Scottish Ensemble bring moments of stillness and a captivating musical adventure as they perform their annual Concerts by Candlelight series across Scotland
From the 5th to the 12th December the pioneering string ensemble will visit some of the country’s most atmospheric settings. Concerts by Candlelight will take place in Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and for the first time in Dunblane.
A staple of the Scottish festive calendar these concerts feature vibrant compositions illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight.
Jonathan Morton, Artistic Director of Scottish Ensemble, said: “Concerts by Candlelight have become a very popular moment in our musical calendar, both for audiences and musicians, and it’s heartwarming to see people return each year.
“We all look forward to meeting again in these spectacular buildings, and to experience together the magical combination of beautiful sounds within ancient spaces.”
Audiences can expect a rich selection of music that weaves between past and present, to create a beautiful sonic tapestry. Alongside compositions with seasonal resonances by JS Bach, Arvo Pärt and Pēteris Vasks, there will also be pieces that will take listeners to unexpected places including movements from Kaija Saariaho’s Sept Papillons and The Evergreen by Caroline Shaw.
The programme also includes a brand-new work, And At Pains to Temper the Light, by Hannah Kendall, commissioned by Scottish Ensemble, Staatsoper Stuttgart and Staatstheater Stuttgart.
Known for her attentive arrangements and immersive world-building, British composer Hannah Kendall’s music looks beyond the boundaries of composition. Just like Scottish Ensemble, her work bridges gaps between different musical cultures, both honouring and questioning the contemporary tradition while telling new stories through it.
Hannah Kendall said about her new work: “My grandfather and his family were from the Berbice region of Guyana, which has deeply rooted and routed, yet largely unforgotten or unknown, historical connections to Scotland.
“In And At Pains to Temper the Light, I seek to reimagine and refresh these ties, creating renewed spaces of connection that have the potential to inspire transformation through sound.
“I am indebted to Scottish Ensemble, a group of musicians I so deeply admire, for giving me the opportunity to explore this part of my heritage in a way that hopefully also speaks to shared experiences that transcend borders and time.”
Tickets range from £11 – £22 and are free for under 16s. Tickets are available from:
https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2024-25/concerts-by-candlelight-5/
