Tag: classical music

Scottish Ensemble announce Concerts for a Summer’s Night

Scottish Ensemble have built a devoted following for their Concerts by Candlelight in the Midwinter, and they now present a series of concerts revelling in the long days and abundance of natural light around the Summer Solstice.

Light-filled venues will resonate to the sounds of vibrant, uplifting music, performed with Scottish Ensemble’s characteristic zest and warmth.

From the 17th to the 21st of June, Concerts for a Summer’s Night will celebrate that magical juncture when daylight outlasts the night, filling the air with the promise of endless possibilities. Performances will take place in Rossie Byre in Perthshire, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Aberdeen Art Gallery, The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Audiences can expect a treat as the ensemble blend classical and contemporary works for string orchestra into a joyful sonic summer cocktail.

From familiar works by Elgar and Mendelssohn to the innovative sounds of Tunde Jegede and Sigur Rós, the programme promises to transport listeners through centuries and musical styles, focusing on themes of joy and connection.

The much-awaited second instalment of Glasgow-based composer David Fennessy’s two-part commission will also feature. Following the warmly received debut of RAIN I during Scottish Ensemble’s Concerts by Candlelight performances last December, this new piece promises to captivate and inspire.

Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director of Scottish Ensemble, said: “Following on from last year’s second and warmly received Concerts for a Summer’s Night, I am looking forward to the third edition!

“We hope these events will become – like Concerts by Candlelight in December – a regular and anticipated feature of our season.

“At this time of year, natural light is almost a constant, tempting us to spend more time outside and reconnect with the natural world as well as with each other.

“There is a unique kind of energy around the time of the summer solstice, and I hope that hearing live music in these light-filled venues will be a vibrant and memorable experience.”

Tickets range from £9 – £22.50 and are free for under 16s.

Tickets are available from:

 https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2023-24/concerts-for-a-summers-night-2/

Listings information

Monday 17 June

Rossie Byre, Perthshire, 8pm

Tuesday 18 June

Strathpeffer Pavilion, Strathpeffer, 8pm

Wednesday 19 June

Aberdeen Art Gallery, 8pm

Thursday 20 June

The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, 8pm

Friday 21 June

Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow, 8pm

Concerts for a Summer’s Night programme

Jörg Widmann 180 beats per minute

Tunde Jegede Dancing in the Spirit

Peter Sculthorpe Movement I from Jabiru Dreaming

Caroline Shaw Valencia

Sigur Rós arr. Guy Button Fljótavík

Felix Mendelssohn arr. Lynne Latham Movement I from Violin Concerto in E minor

Edward Elgar Movement II from Serenade for Strings

Ana Sokolović Innamorati from Commedia dell’arte III

Leoš Janáček arr. Jarmil Burghauser On an Overgrown Path

Jessie Montgomery Smoke from Break Away

Sufjan Stevens arr. Michael Atkinson Year of the Ox from Run Rabbit Run

David Fennessy RAIN II (World Premiere)

Usher Hall announces Sunday Classics season

Scotland’s only 5-star concert venue, Edinburgh’s stunning Usher Hall, is proud to announce the 2023-24 programme for its much-loved Sunday Classics season. 

The Sunday afternoon season is renowned for bringing the finest orchestras from around the world to the Scottish capital, accompanied by exceptional soloists at the height of their talents. 

Starting in September, the mighty Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra kicks off the 2023-24 season with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Brimming over with drama and emotional intensity, the symphony charts a course from darkness to a final, life-affirming glimmer of optimism.

Two weeks later the Basel Chamber Orchestra, the first orchestra to win the Swiss Music Prize in 2019, makes a triumphant return to Edinburgh. Joining them is pianist Angela Hewitt, a great favorite of the Zurich International Series’ audience, who will direct the orchestra in two concerto masterpieces – Mozart’s lyrical E-flat Piano Concerto and Bach’s pulsating D-minor Piano Concerto.

December sees a visit from the Symphony Orchestra of India, bringing with it all its renowned energy and vigour to one of the great 20th-century masterpieces by Stravinsky, Petrushka.

They are joined by perhaps the greatest musician in the Indian classical tradition, the tabla player Zakir Hussain, in a work commissioned especially for this tour, his exciting Triple Concerto.

The first concert of 2024 welcomes global superstar guitarist Miloš Karadaglić and the Arcangelo Ensemble, who will treat us to a celebration of Baroque masterpieces by Vivaldi, Marcello, Bach, Pachelbel, Rameau, and Couperin.

For lovers of the Baroque repertoire, this will be a very special evening featuring music recently recorded by Miloš and released by Sony later this year.

In March, the Usher Hall is joined by one of China’s most outstanding ensembles, the China Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. 

They will be joined by the brilliant young violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen in two masterworks for orchestra and violin – Chausson’s Poème and Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.

The second half will feature two of Respighi’s monumental tone poems, Fountains of Rome and his ultimate work, Pines of Rome.

To celebrate a new, cordial phase of Anglo-French relations, a group of brilliant, young British and French musicians have been brought together to form the virtuosic Orchestre de l’Entente Cordiale.

They are joined by acclaimed French cellist Gautier Capuҫon who will perform that quintessentially English work, the Elgar Cello Concerto. After the British first half, an all-French second half features popular music by Satie and Debussy, with a grand finale of opulent music from Poulenc’s ballet Les biches.

Russian-born violinst Maria Ioudenitch treats the Usher Hall to one of the most profound violin concertos composed in the 20th century, Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto, with its ravishing central passacaglia.

Joined by the Dresden Philharmonic, the show will also feature one of the most poignant and tragic of all symphonies, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, the ‘Pathétique’.

Acclaimed pianist Mark Bebbington joins the Czech National Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven’s grand ‘Emperor’ Concerto and two much-loved Czech favourites – Smetana’s Bartered Bride and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7, in authentic and inimitable Czech style.

The orchestra’s American music director Steven Mercurio will begin the concert with Copland’s delightful portrait of the Appalachian countryside.

Bringing the season to a triumphant close on 23 June is the Flanders Symphony Orchestra.

This finale includes one of the greatest of all choral works, Mozart’s farewell to the world, his Requiem. To balance this sombre second half, the first half includes Beethoven’s sparkling Eighth Symphony.

Taking part in this concert will be one of England’s historic choruses, the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, who join the Flanders Symphony Orchestra in a moving end to the Sunday Classics season.

Karl Chapman, Cultural Venues Manager at Usher Hall said: “We are delighted to announce our new Sunday Classics season, packed full of the best orchestras, soloists, and conductors in the world today.

“Sunday Classics has become an integral part of the Scottish classical music scene and the Sunday afternoon concert experience has proved ever popular. It’s fantastic that the Usher Hall can offer such an unrivalled variety of international talent to the music-lovers of Edinburgh and Scotland in a concert hall with some of the very best acoustics around.

“This season we are hosting a diverse selection of ensembles – the Czech National Symphony Orchestra make a triumphant return to the Hall led by American music director Stephen Mercurio.

“We are also incredibly excited to welcome back the likes of the India Symphony and Concerto Budapest Symphony orchestras and we know that the amazing Edinburgh audiences will leave them wanting to come back!

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener said: “I am delighted that the Sunday Classics programme is returning for the 2023-24 season.

“There can be no better location to experience a live classical performance than the world-famous Usher Hall. Designed and built with a view to bring classical music to Scotland’s Capital, our venue has been a key part of our musical culture for over a century. I am proud that the tradition of concert-going at Edinburgh’s most stunning indoor venue continues as strongly as ever.

“It’s a genuine pleasure to sit back in the impressive hall and lose yourself in the music, and this new Sunday Classics series will feature first-class orchestras and classical superstars from around the world. Plus, with lots of options and special rates on tickets, the Usher Hall is helping to make classical music accessible to all.” 

National Youth Choir of Scotland proves it is among the best in the world 

National Youth Choir of Scotland

European Tour

25th – 30th July, 13th August 2023

Tickets are on sale now for National Youth Choir of Scotland’s (NYCOS) tour of Europe in late July. Widely acclaimed as one of the best choirs in the world, regardless of age, they are set to bring magical performances of Maurice Duruflé’s ethereal Requiem, Benjamin Britten’s ever popular Rejoice in the Lamb and American composer Stacy Garrop’s exploration of three types of love in Sonnets of Desire, Longing, and Whimsy.

Between 25 and 30 July, the choir famed for its high-energy performances under the artistic direction of Christopher Bell performs this collection of rich choral work at St. Lawrence’s Parish Church in York as part of the Ryedale Festival; Église St. Eustache in Paris (yes, they are taking Duruflé to the French!), France; St. Rumbold’s Cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium; and St. Nicholaas Basilica in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The choir then returns to Scotland’s capital to finish the tour in Edinburgh this August. Christopher Bell will be conducting all concerts with Michael Bawtree on organ.

For many singers being a part of NYCOS is a life-changing experience and this tour is set to be special for many members as they head into their last year as part of the ensemble. It is also one of the most experienced groups that NYCOS has toured, with the leavers now in their mid-twenties with up to 10 years of singing together under their belts.

In a cosmopolitan trip round the continent to capitals both ancient and modern, a particular highlight is set to be its concert in Paris, where Scotland’s young singers perform in the Église St. Eustache. Gregorian chant and the deep emotion of Duruflé’s writing combine in his Requiem to fill this beautiful 17th-century church with mesmerising and shimmering sound.

The choir’s summer culminates in a performance at the Edinburgh International Festival on Sunday 13 August in a favourite venue for them, the Usher Hall. NYCOS will be joined by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, alongside former members of the choir – Cardiff Singer of the World 2017 Catriona Morison and member of Academia Teatro all Scala in Milan in 2019-20 Paul Grant – as soloists.

In a special open access session at 4pm preceding the concert, Christopher Bell – renowned for his expertise in music education – will give audiences a rare glimpse into NYCOS’ musicianship technique.

Masters of the Kodály method of music teaching devised by Hungarian musicologist Zoltán Kodály in the mid-20th century, Bell and 200 young singers will explore and explain the method which has been central to NYCOS’ work for 25 years in a typically sparky presentation, before performing their last concert of the tour.

Christopher Bell, Artistic Director of National Youth Choir of Scotland said: “The National Youth Choir of Scotland combines the best of singing with the energy, enthusiasm and passion of youth.

“Audiences, world renowned conductors and orchestras have been delighted to hear the quality of sound and experience the commitment of Scotland’s young people. Please join us for what promises to be five outstanding performances this summer.’’

Tickets for the European tour, including performances in York and Edinburgh, are on sale now https://www.nycos.co.uk/events/nycos-summer-europe-tour-2023/.

LISTINGS

Programme:

Duruflé Requiem

Britten Rejoice in the Lamb

Garrop Sonnets of Desire, Longing and Whimsy (except EIF)

Tuesday 25 July 2023

Ryedale Festival

3pm

St. Lawrence’s Parish Church, York 

Tickets

Thursday 27 July 2023

8pm Église St. Eustache

Paris, France

Tickets

Friday 28 July 2023

4pm

St. Rumbold’s Cathedral

Mechelen, Belgium

Tickets

Saturday 29 July 2023

8:15pm

St. Nicholaas Basilica

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tickets

Sunday 13 August 2023

Edinburgh International Festival (with Royal Scottish National Orchestra)

5pm (with 4pm Kodály method demonstration)

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Tickets

Crowdfunded classical music club nights to debut in Edinburgh

After a run of sold-out London shows, through the noise has announced that their crowdfunded concert series, noisenights, will make its debut appearance in Edinburgh this autumn.

Their new star-studded season will feature Fatma Said, Manchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe & The Bantu Ensemble, Alexandra Whittingham, Misha Mullov-Abbado, Thibaut Garcia, Lodestar Trio, Junyan Chen, Braimah Kanneh-Mason and Jeneba Kanneh-Mason performing in clubs and gig-venues around the country, including at Edinburgh’s La Belle Angele. 

noisenights aim to reach audiences that might otherwise not experience world-class classical musicians. Over the past two years the series has grown from a fringe night in East London to a leading classical promotion, with names like Sheku Kanneh-Mason taking on UK-wide noisenights tours.

So far 42 of the 44 noisenight shows have sold-out. 

Building on the success of their first tour last year, through the noise are now launching regular noisenights in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Birkenhead, Newcastle, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Brighton and London.

Between October and December this year through the noise will take no less than five classical projects on tour around the UK, and they plan to come back to Edinburgh regularly in 2024. This is a significant milestone for the community-led organisation, which began less than two years ago in grassroots venues in Hackney. 

Inspired by the UK’s great underground club scene and thriving jazz venues, noisenights offer an alternative way to experience live classical music. Using a unique crowdfunding model which puts concert plans to local communities for support in return for tickets, they are able to bring international stars to intimate venues. Each event is confirmed once it reaches a funding target. 

through the noise Co-founder and Artistic Director Jack Bazalgette said: “We’ve been happily surprised to find that there’s a growing audience for our classical gigs, so we’re thrilled to be heading to Edinburgh for the first time later this year with the incredible Alexandra Whittingham.

“She’s a guitar virtuoso with a rare power to move and inspire people with her performances, and I can’t wait to give Edinburgh audiences the chance to experience her perform up close. This is just the beginning – we can’t wait to bring even more classical names to Edinburgh in 2024…” 

About through the noise: 

through the noise began in the first lockdown as a positive force for live classical music. It runs an independent guide to the best and most affordable classical events in London and is the home of noisenights. through the noise is also a community interest company which runs live music-based mental health projects in collaboration with various London charities. 

Links: 

Website: www.throughthenoise.co.uk 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/through_t_noise 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/through_t_noise 

A concert and a drink

Scottish Ensemble returns to light-filled venues across Scotland for their sophomore Concerts for a Summer’s Night tour

‘A fine mixture of well-known favourites and amazing new pieces all perfect for a summer night’s entertainment‘

‘Please make this an annual event, we loved it so so much. Really wonderful, music to soothe the soul.‘

Audience Reviews on Concerts for a Summer’s Night 2022

  • Concerts for a Summer’s Night will be performed in Perthshire, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow from the 19th – 23rd June.
  • Returning after its debut last year, this concert series promises a variety of uplifting and inspiring compositions, selected by Artistic Director Jonathan Morton.
  • Scottish Ensemble are announcing their 2023-24 season alongside this tour -– audiences will be able to pick up a copy of the new season brochure on arrival, getting first access to next year’s shows.
  • Audiences are invited to enjoy a welcome drink on arrival at the venue, then sit back relax and let Scottish Ensemble take them on a vibrant and vivid musical journey.

Scotland’s leading string ensemble will be returning to light– filled venues across Scotland in June for their latest Concert’s for a Summer’s Night tour.

Each concert will be presented in an open atmospheric space, where sunlight pours in through wide windows. Audiences will enjoy the late evening sunshine, as the natural light slowly fades throughout the concert, providing an immersive experience of the music that evolves over time.

Performing at Rossie Byre, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Aberdeen Art Gallery, The National Museum of Scotland, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Concerts for a Summers Night promises a unique evening of musical delights, in beautiful and inviting spaces.

The concert series made its debut last summer and is a companion to Scottish Ensemble’s annual Concerts by Candlelight tour which visits stunning churches and cathedrals across Scotland in December for an intimate and restorative musical experience bathed in comforting candlelight.

After the success of its 2022 tour, performing to sold– out audiences in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Concerts for a Summer’s Night is back, with an additional date in Strathpeffer for Highland audiences.

Concerts for a Summer’s Night features an atmospheric programme, curated by Scottish Ensemble’s Artistic Director, Jonathan Morton.

Having led Scottish Ensemble for almost 20 years, Jonathan has forged a trademark programming style that seamlessly combines varied short works of string repertoire into a delicately crafted collage of sound, bringing audiences on a journey through different composers, eras and genres of string music.

This year’s programme includes music by familiar names including Claude Debussy, Frederic Choipin and Maurice Ravel alongside a variety of more unexpected pieces from composers including Isobel Waller-Bridge, Chick Corea and Britta Byström.

This programming style prioritises the atmosphere of the performance and finds unexpected connections between classic works of string repertoire and contemporary compositions, offering listeners an opportunity to be introduced to new pieces, and to discover new favourite composers. Audiences will be swept away by Scottish Ensemble’s skilled musicians on a journey of sonic discovery.

Alongside their Concerts for a Summers Night tour, Scottish Ensemble will be announcing their 2023-24 Season, which goes on sale on 19 June.

With six Scottish tours, as well as festival visits, performances in schools and the continuation of their long running series of Music for Wellbeing concerts in Maggie’s Centres, Scottish Ensemble are preparing for a bold new season.

Audiences,  who can arrive from 7.15pm for Concerts for a Summer’s Night, will be treated to a copy of the Season Brochure, and, whilst enjoying a welcome drink, will have an opportunity to discuss the new shows with Scottish Ensemble’s team.

Join Scottish Ensemble this June for a musical celebration of the summer solstice and enjoy a wide programme of contemporary and classical music in beautiful lit venues at Concerts for a Summer’s Night – touring to Perthshire, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Listings information

  • 19 June, 8pm  – Rossie Byre, Perthshire
  • 20 June. 8pm – Strathpeffer Pavilion
  • 21 June, 8pm – Aberdeen Art Gallery
  • 22 June, 8pm – National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
  • 23 June, 8pm – Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Tickets £19, Concessions £9 (plus booking fees)

Doors open at 7.15pm for welcome drinks, concert begins at 8pm.

Scottish Ensemble announces Concerts by Candlelight tour

Music for Warmth and Restoration

This December Scottish Ensemble will take its annual Concerts by Candlelight on tour to locations across Scotland for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Taking place at venues in Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow from the 2 – 8 December 2021, Concerts by Candlelight: Music for Warmth and Restoration is the perfect pre-Christmas musical feast set against a backdrop of shimmering light.  

For the first time ever the incisive and dynamic presence of violinist and director Matthew Truscott will lead proceedings and Concerts by Candlelight: Music for Warmth and Restoration will offer something for every taste, with a selection of music spanning centuries, inclusive of a variety of genre and styles.

A web of connectedness binds this string programme around its central work, Beethoven’s taut and beautiful ‘Heiliger Dankgesang’. A song of thanks for recovery from illness it is one of the most celebrated, profound and joyful pieces of string music from any period, and its intimations of past, present and future make it a very fitting tribute to the past 18 months, as we emerge into the ‘new normal’ and enjoy live music all together, once again.

From the gorgeous musical balm of Henry Purcell to the warmth and generosity of Brahms, the touching music by Biber, and the thick, treacly sonic textures of Julia Wolfe’s Four Marys, wherever you are in Scotland this winter, Concerts by Candlelight is the perfect outing for both families and friends.  

Violinist and director Matthew Truscott said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Scottish Ensemble to help bring some warmth and restoration to audiences across Scotland with Concerts by Candlelight this December.

“The programme features music that channels sentiments of courage and overcoming adversity, which seems fitting this year, and I can’t wait to perform in front of live audiences in Scotland once again.”

Concerts by Candlelight Ticket Details

2 December – St Machar’s, Aberdeen

3 December – Inverness Cathedral, Inverness

4 December -St John’s Kirk, Perth

6 December – Caird Hall, Dundee

7 December – Greyfriars’s, Edinburgh

8 December – Wellington Church, Glasgow

Available from www.scottishensemble.com

Repetoire

Henry Purcell In Nomine in 7 parts, Dorian

Julia Wolfe Four Marys for string orchestra

Heinrich Biber Balletti Lamentabili a 4

Johannes Brahms Adagio from String Quintet No.2 in G major

Franz Schubert Der Leiermann (The Hurdy-Gurdy Man) from Winterreise (arranged for string orchestra by Dobrinka Tabakova)

Henry Purcell

Symphony and Here the deities from Welcome to all the pleasures

Fantasy on One Note

Ludwig van Beethoven Molto Adagio (Holy song of thanksgiving) from String Quartet No.15

(arranged for string orchestra by Iain Farrington)

Anon In Nomine in 6 parts

Bach tops Mozart and Beethoven to claim crown as world’s favourite composer

  • Bach is the world’s favourite composer with 5,447,956 monthly listeners on Spotify and 86,400 YouTube subscribers. 
  • Beethoven is the second most popular composer, while Mozart comes in third. 
  • The most streamed song by any of the top ten is Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, with 233 million views on YouTube  

Johann Sebastian Bach has beaten Mozart and Beethoven to claim his position as the world’s most popular classical composer. 

He has 5,447,956 monthly listeners on Spotify and 86,400 YouTube subscribers, according to a new study by gambling community hub Casino Grounds. 

Beethoven follows just behind as the second most popular composer with 5,085,293 listeners on Spotify each month, and 125,000 YouTube subscribers. 

Beethoven has the second most streamed song by any classical composer, earning 173 million views on YouTube for his iconic Moonlight Sonata. 

Though Mozart comes in third with 5,007,303 monthly Spotify listeners, he has the most YouTube subscribers with 135,000 to his name, providing strong representation for Austria.  

Germany may dominate the top spots, but Polish composer Chopin is next in fourth place. With 4,771,732 Spotify listeners each month and 68,400 subscribers on YouTube, he also has the third most streamed song in the top ten across all platforms for Spring Waltz, which has 131 million views on YouTube. 

In position five is French maestro Debussy with 3,722,304 monthly Spotify listeners and 29,100 YouTube subscribers. Russian composer Tchaikovsky is next with 2,164 260 listeners on Spotify each month and 34,600 YouTube subscribers.  

Italian virtuoso Vivaldi is in position seven with 3,079,070 monthly Spotify listeners and   48,900 YouTube subscribers. He notably has the most streamed song by any of the top ten for The Four Seasons, which has 233 million views on YouTube.  

Vivaldi is also the “oldest” composer out of the top ten, born in 1678, a little ahead of Bach in 1685. The two are the only composers on the list from as far back as the 17th Century or Baroque historical period. 

Frenchman Saint-Saens is in position eight with 2,689,709 listeners on Spotify each month and 4,280 YouTube subscribers, followed by Schubert – the second Austrian on the list. Schubert has 2,334,386 monthly Spotify listeners and 22,900 YouTube subscribers. He also had the shortest lifespan, passing away at just 31 years old in 1897. 

The final spot in the top ten list of most popular classical musicians belongs to Brahms, solidifying Germany as the country that produced the most composers who have remained popular over the centuries. Brahms has 2,153,966 monthly Spotify listeners and 23,100 YouTube subscribers. 

A spokesperson for Casino Grounds said, “Most people would expect Mozart and Beethoven to top any list of the most popular classical composers, so it’s fascinating to see Bach in number one here. This could be a result of soundtracks from popular films and TV shows such as The Godfather and The Simpsons favouring Bach’s music for its dramatic impact.” 

The research was conducted by Casinogrounds.com, which is the leading online gambling community, which promotes safe and responsible practise and discussions around gambling. 

Top Ten Most Popular Classical Composers 2021 

Composer Monthly  Spotify  Listeners  YouTube Subscribers  Most Popular Song on Spotify  Most Popular Song on YouTube  Lifespan  Country 
1. Bach 5,447,956 86.4K 168, 758 083 – Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major 72M – Air 1685-1750 (aged 65) German 
2. Beethoven 5,085,293 125 K  94, 946 611 – The Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor (Moonlight Sonata) 173M – Moonlight Sonata 1770-1827 (aged 56) German 
3. Mozart 5,007,303 135 K  50, 489 179 – The Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467 100 M – Requiem 1756-1791 (aged 35) Austria  
4. Chopin 4,771,732 68.4 K  44, 252 266 – Nocturne No. 20 131 M –Spring Waltz 1810-1849 (aged 39) Poland 
5. Debussy 3,722,304 29.1 K  57, 774 138 – Clair de Lune 78M –  Clair de Lune 1862-1918 (aged 56) France 
6. Tchaikovsky 3,164,260 34.6 K  49, 728 602 – Swan Lake 53M – Waltz of the Flowers 1840-1893 (aged 53) Russia 
7. Vivaldi 3,079,070 48.9 K 28, 842 882 – The Four Seasons 233M  –  The Four Seasons 1678-1741 (aged 69) Italy 
8. Saint-Saens 2,689709 4.28 K  63, 620 387 – The Carnival of the Animals 65M –  The Carnival of the Animals 1835-1921 (aged 86) France 
9.  Schubert 2,334,386 22.9K  23, 887 588 – 4 Impromptus Op. 90  48 M – Serenade  1797-1828 (aged 31) Austria 
10. Brahms  2,153,966 23.1 K  33, 128 007 –Wiegenlied Op. 49, No. 4   39 M Hungarian Dance No. 5 1833-1897  (aged  64) German 

Scottish Ensemble & Social Bite serve up Sound Bites

Scottish Ensemble (SE) and Social Bite are teaming up this summer to spread the joy of shared food and live music with new collaboration Sound Bites.

Based on the notion that these simple pleasures are at the heart of peoples’ lives as social beings, Sound Bites connects the worlds of food and music with a themed picnic box available for audience members to enjoy during upcoming performances as part of month-long outdoor festival Live at No.40.

Scottish Ensemble will bring to life Vivaldi’s iconic masterpiece, The Four Seasons, as audiences enjoy a bespoke picnic of handmade goodies sprinkled with a touch of the Four Seasons by Scottish charity and social enterprise Social Bite. Each picnic basket will contain a duo of tasty baguettes with two different fillings, and depending on dietary preference, a selection of pies, frittatas, sausage rolls, salads and even some of Social Bite’s famous brownie bites.

In solidarity with the Social Bite cause to end homelessness and in keeping with its reputation for thinking outside the (picnic) box, 10% of ticket sales for Scottish Ensemble performances are being donated to Social Bite and its work helping and supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals and communities across Scotland and the UK.

Taking place from the 3 July to 1 August 2021, Live at No.40. will unfold at Scottish Opera’s Production Studio car park at 40 Edington Street, Glasgow. Joined by Scottish Opera and Citizens Theatre in a specially created outdoor theatre, Scottish Ensemble will perform four concerts over two days, accompanied by Scottish charity and social enterprise Social Bite.

At a time when the country is cautiously celebrating new beginnings, Vivaldi’s works of art speaks poignantly to disruption and the inevitability of change with piercing precision. By bringing audiences together, not only for possible the first live performance in over a year, but to ‘break bread’ with fellow music lovers, friends and family, SE and Social Bite mark an important milestone during a turbulent time. 

William Norris, Interim Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said: “One of the things we’ve all missed in the last year has been sharing. Sharing time with friends. Sharing experiences. Sharing food. Sharing music.

“Our Sound Bites performances of Vivaldi’s ever-green Four Seasons promise to provide all of the above, but also share a portion of everyone’s ticket purchase with our partners in this project, Social Bite, who do incredibly important work in tackling homelessness.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with them on this project which marks our return to live performance in a characteristically different way.”

Co-founder and CEO of Social Bite, Josh LittleJohn MBE said: “This collaboration will not only be a brilliant celebration of enjoying food, drink and music together, something we’ve all missed over the past year, it’s also an opportunity to bring about real positive change.

“This fantastic event will deliver funding to our innovative programmes that support people out of homelessness and help them to build independent lives.

“We hope everyone who joins us at Sound Bites enjoys the performance, along with our delicious picnics – specifically crafted for this event by our talented kitchen staff of which 1/3 have come from a background of homelessness.

Thank you for your support and for joining us in our mission to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.”

Percussionist Fang Zhang wins BBC Young Musician 2020

17-year-old percussionist Fang Zhang – born in China’s Henan province and a recent student of Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester – has been revealed as BBC Young Musician 2020.

The announcement was made during the broadcast of the competition’s Grand Final on BBC Four and BBC Radio 3 last nght, presented by BBC Young Musician regular Josie d’Arby,  organist and conductor Anna Lapwood, and star saxophonist Jess Gillam.

Fang Zhang (above, left) follows in the footsteps of 19-year-old American-born/UK-based pianist Lauren Zhang, who won the competition in 2018 and went on to perform in the UK and beyond, including a debut at the BBC Proms in 2018, and appearances as soloist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, European  Union Chamber Orchestra, China National Symphony Orchestra, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – among others.

Previous BBC Young Musician winners include celebrated classical music stars such as cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, violinist Nicola Benedetti, and clarinettist Mark Simpson.  

A recent student at Manchester’s prestigious Chetham’s School of Music, which he joined in September 2018, Fang Zhang is a member of China Youth Percussion Orchestra, and thanks to this scheme he has been performing around the world since he was 11 years old.

Despite his young age, he has already won prizes at international percussion competitions all around the world, including USA, Japan, and his native China. Among his tutors are international percussion luminaries such as Royal Northern College of Music Deputy Director of Percussion Le Yu, and Chen ShaoLun, president of the Shanghai National Percussion Association.

Fang Zhang impressed the judging panel with a performance of one of the gems in contemporary marimba repertoire: Prism Rhapsody by Japanese composer and marimba innovator Keiko Abe. He was accompanied by the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Mark Wigglesworth. 

The panel was chaired by Chief Executive of Saffron Hall Angela Dixon, and included composer, clarinettist and BBC Young Musician 2006 winner Mark Simpson, composer Errollyn Wallen, Principal Conductor with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Ryan Bancroft, and experimental composer and turntable artist Shiva Feshareki.

Taking place after a year-long delay due to the global pandemic, the socially-distanced BBC Young Musician 2020 Grand Final was filmed on Sunday 25 April at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall without an audience in attendance.

The competition’s three finalists performed on stage with the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Mark Wigglesworth, performing with reduced  numbers to allow the required social distancing.

Fang Zhang says: “I am honoured and delighted to win BBC Young Musician 2020, and feel so lucky considering the talent of the other finalists.

“The BBC team is amazing and I want to thank them and my schools, Chetham’s School of Music and Qingdao Percussion College, for supporting me through the whole programme in every possible way.”

On Fang Zhang’s performance at the Grand Final, Angela Dixon says: “BBC Young Musician 2020 has been an outstanding competition, the standard has been incredibly high and all three finalists showed exceptional musicianship.

“Fang chose to perform on a single instrument, the marimba, but elicited a kaleidoscope of colours and expression from it that deeply moved the jury and presenters.  It was a privilege to be one of the few people to hear his performance live.”

Conductor Mark Wigglesworth says: “BBC Young Musician is always a glorious celebration of the future, but especially this year, it offers a much needed sense of optimism to everyone in the classical music world. 

“All three finalists have shown a tremendous passion and determination to maintain their commitment to the competition across a year of uncertain silence. They play with humility and respect but daring and personality too, encouraging all who hear them to look forward to more positive times ahead.”

The BBC Young Musician 2020 Final also featured exceptional performances by the winner of the brass final, 18-year-old French horn player Annemarie Federle from Cambridge, currently in her first year studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London; and 19-year old oboist Ewan Millar from Reading, Berkshire, who won the woodwind category. Ewan is now in his second year reading music at Oxford University.

Jan Younghusband, Head of BBC Music TV Commissioning says: ““BBC Young Musician competition is always a great celebration of incredible young talent. But this year in particular, with Covid restrictions still in place, broadcasting the grand final has had particular poignancy. 

“All of these musicians have shown that there is much to look forward to. We wish Fang – and all of our outstanding finalists – the best for the future, and we are delighted that audiences at home were able to join us for such a spectacular display of musicality and technique.”

BBC Young Musician Executive Editor, Paul Bullock says: “We will surely remember the 2020 edition of BBC Young Musician as a unique and ultimately very special one.

“The three finalists have shown extraordinary resilience over the past 12 months when it’s been difficult for us to tell them when and if the final would go ahead. To see and hear them perform last weekend alongside the BBC Philharmonic conducted by Mark Wigglesworth was both thrilling and deeply moving.

“Congratulations to Fang and all of the finalists and a thank to the musicians of the orchestra and Mark for their support and commitment. This is a BBC Young Musician Final like no other and we’re delighted that audiences at home can now share this experience – a celebration of the future and the joy of making music together.”

In addition to the coverage on BBC Four and BBC Radio 3, the BBC Young Musician 2020 Grand Final is now available on iPlayer for 12 months, and BBC Sounds for 30 days.

BBC Young Musician 2020 is managed and produced by BBC Studios Music and Entertainment Wales.

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