Vallance of Tummel

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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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Mareel, LerwickShetlandZE1 0WQ01595 745 555 shetlandboxoffice.org

Eden Court, InvernessBishops RoadInvernessIV3 5SA01463 234 234eden-court.co.uk

The Music Hall, AberdeenUnion StreetAberdeenAB10 1QS01244 641 122aberdeenperformingarts.com

Comar, MullDruimfin LodgeTobermoryIsle of MullPA75 6QB01688 302 211comar.co.uk

Caird Hall, Dundee16 City SquareDundeeDD1 3BG01382 434 940dundeebox.co.uk

Perth Concert Hall, PerthMill StreetPerthPH1 5HZ01738 621 031horsecross.co.uk

The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh85-89 Clerk StreetEdinburghEH8 9JG0131 668 2019thequeenshall.net

Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh54 George StreetEdinburgh EH2 2LR0131 220 4348assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk

City Halls, GlasgowCandleriggsGlasgowG1 1NQ0141 353 8000glasgowconcerthalls.com

UK DATES SHETLANDTue 29 Sep 2015, Mareel (p25)Fri 26 Feb 2016, Mareel (p25)Thu 21 Apr 2016, Mareel (p25)

INVERNESSTue 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)

MULLThu 13 Aug 2015, An Tobar (p25)Fri 14 Aug 2015, Druimfin (p25)

DUNDEEFri 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)

PERTHSat 12 Dec 2015, St John’s Kirk (p10)Mon 22 Feb 2016, Perth Concert Hall (p12)

LINLITHGOWSat 5 Mar 2016, St. Michael’s Church (p18)

EDINBURGHWed 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)

GLASGOWFri 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)

NEWCASTLE20-21 Nov 2015, Dance City (p8)

LONDONSat 24 Oct 2015, Wigmore Hall (p6)

Sun 25 Oct 2015, Wigmore Hall (p6)Tue 15 Mar 2016, Wigmore Hall (p14)

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350 Sauchiehall StGlasgowG2 3JD

scottishensemble.co.ukRegistered charity no. SC001539