Tickets on sale for new Oasis film documenting the band’s record breaking 2025 tour – arriving at Vue Edinburgh next month
A new film charting Liam and Noel Gallagher’s triumphant reunion tour, Oasis Live ’25, is heading to the big screen next month – with tickets on sale from now.
Showing exclusively at cinemas from 9 – 17 September, Don’t Look Back in Anger documents one of the biggest musical events in recent years.
The 41-date world tour saw the brothers performing across five continents – with an impressive 17 shows taking place in the UK alone.
The film offers unprecedented access and never-before-seen footage, alongside the first joint interviews with Noel and Liam in over 20 years. It also explores the profound emotional impact of the tour and what the band’s music means to audiences and generations worldwide.
Fans will be able to watch Don’t Look Back in Anger on Vue’s biggest screen: EPIC by Vue – the ultimate way to experience the most anticipated releases.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “After decades of waiting, last year Oasis fans got the reunion they were hoping for.Now audiences can relive the iconic comeback on the big screen, with unprecedented access, behind-the-scenes footage and a joint interview – two decades in the making.
“What better way to enjoy this fly on the wall documentary than from the comfort of Vue, offering the ultimate seat, screen and sound experience.”
Edinburgh International Festival initiates ‘Lights Down, Phones Off’, with Festival Director Nicola Benedetti helping to turn off phones at pre-concert ‘Sound Check’ desk
Edinburgh International Festival Director Nicola Benedetti was at Queen’s Hall yesterday for the first chamber performance of the 2026 Edinburgh International Festival, where she joined staff at a new ‘Sound Check’ desk helping audience members turn off their phones ahead of the concert.
The desk marks the launch of Lights Down, Phones Off, a Festival-wide initiative encouraging audiences to switch off phones, notifications and alarms for the duration of performances.
This initiative follows feedback from audiences and artists, with phones interrupting every concert in the 2025 Queen’s Hall chamber series, and invites a deeper connection with the performances themselves.
Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, said: “Live performance is unlike anything else, and the Edinburgh International Festival is here to protect the rarity of this experience.
“The power of our programme is intensified by the tangible, collective presence of everyone in the room, and we want you to be with us fully.
“When the lights go down and the performance starts, we would like phones to disappear from our hands, minds and ears. Views on this have been widely and boldly expressed in recent months and we are acting in communion with our beloved audiences, and extraordinary artists.
“The late, great Alfred Brendel, whom we pay tribute to in our Queen’s Hall series this year, said it best: ‘The audience’s contribution is concentration and silence – it’s an electricity the musician can charge from.’ That electricity is real, I’ve felt it from the stage my whole life. We encourage our audiences to switch off their phones, and let the art do the rest.
“We believe that live performance is most powerful when artists and audiences are in real communion with one another. On or off the stage, we all have a role to play. We’re asking for your full attention so we can give you something unforgettable.”
The 2026 edition of the Edinburgh International Festival takes place from 7 – 30th August. Programme information and tickets are available at www.eif.co.uk.
SKERRYVORE, SKIPINNISH AND TIDE LINES FEATURE ON BESPOKE TRACK
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brings iconic Scottish bands Skerryvore, Skipinnish and Tide Lines together for a brand-new song created for the 2026 Show, A Call To Gather.
In a fitting celebration of contemporary Scottish music, the three bands collaborate on a bespoke track, combining some of their most popular songs – featuring Skerryvore’s Live Forever, followed by Skipinnish’s Alive and then Tide Lines’ Heroes.
Everything Worth Fighting For has been arranged by the Tattoo’s resident composer, Tom Hodge, and will be performed by Tattoo Orchestra lead by Nick Grace, uplifting and inspiring audiences on the castle esplanade this summer.
Lead vocalists from the bands gathered at Glasgow’s Assumption Studios to record the vocals for the track, lending their talents to a truly unique element of this year’s Show.
Alan Lane, Creative Director at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Contemporary Scottish Traditional Music scene is the most exciting cultural movement in Scotland at the moment.And these bands are at the forefront of that movement.
“We’ve worked with these artists before and some of the highlights of recent tattoos have been our collaborations. It’s a key part of the company’s creative direction and long may these friendships continue.”
Alec Dalglish, Skerryvore, said:“It’s amazing to be a part of this collaboration. Lots of the bands are also our friends, so that means a lot to us.
“It’s good to be involved in a project with them, as we don’t get to see each other all that much, so it was cool getting to be in the studio.”
Angus MacPhail, Skipinnish, said:“We loved having our song Eagle’s Wing performed by the fantastic community choir, Sing in the City in the Show last year.
“It’s really special to be involved again this year and, not only that, but to be featured alongside friends from some of our favourite bands.”
Robert Robertson, Tide Lines, said: “It genuinely is a pinch-me moment to look out and see the Massed Bands playing something that was written in my bedroom in my flat in Glasgow!”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo returns for their 2026 Show, A Call to Gather from 7 – 29 August.
He was a member of Josef K, Orange Juice and Aztec Camera
Post-punk guitarist and singer-songwriter Malcolm Ross has been honoured by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) for his remarkable career in music.
Malcolm shot to fame in the 1970s and 80s as a member of Josef K, Orange Juice and Aztec Camera, bands which came to define the new wave sound of independent Scottish label Postcard Records.
His music career saw him perform and record alongside numerous artists, while also releasing three solo albums.
Beyond his early years in the industry, Malcolm went on to work across music, film, theatre, sound installation and interdisciplinary arts practice. His film work included a role musical consultant on the Beatles biopic Backbeat and he contributed original music to the soundtrack for the Jonny Depp film Chocolat.
Born in Malawi and raised in Edinburgh, Malcolm was formally made a Doctor of the University during an ENU graduation ceremony at the city’s Usher Hall.
Reflecting on his honorary graduation, Malcolm Ross said: “It’s special. I’m getting near the end of my career I suppose, and it’s lovely and flattering to receive some recognition from an institution I’ve always admired.
“I didn’t really expect to be offered something like this. I was surprised, but pleasantly surprised.
“Because I grew up in Edinburgh, Napier was always in my awareness, even when I was still at school. So it has brought back memories.
And his advice for ENU’s new cohort of music graduates? “Make music you’d like to listen to, always. Make music you’d like to listen to.”
Presenting Malcolm with his doctorate, Zack Moir, Professor of Music at ENU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “Malcolm’s career reminds us that our professional lives rarely follow a singular path.
“They are shaped by collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to remain open to new ideas and opportunities.
“At a time when our turbulent world increasingly needs more creativity, imagination and human connection, Malcolm Ross stands as an example of what it means to sustain a lifelong commitment to creative practice.
“His contribution extends beyond the wonderful music that first brought him recognition. It can be found in the collaborations he has fostered, the projects he has helped realise, and the opportunities he has created for others to participate in and benefit from the arts.”
ENU’s summer graduation ceremonies were held at the Usher Hall between 8-10 July.
Dunard Centre welcomed The Duke of Kent as its first royal visitor last week
The visit celebrated Dunard Centre’s artistic partnership with Wigmore Hall
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland musicians offered a glimpse of the venue’s future programme
The visit followed a major milestone in the venue’s construction programme
Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit
The Dunard Centre, Edinburgh’s first new concert hall in over 100 years, welcomed its first royal visitor, The Duke of Kent, to its St Andrew Square site last week.
The Duke, who is the Patron of Wigmore Hall, enjoyed live music and heard more about the vision for the world-class venue, following the announcement of Wigmore Hall’s new artistic partnership with the Dunard Centre earlier this year.
The visit began with a short performance by two students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, piper and whistle player Hamish Martindale and guitarist Anja Maclennan, giving a glimpse of the venue’s future multi-genre programme.
His Royal Highness also met representatives from some of the Dunard Centre’s key partners, including Edinburgh International Festival, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Bank of Scotland, alongside Wigmore Hall Director John Gilhooly.
Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit
Jo Buckley, Chief Executive of the Dunard Centre, said: “It’s not every day you get the honour of welcoming a royal visitor to site, and it was a particular pleasure to welcome The Duke of Kent to the Dunard Centre, marking the start of our new partnership with London’s Wigmore Hall.
“Together, we took a moment to reflect on our mutual commitment to world-class programming and to the warm welcome afforded to our audiences by the intimacy of our design.
“His Royal Highness is a huge music lover, and it was a joy to see him tapping his foot to traditional jigs performed by two students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – just a small taste of the breadth and calibre of music that will be heard on our stage in years to come.”
Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit
The high-profile visit comes shortly after the project celebrated a major construction milestone, with piling works concluding in June and excavation of the 10-metre-deep, two-storey basement now underway.
Designed by David Chipperfield Architects with Reiach and Hall Architects, the Dunard Centre will be the first concert hall in the UK to be designed by world-leading Japanese firm Nagata Acoustics.
Supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, and located behind its Head Office building at No. 36 St Andrew Square, the ‘Hall for All’ will be a vibrant hub for all kinds of musical performance, events, learning and community activities, as well as the new permanent home of the Scottish Chamber, and a new venue for the Edinburgh International Festival.
Dunard Centre welcomes The Duke of Kent for landmark first royal visit
The collaboration between the Dunard Centre and London’s Wigmore Hall, announced in March this year, was one of a series of unprecedented academic and artistic partnerships to be launched by the globally-renowned Wigmore Hall in celebration of its 125th anniversary.
The collaboration will see Wigmore Hall Director John Gilhooly leading the Dunard Centre’s new artistic advisory committee, as well as a range of shared programming and commissioning initiatives.
A lifelong supporter of the arts and a passionate music fan, The Duke has been Patron of Wigmore Hall for 10 years, regularly attending concerts at the venue.
In October 2025, at a recital marking his 90th birthday celebrations, His Royal Highness was presented with the Wigmore Medal by mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker in recognition of the contribution to the hall’s musical life.
Pack your picnic baskets and join us this Sunday, 21st June in Victoria Park!
Trinity Community Croft and Drakkar’s Drift garden, located on the bowling greens, will be open to all. There will be live music, tours and activities throughout.
A CELEBRATION OF THE PAST, THE PRESENT & THE FUTURE OF TRAD IN EDINBURGH
Multi-award winning Scottish folk band Session A9 closed this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest with a standout live performance, and multiple encores at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 11 May.
The festival ran from (1-11 May) and included 11 days of live music, talks, workshops, folk film screenings and storytelling, thanks to continued support from Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
This year’s programme of over 60 events, was a tremendous success, with organisers enjoying:
● A 9% increase in ticket sales to music events at the Traverse Theatre.
● Multiple sell-outs including award-winning Connemara singing sensations Séamus and Caoimhe, Kim Carnie, Eilidh Shaw and Ian Carr, The Onlies, Deiseil: Dancing in Time, Nexus Project, Dick Gaughan in conversation and Session A9.
● Standing ovations for multiple performers including: Rajasthani folk trio SAZ; and Ukrainian folk musician and live-looping artist GANNA.
● Free pop up performances from Astro Bloc at Edinburgh Airport, SAZ at the Aroma Restaurant and Bar in Broxburn, and Dauntless at Nobles Bar in Leith.
● An increase in audiences aged under 26 thanks to the festival’s £9 ticket offer for younger audiences. Under 35s up from 21% to 25%
● A more international audience than ever before with 21% of the audience from outside the UK, whilst still being popular in the local area – 73% from Scotland (55% from Edinburgh).
Copyright_Douglas RobertsonEdinburgh
This year’s music commission A’Chiad Litir, (The First Letter) also received 5-star reviews.The piece, inspired by the life of sixteenth-century lesbian love poet Marie Maitland, touched on questions of language, identity and the notion of queerness and was created and performed by renowned singer songwriter and composer Josie Duncan.
Joining Josie was a stellar line-up of musicians including; Charlotte Printer (bass and vocals), Chloë Bryce (fiddle), Eilidh Rogers (percussion), Jenny Clifford (guitar) and Ashley Douglas (spoken word) who read one of Marie Maitland’s poems addressed to another woman she loved.
Other stand-out highlights from this year included trad powerhouse RURA and newcomers Astro Bloc who played to a lively crowd on opening night at Potterrow; The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter – a live vaudeville act, featuring old-time music performed on fiddles, banjos and sousaphone; Isla Ratcliff’s Scottish trad reinterpretation of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons; and award-winning folk singer Fiona Hunter taming toddlers with her interactive music session for under 5s and above.
Further afield, the hugely successful Folk Film Gathering supported by Screen Scotland, drew in the crowds with its popular programme of Scottish and international films, many accompanied by live scores or introductory talks.
In particular, the launch of Faodail | Found Outer Hebrides Film Archive website which featured live music from acclaimed accordionist and composer Pàdruig Morrison with fiddler and Gaelic singer Claire Frances MacNeil; the world premiere of a new documentary exploring the life and work of tradition bearer Jimmy Hutchison; Celtic Utopia which celebrates Ireland’s current folk renaissance and features many bold, funny, and politically outspoken young Irish folk musicians including Lankum and The Mary Wallopers; the UK premiere of Italian documentary Canone Effimero which showcases the raw energy and some of the vibrant folk traditions of Italy; and a curated selection of early, rarely-seen silent films by Scottish legendary film maker Bill Douglas.
Over at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, crowds gathered on Living Heritage Discovery Day to hear Ireland’s folklore aficionado Michael Fortune talk about Intangible Cultural Heritage and tradition-bearing.
Plus, throughout the festival, the Centre’s popular ‘What is…’ series of talks explaining what makes traditional dance, music,crafts, Gaelic, and Scots, truly traditional, drew audiences from all over, keen to hear from the experts about what makes each artform unique.
Lauren Paterson, Head of Programming at the Scottish Storytelling Centre said: “During the year of the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s 20th birthday, it’s been a joy to welcome audiences, performers and tradition-bearers alike to celebrate the richness, liveliness and variety of Scotland’s living heritage as part of Edinburgh Tradfest.
“From hands-on Come and Try sessions and workshops to explorations of traditional culture and identity through conversation and performance, it’s been inspiring to see so many people engaging with traditions and making connections with their own experience.”
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “We are delighted and encouraged with how Edinburgh Tradfest went this year. To have audiences up by 9% is a real achievement especially in tough economic times.
“We are also extremely happy to see the numbers rising amongst the younger age groups. One of the many highlights for 2026 was the move into other areas of the city with some entertaining (and free) pop up performances.
“We hit Broxburn, Turnhouse and Leith this year, and are already planning to pop up in some other unusual locations for 2027.”
Edinburgh Tradfest will return from 30 April to 10 May 2027.
The Royal Ballet and Opera has announced an exciting programme of cinema screenings throughout the 2026/27 Season.
The two companies present a range of works across the Season. The Royal Ballet performs beloved favourites including Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon and Romeo and Juliet, and Liam Scarlett’s Swan Lake. Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will be specially broadcast over the Easter period, an ideal ballet for all the family, and The Royal Ballet celebrate Christmas with Peter Wright’s enduring classic The Nutcracker.
The Royal Opera present a mixture of revivals and new works. There will be two new opera productions, including the final installment of Barrie Kosky’s acclaimed Ring cycle, Götterdämmerung.Associate Director of The Royal OperaNetia Jones makes her Main Stage debut with a new staging of Così fan tutte, screened live in February. Two celebrated productions will also return to cinemas: the first revival of Director of The Royal OperaOliver Mears’ Tosca, and a revival of Damiano Michieletto’s Carmen.
The UK cinema season also includes two new productions from The Metropolitan Opera, New York. In October, opera fans will be treated to a brand-new production of Macbeth from director Louisa Proske, who makes her debut with the company.
UK audiences will also be able to enjoy The Metropolitan Opera’s La Fanciulla del West in a new staging by British director Richard Jones.
Offering audiences a view from the best seat in the house, the RBO cinema Season shares the joy of live performance and the beauty of world-class ballet and opera with audiences in more than 1,500 cinemas and 50 countries around the world.
Cinema audiences can enjoy exclusive extra rehearsal and behind the scenes films during the intervals with specialist presenters offering an insight into the workings of the Royal Ballet and Opera.
Director of The Royal Opera, Oliver Mears said:“It is fantastic to be able to share our exhilarating productions with our cinema audiences and this season there is much to enjoy.
“Barrie Kosky’s Ring cycle continues to thrill and excite audiences, and I have no doubt that Götterdämmerung will complete the cycle with breathtaking wonder.
“Our Associate Director Netia Jones makes her Main Stage debut with a contemporary spin on Mozart’s Così fan tutte whilst enduring classics such as Tosca and Carmen also demonstrate why opera is the most captivating and visceral artform out there.”
Director of The Royal Ballet, Kevin O’Hare said:“Sharing The Royal Ballet’s live cinema relays with audiences across the globe is always incredibly special, and this Season we are delighted to bring you a wonderful selection of ballets to delight and entertain.
“Our magical productions of The Nutcracker and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will enchant families and audiences of all ages, while the dramatic tension of Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet contrasted with the pure classicism of Swan Lake make for a brilliant showcase of the artistry and virtuosity of our dancers. I very much look forward to sharing these special moments with you all.”
2026/27 Cinema Season
Macbeth | The Metropolitan Opera In cinemas: Tuesday 20 October 2026 UK only
With hair-raising drama and spectacular singing, two of opera’s most extraordinary artists star in Macbeth, Verdi’s thrilling take on the immortal Shakespearean tale of the scheming couple determined to seize power at any cost.
Following past triumphs in many of Verdi’s signature baritone roles, Quinn Kelsey is the Scottish king haunted by the ghosts of his murderous ascent to the throne, opposite Lise Davidsen—the world’s reigning dramatic soprano—as the power-mad Lady Macbeth, whose ruinous ambition damns them both.
Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium for a penetrating production by Louisa Proske, a brilliant young director making waves around the world. Rounding out the all-star cast are tenor Freddie De Tommaso as the heroic Macduff and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green as Macbeth’s friend-turned-victim Banquo.
Manon | The Royal Ballet Live in cinemas: Tuesday 27 October 2026
In the seedy underbelly of 18th-century Paris, money is king. Nothing is sacred – even love itself can be bought for the right price. A native of this hedonistic underworld, Manon is caught between twin desires when she falls in love with the student Des Grieux. Steadfast and devoted, he offers the possibility of an honourable life. Yet, the riches promised by the world of Parisian society remain tempting…
In this signature work of The Royal Ballet, Kenneth MacMillan’s nuanced understanding of human psychology makes for an unflinching look into the moral degradation of Manon’s Paris, while all its decadence and decay are brought to life through Jules Massenet’s score and Nicholas Georgiadis’ designs.
Carmen | The Royal Opera Live in cinemas: Tuesday 10 November 2026
Damiano Michieletto’s searing production returns, casting scorching light on the lust, violence and destructive desire of Bizet’s ever-popular opera.
An all-star cast brings this white-hot drama to life, with Ginger Costa-Jackson in the fiery title role, alongside Russell Thomas as the jealous and despairing Don José.
The Nutcracker | The Royal Ballet In cinemas: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Nothing says Christmas quite like The Nutcracker, and this year, The Royal Ballet celebrates the festive season with Peter Wright’s beloved ballet. Since its premiere in 1984, this much-loved production has become a Christmas classic. With Tchaikovsky’s stunning score and Julia Trevelyan Oman’s sumptuous designs, this festive favourite is a treat for the whole family, bringing the spirit of the original fairy-tale to life.
La Fanciulla del West | The Metropolitan Opera In cinemas: Tuesday 26 January 2027 UK only
Puccini’s exhilarating drama of the Wild West returns in a new staging by celebrated British director Richard Jones, marking the company’s first new production of La Fanciulla del West in more than 30 years. Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky adds to her already remarkable Met repertoire, making her role debut as the larger-than-life Minnie, the tough tavern owner with a heart of gold who finds love when she least expects it. Tenor SeokJong Baek is the dashing bandit who rambles into the remote California mining town to steal her heart, opposite baritone Christopher Maltman as the lawman determined to deliver rough justice—and win Minnie for himself. Maestro Keri-Lynn Wilson takes the podium to conduct one of opera’s most action-packed adventures.
Götterdämmerung | The Royal Opera Live in cinemas: Wednesday 3 February 2027
For the long-awaited finale of Wagner’s epic saga, director Barrie Kosky situates the rich apocalyptic drama in a contemporary world of dream-like turmoil. Antonio Pappano, Conductor Laureate of The Royal Opera, returns to take on the impassioned, otherworldly music – including Siegfried’s transporting Funeral March and Brünnhilde’s electrifying Immolation Scene.
The brilliant cast is led by Elisabet Strid, Andreas Schager and Mika Kares, who together with the full forces of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and the Royal Opera Chorus bring opera’s greatest journey to its shattering end.
Così fan tutte | The Royal Opera Live in cinemas: Tuesday 23 February 2027
In her Main Stage debut, Netia Jones, Associate Director of The Royal Opera, reimagines Mozart’s comedy of manners through a sharp contemporary lens, where 18th-century romantic trickery meets deeply satirical high-tech deceit. Taking on the roles of the lovers is an exciting young cast led by Louise Alder, Simone McIntosh, Mingjie Lei and Huw Montague Rendall, with Gerald Finley as their manipulative game-master Don Alfonso and Emily Pogorelc as Despina. Thomas Hengelbrock conducts, bringing out the exquisite melodies that underpin the provocative, and resolutely modern, themes at the heart of the opera.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland | The Royal Ballet In cinemas: Tuesday 23 March 2027
Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland bursts onto the stage in an explosion of colour, stage magic and inventive, sophisticated choreography.
Joby Talbot’s score combines contemporary soundworlds with sweeping melodies that gesture to ballet scores of the 19th century. Bob Crowley’s wildly imaginative, eye-popping designs draw on everything from puppetry to projections to make Wonderland wonderfully real. The result shows The Royal Ballet at its best, bringing together world-class dance with enchanting family entertainment and ingenious music and design.
Swan Lake | The Royal Ballet Live in cinemas: Thursday 22 April 2027
Princess Odette is bound by a curse, turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. The spell can only be broken by a pledge of eternal love. When she meets Prince Siegfried, he is immediately enamoured by her fragile beauty and pledges to free her. but freedom is not promised for Odette as Von Rothbart conspires to thwart the lovers’ plans.
Liam Scarlett’s production for The Royal Ballet brings together Tchaikovsky’s towering score and John Macfarlane’s picturesque designs to create an enduring ballet spectacle of love, treachery and forgiveness.
Tosca | The Royal Opera Live in cinemas: Wednesday 5 May 2027
Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi live for each other and for their art. But when Cavaradossi helps an escaped prisoner, the lovers make a deadly enemy in the form of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police.
Oliver Mears’ acclaimed production returns, setting Puccini’s operatic thriller in a contemporary, war-torn Rome. Daniel Oren conducts Aleksandra Kurzak, who returns to the title role, joined by Saimir Pirgu as Cavaradossi and Christopher Maltman as Baron Scarpia.
Romeo and Juliet | The Royal Ballet In cinemas: Tuesday 25 May 2027
Shakespeare’s great love story is brilliantly retold through this modern ballet classic. The fervent longing of the star-crossed lovers is perfectly captured by Kenneth MacMillan’s impassioned choreography.
The flourishing of young love is just as present in Romeo and Juliet’s meeting on the balcony as in their final moments when they desperately cling to life in the tomb.
The nation’s finest young musical talent came together on Sunday 24 May at Glasgow’s Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where 33 top musicians, representing each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and the independent school sector, competed in the fifth prestigious Solo Performer of the Year Final.
Hosted by Ian Mills, the fifth annual Solo Performer of the Year competition showcased inspiring performances from Scotland’s finest young musicians, captivating the packed Stevenson Hall at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). With a lifelong commitment to education and a deep-rooted passion for music, Ian brought warmth, insight and enthusiasm to the role.
The winning performance was by singer Kai Fitzharris (age 18) from Greenock, who who was representing the Inverclyde region. His beautiful performance of The Roadside Fire by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Die Nacht by Richard Strauss wowed the audience and judges and saw him taking home not just the overall Winner’s trophy but also winning the voice category and the collaboration award for his interaction with his accompanist Claire Haslin.
Kai Fitzharris receives £1,000 to further his musical career and the Maid of Morven trophy crafted by Alexander Stoddart FRSE, the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary in Scotland.
As part of his prize package from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Kai will benefit from a professional coaching session, the opportunity to participate in a masterclass, and a studio recording session to help develop his performance skills.
The judges awarded two runners-up. Bass guitarist Jake Kenny from North Ayrshire had the hall jumping with his virtuosic performance of Muse’s Hysteria and Primus’s Tommy the Cat.
And accordionist Daniel Small from Falkirk gave a brilliant performance of Yuri Dranga’s The Seagull, written by his tutor’s tutor, and Scottish traditional tune the Millers Reel in his own version of Ryan Corbett’s arrangement.
Both outstanding musicians will receive £250 towards their musical development, along with exclusive opportunities including a professional coaching session and masterclass placement at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS).
The audience was treated to inspiring performances by young musicians from Shetland to Moray to Dumfries and Galloway as every area of the country was represented. A full array of instruments was also on display from marimbas to clarinets and trombones, accordions and bass guitar to piano and voice, creating a rich and diverse musical programme.
Continuing the competition’s traditions, the winners of each specialist category were announced live during the final ceremony which was dedicated this year to John Wallace CBE, who as a champion of music education was an inspiration to so many and a valued supporter of Scottish Young Musicians from the very beginning.
This year’s category winners were; violinist Robert SJ Hutchinson from Fife for strings, flautist Zuzanna Kujawa from South Lanarkshire for woodwind, trombonist Patrick Summer from East Renfrewshire for brass, Marimba player Murray McLachlan from Angus for percussion, Jaiden Weideman from Aberdeen for piano, and overall winner Kai Fitzharris for vocals.
They will all receive career-enhancing opportunities generously provided by some of the UK’s leading music organisations, including Scottish Opera, RCS, Dunedin Consort, Live Music Now Scotland, the Cumnock Tryst, St Mary’s Music School, Stringers, Ursula Jones, Greg Bailey and Trinity Laban, supporting their development as emerging musical talents.
In addition, accordionist Daniel Small received the Trad music prize, cellist Eleanor Winter the Early Years Music prize and again the overall winner Kai Fitzharris the Collaborative Performance Prize.
The esteemed judging panel included MILOŠ, one of the world’s leading classical guitarists; Fraser Gordon, Principal Contrabassoon at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Jane Irwin, Head of Vocal Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; Carol Main, Founding Director of Live Music Now Scotland; and Professor Arron Shorr an international piano soloist, chamber musician and educator.
The grand finale also featured spectacular performances by this year’s award-winning ensembles: Ensemble of the Year the Perth & Kinross Big Band, and Brass Ensemble of the Year the Campbeltown Brass Quintet from Argyll and Bute. Their electrifying and energetic performances provided a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable celebration of Scotland’s young musical talent.
Alan Kerr, Chair of Scottish Young Musicians said: “What an inspirational day! Scottish Young Musicians is Scotland’s only festival of competitions connecting every Scottish school and offering students the chance to achieve their ambitions through their talent in music, develop their life-skills and have fun.
“Huge congratulations to our winner Kai Fitzharris , and to our two runners up Jake Kenny and Daniel Small. We hope that this is a wonderful moment in their long journeys with music.
“I must recognise the enthusiasm of teachers who’ve embraced SYM, our incredible hard-working team that has made it happen, and the generosity of our supporters who have provided funds, prizes, and assistance.
“It’s been especially poignant would like to dedicate this year’s solo final to John Wallace CBE who, as a champion of music education, was an inspiration to all, especially students and a valued supporter of Scottish Young Musicians from the very beginning.”
The Scotland-wide competition is run by The Music Education Partnership Group who work with every school and local authority to support music education and opportunities.
