A joint concert to be held in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall next spring is set to recognise the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
Organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, this exciting May event follows on from this year’s hugely successful Scotland Salutes: D-Day 80 concert held back in June.
Scotland’s Salute: VE80 is Scotland’s National VE activities, endorsed by the Scottish Government. It will take place on 6th May (two days before VE Day) at the Usher Hall and will be a musical extravaganza that will focus on telling the events that led to victory in Europe. Bringing the stories of those who were there to life and culminating in an act of remembrance. Music will be provided by a tri-service orchestra.
The event will be narrated by Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, previously the voice of the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with BFBS’s own Mark Mckenzie acting as the evenings compere.
Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “Legion Scotland are exceptionally proud to bring the latest in our commemorative concerts in honour of this historic milestone in partnership with Poppyscotland.
“Our Scotland Salutes concert is set to be a fantastic evening, with wonderful music and stories playing out on stage, whilst representing our nation coming together to reflect on the momentous occasion that was Victory in Europe, 80 years on.”
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland added: “It is always important to reflect on the sacrifices that Service requires, and indeed to celebrate VE Day, in particular in 2025 given that it is the 80th anniversary of such a historic event.
“All profits made from ticket sales will be split 50/50 between Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland. Profits will go directly to supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland, through Legion Scotland’s comradeship events and Poppyscotland’s welfare provisions.”
Tickets for this one-off concert spectacular, which are priced at £20.25 for the Stalls, £25 for the Grand Circle and £19.45 for the Upper Circle, and are the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones, are available from November 25th and can be booked through the Usher Hall booking office online or by calling 0131 228 1155.
November 2024 marks 100 years since the death of Giacomo Puccini, one of opera’s most popular composers. Scottish Opera is offering audiences at Usher Hall in Edinburgh and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall a magnificent journey through beloved arias and ensembles from Puccini’s operas.
The Company’s Music Director Stuart Stratford presents this carefully curated selection of highlights, which includes some of Puccini’s most famous works, such as La bohème, Manon Lescaut and Tosca.
Audiences can also enjoy a taster of his earlier compositions including Le villi and Edgar, as well as glorious excerpts from underappreciated masterpieces such as La fanciulla del West, and his final, unfinished opera Turandot.
This gala performance promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating a century of passion, drama, and exquisite music that has captivated audiences worldwide, including here in Scotland.
This concert is an ideal opportunity for anyone not familiar with Puccini — whose music is frequently incorporated into popular culture, including films and musicals — as well as seasoned operagoers.
Stuart Stratford conducts an exceptional cast of international talent including soprano Sinéad Campbell Wallace (known for her stunning portrayal of diva Floria Tosca in Tosca 2019), tenor Mykhailo Malafii (performing the role of Cavaradossi in Lviv National Opera’s Tosca this October) making his Company debut and baritone Roland Wood, who in 2023 brought depth and nuance to the complex characters of Michele and Gianni Schicchi in theCompany’s award- winning production of Il trittico. They are accompanied on stage by The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
Soprano KiraKaplan, one of Scottish Opera’s Emerging Artists for the 2024/25 Season, who was in the Company’s recent production of Albert Herring, also joins the cast, along with tenor Fraser Simpson (La traviata 2024).
‘This concert is big, passionate sections from one of opera’s greatest composers, sung by a first-rate cast, including Sinéad Campbell Wallace and Roland Wood,” said Stuart Stratford who curated The Puccini Collection with Scottish Opera’s Head of Music, Fiona MacSherry.
“Puccini’s music has stood the test of time, and this concert is a tremendous opportunity to see these brilliant singers onstage with a full orchestra, and mark the centenary of this iconic composer’s death, which is on 29 November this year,
‘You’ll hear huge excerpts from Tosca and La bohème, and sections from Manon Lescaut and La fanciulla del West, among other arias and interludes. Whether you are looking to relive your Italia 90 moment, or discover even more about the great Italian master, it promises to be an evening of unforgettable treasures.’
A Rich History of Puccini in Scotland
The work of Puccini has a special place in the history of Scottish Opera: the Company’s very first production was Madama Butterfly in 1962. More recently, the Company’s staging of Il trittico received an International Opera Award Nomination, and won Outstanding Achievement in Opera at the Critics’ Circle Awards 2023.
Other notable Scottish Opera productions of Puccini’s work include a contemporary Labohème outdoors in the car park of its Edington Street Production Studios in Glasgow during the pandemic, a new Madama Butterfly by Sir David McVicar in 2000, director Anthony Besch’s legendary staging of Tosca (first performed in 1980 and revived nine times since then), and it was in the Company’s 2010 concert staging of La fanciulla del West that acclaimed soprano Susan Bullock first performed the role of Minnie.
Puccini’s music also helped Scottish Opera mark its 60th Anniversary. In 2022, the Company commissioned a custom made gin from Biggar Gin, called Suonare, featuring a red label with die-cut holes which when removed and placed in a music box played ‘Un bel di’ from Madama Butterfly, a favourite of Scottish Opera’s founder, Sir Alexander Gibson.
This rich history with Puccini’s works demonstrates Scottish Opera has developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the composer’s music.
The Puccini Collection was originally performed in Dundee in December 2021, under pandemic conditions. The Dundee Courier praised the concert as ‘a perfect tribute to a man whose melodies are to die for.’
The Puccini Collection is supported by Friends of Scottish Opera and The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust.
Following the success of Daphne in 2023,the Opera in Concert series is rounded off for the 2024/25 Season, with The Strauss Collection in March, which features some of the finest pieces Richard Strauss ever wrote, with music from Ariadne auf Naxos, Arabella, and Der Rosenkavalier.
The first half moves between a clash of artistically opposed theatre troupes in Ariadne to a nostalgic Viennese romance complete with disguises and mistaken identities in Arabella. The second half captures the highlights of Der Rosenkavalier’s three acts, following two colliding love stories with all the complications and grandeur of human relationships.
Stuart Stratford conducts The Orchestra of Scottish Opera through these lush sound worlds. The all-star cast includes sopranos Helena Dix and Rhian Lois (La bohème 2020), mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp (Kátya Kabanová 2019), and baritone Roland Wood (Oedipus Rex 2024), all making the most of Strauss’ astounding understanding of the human voice.
The Puccini Collection cast and creative team
Conductor Stuart Stratford
Soprano Sinéad Campbell Wallace
Tenor Mykhailo Malafii
Baritone Roland Wood
Soprano Kira Kaplan
Tenor Fraser Simpson
The Puccini Collection performance diary
Usher Hall, Edinburgh 22 November 2024,7.30pm
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 23 November 2024, 7.30pm
Help support Stockbridge Primary Parent Council’s musical fundraiser!
Come along to our Autumn Magic Carpet Concert at Stockbridge Church, 4pm on Sunday 29 September!
Our live music concert is a great opportunity to get close to incredible live music played by world-class musicians You’ll get the chance to see talented musicians perform – accordionist Sofia Ros from Spain , double bassist Nikita Naumov & concert pianist (& City of Edinburgh Music Schoolteacher) Shola Sharbakova Miller from Kazakhstan !
Funds raised secure much needed carpets for our classrooms
Our poster has been designed in collaboration with students from Submarine Art & Design School check out their courses – there’s loads on for teens! https://www.submarineart.co.uk/
TWO weeks to go until our performance of Rossini’s “Petite Messe Solennelle”, a masterful choral work that blends solemnity and grace with operatic flair.
The internationally-renowned chamber choir from Pomona College, California, USA, are about to undertake a concert tour of the UK, including concerts in London, Cambridge, York and Durham as well as appearances in St Andrews and Edinburgh on the 27th and 28th May, respectively.
The concert in St Andrews will be in conjunction with another student choir, the St Andrews Madrigal Group.
SING GENTLY
A choral celebration of music from the Americas and Britain
Pomona College Glee Club, California, USA
Joint concert with St Andrews Madrigal Group
Holy Trinity Church
South Street, St Andrews KY16 9NL
Saturday 27th May, 7.30pm
ADMISSION FREE
ST GILES AT SIX
St Giles Cathedral
High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Sunday 28th May, 6pm
ADMISSION FREE
The Pomona College Glee Club, Pomona’s elite chamber choir, has been representing Pomona College both internationally and at home for over 100 years.
Recent tours have seen the choir singing in prestigious venues throughout Germany, Poland, Italy and the Czech Republic as well as the UK.
Their current tour will visit London, Cambridge, York, Durham and St Andrews, as well as Edinburgh, presenting the very best of unaccompanied choral repertoire, including music by Beach, Byrd, McMillan, Walton, Weelkes and Whitacre.
Union United Methodist Church was established in 1857. For over 160 years it has been a hub for Christ-centered ministry in the Irmo, SC area.
Union is well-known in the community for its loving and welcoming congregation, outstanding facilities, many ministries, and excellent music. The Music and Worship Arts Ministry of Union UMC consists of the Chancel Choir, Unity Choir, Youth Choir, two Children’s Choirs, the Union Brass, Mary Bonnett Chancel Chimers (handbells), Leaps of Faith (liturgical dance, three ensembles, all ages), Orchestra (special events), and the ElevenTen Praise Band.
As the primary musical ensemble for “traditional” worship at Union, the Chancel Choir performs a weekly anthem and leads musical worship for the 9:00am Sunday Worship Service.
The Choir frequently collaborates with other Union ensembles for special performances incorporating soloists, liturgical dance and additional instrumentation.
Once a quarter, the Chancel Choir becomes the Unity Choir, inviting people of all ages to come experience singing with the group. In addition to weekly worship responsibilities, the various ensembles of the Ministry collaborate to produce two to three major worship events and/or concerts every year.
The Union Chancel Choir has performed on tour in Austria and Hungary with Dr. Larry Wyatt and the University of South Carolina Concert Choir (2006). They have also performed in massed choirs conducted by Dr. Alicia Walker at Carnegie Hall (World Premiere performance of World Without End by Daniel Elder, 2015) and David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center (Mass in Blue by Will Todd, 2019). The Chancel Choir is thrilled to be going on tour to England and Scotland this summer (2022).
Donald Kirkindoll
Donald Kirkindoll, Director of Music Ministries at Union United Methodist Church in Irmo, South Carolina, earned the Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Centenary College of Louisiana, and the Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of South Carolina, where he was a student of Dr. Larry Wyatt.
An experienced vocalist, Kirkindoll has performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center, as well as concerts in Germany, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, South Africa, and throughout the southeastern U.S.A., including two performances of Star Wars in Concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Anthony Daniels, and the World Premiere performance of Lux: The Dawn from On High by Dan Forrest with the Greenville Chorale and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.
He performed as a baritone and soloist for the Greenville Chorale and the professional Herring Chamber Ensemble from 2014 through 2018 under the direction of Dr. Bingham Vick, Jr.
Kirkindoll has directed choirs of all ages in churches, schools, and community organizations for the last twenty-five years. He has served as the Director of Music Ministries at Union UMC in Irmo, SC, Advent UMC in Simpsonville, SC, and Ashland UMC in Columbia, SC. Previously, he served as the Choral Director at Blythewood High School and the Vocal Director of the Tri-District Arts Consortium.
Choirs under his direction have performed at Walt Disney World (solo concert at Epcot, 2011), Carnegie Hall (World Premiere performance of The Peacemakers by Karl Jenkins, 2012) and David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center (Mass in Blue by Will Todd, 2019).
The Music Ministry of Union UMC continues to thrive and grow under Kirkindoll’s direction. In the summer of 2022, the Union Choir will perform on tour at Wesley’s Chapel (London, England), Canterbury Cathedral (Canterbury, England), St. Helen’s Church – Stonegate (York, England), and Canongate Kirk (Edinburgh, Scotland).
He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and best friend, Kriss, and their daughter, Nat.
Clifford Leaman
Critics have hailed Clifford Leaman as “an artist of the first order…intuitive, exciting, and enthralling.” (Paul Wagner, The Saxophone Journal) Leaman reveals himself to be {an} artist of technical brilliance and emotional commitment.” “The range of colors is impressive…” (Jack Sullivan, American Record Guide)
Associate Dean, Director of Graduate Studies, and Professor of Saxophone at the University of South Carolina, Leaman is in great demand as a soloist and clinician and has performed and taught throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, and China.
Leaman has recorded four compact discs with piano, and two discs with percussionist Scott Herring as the RoseWind Duo. In addition to his work with piano and marimba, Leaman has performed as a concerto soloist with numerous Wind Ensembles and Orchestras and has recorded concerti by Brant, Bassett, and Dahl.
He has given masterclasses at major schools of music and conservatories across the globe, including the Northwestern, Eastman, Michigan, North Texas, Florida State, Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, Strasbourg, Aragón, Escola Catalunya, Beijing Central, Shanghai, and the Sichuan Conservatories, among many others.
An avid supporter of contemporary music, Leaman has commissioned and given the world premiere performances of over 35 works, including concerti by William Bolcom, Leslie Bassett, Frank Ticheli, Stacy Garrop, and Michael Colgrass. Leaman is an artist-clinician for D’Addario and the Conn-Selmer Company, Inc. and performs exclusively on Selmer saxophones and D’Addario Reserve reeds.
SPIRITS at a Cramond care home have been lifted thanks to a local school pipe band treating residents to a fine performance.
Pupils from Cargilfield School, an independent preparatory school for boys and girls aged three to 13, visited Cramond Residence for an afternoon of traditional Scottish music for pipes and drums.
The performance is just one way the home is helping residents filter back into the local community following months of lockdown, while encouraging intergenerational conversations.
Angela Skilky, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Our main aim is always to provide fun, interactive and stimulating activities for residents to take part in, so we’re delighted to be able to resume in-person visits from members of the community.
“Residents thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the music has helped many reminisce fondly on previous moments in their life.
“We’re really thankful for the pupils coming along and taking time to entertain our residents. Creating intergenerational relationships are extremely important as they can help residents boost confidence, increase communication and improve memory.”
Cramond Residence holds a vast range of tailored activities that are open to all residents. Recent get-togethers have included arts and crafts, armchair aerobics and sensory sessions.
CargilfieldHeadteacher Rob Taylor said: “It was lovely to see the residents smiling and tapping their feet along to the music.
“Some of the favourite songs included Highland Cathedral and of course ‘A Man’s a Man’ in honour of our Burns Night celebrations.”
The event kickstarted a week of Burns night activities, with residents enjoying a traditional Scottish menu including cock-a-leekie soup for starter, followed by a main of haggis, neeps and tatties with cranachan and a “wee dram” for dessert.
Jan Henderson, resident at the home, said: “Thanks to both Cramond Residence staff and Cargilfield School for organising such a wonderful afternoon. There were smiles all round and the performance was enjoyed by everyone.”
Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.
A year of celebrations marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion Scotland will culminate in a musical extravaganza on Sunday 28th November. A Centenary Concert will feature performances from the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, the Edinburgh Academy Chamber Choir and many others.
In June 1921, with the trauma and painful after-effects of the First World War crippling the nation, four ex-service organisations came together at St Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh to unite for the greater good of the nation. At that moment the Royal British Legion Scotland was born.
100 years later, St Cuthbert’s will host the charity in celebrating its centenary.
Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “The Centenary Concert will be a fitting culmination to a memorable year for our members. In June, 100 commemorative wreaths were laid at War Memorials across the country exactly 100 years since the formation of the Legion.
“During the summer months members of our Bikers Branch set off on a National Ride to visit our network of branches and clubs throughout the country. We hoped to hold a huge Beating Retreat event in Dundee in September, but the ongoing restrictions meant this has been postponed until April 2022. Nevertheless, branches and clubs across Scotland held their own local celebrations.
“The past few weeks have seen a return to our usual programme of Remembrance events up and down the country, which have been exceptionally well attended. Remembering the fallen and joining together in a spirit of comradeship has always lay at the heart of our ethos. The number of people, both veterans and members of the public, who want to show their support demonstrates that Legion Scotland has a very bright future ahead.”
The Centenary Concert is split into four acts, with each examining a different aspect of the Legion’s history.
The first act will highlight the aftermath of the First World War and the formation of the Legion. Act two will explore the Legion’s early years and the impact of the Second World War. This will be followed by two further acts, looking at the legacy of more recent conflicts and ahead to a positive future for Legion Scotland beyond its centenary. Other performers include Juniper 3, Dunfermline and District Pipe Band and Jedburgh Pipe Band.
The Centenary Concert takes place on Sunday 28th November at The Parish of St Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh and begins at 7.00pm.
A number of tickets are still available free of charge and can be booked by emailing events@legionscotland.org.uk.
Scottish Ensemble & Nemone Metaxas launch Common Sound, a concert and discussion celebrating collective experience touring Scotland this October
Scottish Ensemble teams up with 6 Music DJ and psychotherapist Nemone Metaxas for Common Sound
Common Sound is a mix of music and discussion exploring what performance means for audiences & performers
Taking place in Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh with performance options adapted to accommodate those social distancing
All tickets are at the special price of £10 to welcome back audiences to live performance
Scottish Ensemble is excited to return to live performance at locations across Scotland for the first time since the pandemic. Common Sound is a brand-new programme of live, in person events exploring the importance of live performance, which will take place at four locations across Scotland this autumn.
Common Sound is an hour-long event that asks the question ‘why is live music important?’ and Scottish Ensemble are inviting audiences from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness to come along, take part and share thoughts, insights and inspiration.
At a time when many, if not most, performances – from music through to dance and theatre – are available to watch online, Nemone and Scottish Ensemble performers will discuss what it is about being in the same room as other people who are all seeing and hearing the same thing, that elevates the quality and impact of a performance.
Blending live musical performance with provocations, conversation and debate, Common Sound will see Nemone and Scottish Ensemble musicians sharing their perspectives on what music does to us and why. Carefully devised sets of music, including tracks by Jonny Greenwood, Caroline Shaw and Steve Reich, will create an absorbing listening experience for mind and body, and a specially developed atmospheric lighting design will bring the music to life on stage.
After 18 months of primarily online performance, SE can’t wait to get back in front of audiences from across the country at this exciting set of events which have been tailored to accommodate those with concerns around safety, as we emerge from the pandemic. In a nod to those who are still adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and seek the reassurance of social distancing, SE will host both socially and non-socially distanced events at all locations, apart from in Dundee Where the single performance will be socially distanced
Common Sound will take place at Cottiers in Glasgow on Wednesday 21 October, at Eden Court in Inverness on Friday 22 October, at Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh on Saturday 23 October and finally at Marryat Hall in Dundee on Sunday 24 October 2021. The performance in Edinburgh on the Saturday 23 October, will be live streamed (audio only) via Mixcloud (full programme below).
William Norris, Interim Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said:“It’s hard to put your finger on what it is exactly, but there’s something very special about sharing a performance with a room full of expectant audience members.
“We hope that Common Sound will go some way to exploring what that intangible something is, and it’s particularly apt as this will be the first time we’ve gathered indoors for live music with audiences across Scotland for almost two years.
“Developing these concerts with Nemone has been a privilege and joy, there have been so many creative ideas being exchanged, and we’re going to have our work cut out to fit it all into a 60 minute show!
“I’m thrilled to be meeting audiences across Scotland, face to face, and exploring our relationship to live music in more depth. It feels like such an important conversation to have, particularly after the events, or rather the non-events of the past 18 months.
“We very excited to share this project with audiences, and as a thank you to them for sticking with us during the last 18 months we’re going to be offering all seats at just £10.”
Nemone Metaxas, 6 Music DJ and psychotherapist, said:“I’m really excited by my first collaboration with Scottish Ensemble. It’s been fantastic devising the Common Sound project with their Artistic Director Jonathan Morton.
“It’s going to be so reaffirming to be back in front of live audiences for Common Sound and listening to live music together once again.”
You’ll get the chance to see talented musicians perform – accordionist Sofia Ros from Spain 
, double bassist Nikita Naumov 
check out their courses – there’s loads on for teens! 
