Collaboration between Edinburgh Royal Choral Union and Brussels Choral Society
Two masterworks of the choral repertoire will be performed by one of the UK’s oldest and most distinguished choirs, Edinburgh Royal Choral Union, and special guest collaborators, the Brussels Choral Society.
The two ensembles consisting of 200 singers from 25 different nationalities will be joined by the Orchestra of Scottish Opera and Sòlas Ensemble, a young vocal quartet formed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Sunday 15th March – Poulenc’s Glora and Bruckner’s Mass in D Minor, conducted by Michael Bawtree. Tickets on sale now.
The Edinburgh Royal Choral Union (ERCU), one of Scotland’s oldest and most distinguished choirs, will join forces with the Brussels Choral Society for an exciting collaborative concert at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Sunday 15 March 2026 at 3pm.
Bringing together choirs from Scotland and Belgium, this special spring concert promises an afternoon of choral music on a grand scale, performed by 200 singers in one of the city’s most iconic venues.
The collaboration follows a sold‑out performance of the same programme by ERCU and Brussels Choral Society at the renowned Bozar concert hall and arts venue in Brussels in December 2025, which received a rapturous response from the audience.
The concert will be conducted by Michael Bawtree, ERCU’s longstanding Chorus Director, whose musical leadership has shaped the choir’s artistic identity for many years. Widely admired for his clarity, depth, and commitment to choral excellence, Bawtree will direct the combined forces alongside the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, one of the UK’s leading opera orchestras.
Michael Bawtreesaid: “After a wonderful weekend in Belgium in December, where we were warmly welcomed by our friends in the Brussels Choral Society, we are now delighted to host them in Scotland’s capital and the country’s finest concert hall for this exciting springtime concert.
“I look forward to conducting two incredible choral masterpieces with 200 singers from over 25 countries, alongside four of Scotland’s brightest young soloists and the instrumentalists of Scotland’s national opera company.”
Solo roles will be performed by the Sòlas Ensemble, a young vocal quartet formed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Their involvement reflects Edinburgh Royal Choral Union’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging professional talent and supporting the next generation of performers alongside established ensembles.
The programme offers a striking and emotionally rich pairing of two masterworks from the choral repertoire: Francis Poulenc’s Gloria and Anton Bruckner’s Mass in D minor. Together, the works span contrasting musical worlds while sharing a profound spiritual intensity and expressive breadth.
Poulenc’s Gloria, composed in 1959, is celebrated for its vibrant energy, playful rhythmic drive, and moments of radiant lyricism, combining modern harmonic language with a deep sense of joy and devotion.
In contrast, Bruckner’s Mass in D minor stands as one of the composer’s most powerful sacred works, a monumental setting that reflects his unwavering faith, dramatic orchestration, and architectural musical vision.
Performed side by side, the two pieces offer audiences a compelling journey from exuberant modern vitality to towering Romantic grandeur.
Founded in 1858, Edinburgh Royal Choral Union has played a central role in Scotland’s musical life for over a century and a half. The choir is best known for its annual New Year performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Usher Hall, a tradition established in 1888 and continued without interruption, even through two World Wars, alongside an ambitious programme of large-scale choral works and international collaborations.
This concert marks a major cultural exchange between Scotland and Belgium, celebrating the unifying power of choral music and the shared traditions that transcend national borders.
The collaboration with the Brussels Choral Society brings together singers from two countries in a performance of exceptional scale, ambition, and artistic impact, highlighting the enduring vitality of amateur choral music at the highest level.
Tickets are on sale here, ranging from £17 to £42, with £5 concessions for students and under-16s.
Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of our Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland’s young string players.
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, each year a group of RCS string students are selected to take part in a week-long side-by-side project with Scottish Ensemble musicians.
The week sees mentorship meet music-making in its most dynamic form, with the group working on a broad range of string repertoire, extended playing techniques, programme curation and how to communicate with audiences.
This year the development week will culminate in Musical Encounters, an electrifying collaborative performance that sees the young RCS players bring fresh energy to the stage alongside Scottish Ensemble, for afternoon concerts in Glasgow (RCS, 16 January) and Edinburgh’s Queens Hall (17 January).
Following the project two young musicians will be selected to be Scottish Ensemble’s Young Artists for 2026. They will benefit from a year-long programme of paid opportunities and development experiences designed to broaden their skills as professional musicians.
This will include joining the Ensemble for tours and performances as well as Music for Wellbeing workshops in schools and at Scotland’s Maggie’s Centres, alongside office days with the management team to gain insights into programming, fundraising, and marketing.
James Hardie, Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said: “At Scottish Ensemble, we are always looking to the future of our artform, and nurturing the next generation of musicians is central to that mission.
“Our annual Young Artists week at the RCS is a highlight of the year, giving us the chance to work with a new cohort of passionate, energetic young string players.”
Scottish Opera, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and more of Scotland’s premier musical institutions offering a fantastic array of career-enhancing prizes to be won at the National Final of Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year 2023
Incredible support received from the big names in the Scottish musical community who are offering prizes to the next generation of Scotland’s musicians performing at Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year on Sunday 21 May 2023, including all three of Scotland’s national music companies.
Young people from 30 of Scotland’s Local Authorities, covering 99% of the school-aged population, are competing against each other to be crowned the second ever Solo Performer of the Year.
An expert panel of adjudicators will bring expertise from across a spectrum of musical genres.
The national final will take place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and will be hosted by broadcaster and celebrated singer Jamie MacDougall, with Nicola Benedetti providing special welcome video.
Scottish Young Musicians, Scotland’s festival of music competitions, gives young musicians from around the country the chance to compete to win career-enhancing prizes, perform live on a national stage in front of internationally renowned judges, and push their skills like never before.
In 2023, 30 local authorities covering 99% of Scotland’s population are taking part inScottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year, giving opportunities to more young people who would like to compete in Scotland’s only music competition where funding and expertise is offered to every school and Local Authority.
The competition was open to all young musicians who go to school in Scotland, whatever age or standard. Each area has selected their best local soloist to compete at the National Final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 21 May 2023. In addition, 20 of Scotland’s independent schools have competed to select a finalist. (A link to a live document containing the full list of all 31 young musicians participating in the final can be found in Notes to Editors.)
After much anticipation, the full list of prizes for the competition can now also be announced, with some of the UK’s leading musical institutions and orchestras taking part. New for this year, Scottish Opera are offering the best vocalist and runner up vocalist a day with Scotland’s national opera company, including a special tour of the rehearsal and production facilities and the chance to meet some of the artists, artisans and support staff who make, stage, promote and present Scottish Opera’s productions.
Royal Scottish National Orchestra has offered the prize of a bespoke experience which would include time to meet with its CEO, Alastair Mackie, and a meeting with a player of the prize-winner’s choice. This prize also includes attending a rehearsal and a pair of concert tickets.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra is offering a bespoke experience including time to meet with their CEO, Gavin Reid, a meeting with a player of choice, the opportunity to attend a rehearsal, and a pair of concert tickets.
Other orchestras and ensembles offering prizes include The Dunedin Consort, one of the world’s leading Baroque ensembles, who are offering concert tickets, an invitation to attend a rehearsal, and some one-to-one time with a player.
Scottish Ensemble, Glasgow’s pioneering string orchestra has offered a competitor the opportunity to attend a rehearsal, 2 tickets for a performance and the chance to meet Scottish Ensemble staff and/or performers to get an insight into music careers and opportunities.
The Cumnock Tryst, founded by Sir James MacMillan, is offering a finalist the opportunity to perform a solo recital in its year-round programme in 2024-25.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, host of the national final, is offering the winner of the solo competition a coaching session with the relevant head of department, participation in a masterclass, and a studio recording session with an accompanist provided, giving the winner a quality recording that could be used for auditions. The Conservatoire is also providing two runners up a coaching session with the relevant heads of department and participation in a masterclass.
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, recognised as an innovative world leading institution, is offering a winner an immersive bespoke day reflective of their musical interests and aspirations.
This will include a private lesson, a professional studio recording, along with a variety of opportunities such as observing masterclasses, attending performances, and other special events.
Trinity has a leading reputation for musical theatre and jazz which could present a unique opportunity for a winner in these genres. All travel and accommodation costs will be included along with an overnight stay for both the winner and their chaperone.
Haydock Music, a specialist music store in Milngavie, Glasgow, Band Supplies, one of the leading Brass & Woodwind Suppliers in the UK, and The Wind Section, who are also one of the UK’s leading musical instrument retailers, are all offering voucher prizes for some of the finalists. Stringers of Edinburgh, the UK’s leading online retailer for violinists, violists and cellists is offering the prize of a BAM Case for the most promising in the competition.
The Corner Shop PR, leading Arts PR agency based in Edinburgh, is offering half a day of media and social media training which will cover everything from interview training to how to best utilise your social media accounts for a professional career in music.
As previously announced, the overall winner of the national competition will also receive a stunning sculpture by Alexander Stoddart, the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary, of the Maid of Morven playing the Clarsach.
Scottish Young Musicians will also gift the winner of Solo Performer of the Year £1,000 to be spent on activities or items to further their musical career. Two runners up will receive a prize of £250 each also to be used for musical activities.
Ursula Jones OBE, in memory of the virtuoso trumpeter Philip Jones CBE who founded one of the world’s most celebrated brass ensembles, has donated £250 to the most promising solo brass player, to be spent on music related activities.
Ursula will also be at the final to present the Brass Ensemble of the Year trophy and cash prize to Stranraer Brass. East Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service Senior String Ensemble, who won the overall Scottish Young Musicians Ensemble of the Year, will also be presented with their cash prize and trophy, and both ensembles will perform at the final in an all-expenses paid trip.
Deciding the winners of all of these outstanding prizes will be an adjudication panel of musical experts.
Scottish Young Muscians, Glasgow, 2022
John Logan, Head of Brass at RCS, will be chairing the panel of adjudicators. He will be joined by Sarah Ayoub of the multi-instrumental composing and performing duo the Ayoub Sisters, who were discovered by Mark Ronson and are recognised internationally for their chemistry on stage and ability to unite different musical genres and cultures together through their unique compositional style.
Internationally renowned soprano Judith Howarth will also sit on the panel as the vocal specialist judge, and Heather Nicol, Head of Woodwind at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, will be the woodwind specialist judge.
Ross Leighton of Fatherson fame completes the judging line-up, bringing expertise from his career in the alternative rock scene, having toured with bands such as Biffy Clyro, Panic! at the Disco and Enter Shikari.
The final will be presented by singer and broadcaster Jamie MacDougall, who will meet with all the young performers backstage beforehand, and feature a special video welcome by international classical violinist Nicola Benedetti.
Alan Kerr, Chair of Scottish Young Musicians, said: “I’m delighted to see Scottish Young Musicians build on the firm foundations achieved in its first year to now cover 99% of the country.
“The support we’ve had from the Scottish music community and from further afield has been incredible. The reach we have made into Scotland’s communities has benefited countless students, enhancing their performance abilities and life-skills, useful whether they want to pursue a career in music or elsewhere. Our goal is to go even further next year.”
Jane Davidson, Director of Outreach and Education at Scottish Opera, said: “Scottish Opera is delighted to be part of this year’s Scottish Young Musicians Competition and we look forward to welcoming the winners in the vocalist category to a special tour of our rehearsal and production facilities to meet some of the artists, artisans and support staff who make, stage, promote and present our productions.
“The competition, as well as the preceding heats at local authority level across Scotland, are a wonderful way to encourage the next generation of performing artists and further proof, if any were needed, that music and the performing arts continue to be celebrated as an crucial element of school life.”
Ross Leighton, frontman of Fatherson and one of this year’s adjudicators, said:“I can’t wait to be a part of this year’s judging panel! I’m always blown away with the amount of talent Scotland has and to witness this stage of these young musicians’ careers is an honour.
“This competition is the perfect opportunity to display their unique abilities and join a community that will encourage a new era of Scottish creativity, which is super inspiring and I’m really looking forward to hearing them do their thing!”
Juliet Robertson, winner of Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year 2022, said:“Winning the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year was incredible and led on to so many amazing opportunities including being on Penny Smith’s show on Scala Radio, visiting 10 Downing Street for Burns Night, playing in several concerts and I am attending an international piano summer school soon.
“It has been an absolutely incredible journey and a life-changing experience. The finals day was great and inspiring so I really hope that all of this year’s performers enjoy it too!”
A £10,000 gift will help the next generation of stage, screen and behind-the-scenes talent fulfil their dreams at one of the world’s top destinations to study the performing and production arts.
Amazon Development Centre Scotland is supporting students as they develop their craft at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Glasgow, a global leader in performing arts education.
Powered by performance, with a culture of creativity and collaboration, the nation’s conservatoire nurtures the most promising Scottish, UK and international artists and performers as they prepare for the professional world.
Scholarships enable young people from across Scotland and around the globe to study at an internationally renowned conservatoire. Donations remove the financial barrier or pressures they might otherwise face and may cover either part or the full cost of tuition fees, help with living costs or to purchase essential equipment.
Graeme Smith, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “We are proud to support the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and its efforts to encourage as many people as possible to get involved with the performing arts.
“At Amazon, we’re passionate about helping young people succeed, whatever their background, and we hope this donation will help the institution as they continue to find and nurture talented artists across our community, especially in these challenging times.”
Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, added: “An arts education should be available to all and financial barriers or otherwise should never stand in the way.
“Scholarships are life changing – they open up a world of opportunity, offer enriching experiences and allow artists to immerse themselves fully in their studies as they work towards a career in the performing arts.
“We are grateful to Amazon Development Centre Scotland for their donation which is an investment in the future of the arts.”
Amazon Development Centre Scotland has been based in Edinburgh since 2004 and is responsible for devising and growing innovations that bring new levels of choice and convenience to hundreds of millions of customers around the world.
It houses teams of leading engineers, scientists, designers and product managers who work on everything from interactive user interface design to large-scale distributed systems and machine learning. The team is currently recruiting for a number of positions including software developers, engineers and applied scientists.
Community donations are one of a number of ways in which Amazon is supporting communities across the UK during COVID-19. Amazon Prime Video recently committed over £1.5 million to support the recovery of the European TV, film and theatre production community in the UK.
Throughout the pandemic Amazon has provided students with free online STEM resources and supported virtual classrooms with no-cost resources from AWS. The company has also teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver over 2 million healthy breakfasts to disadvantaged children around the UK.
For more information on how Amazon is supporting the UK during COVID-19, click here.
RCS is the only place in Europe where all of the performing arts are taught on one campus, with specialist training in music, drama, dance, production, education and film.
Donations to RCS’s fundraising campaign, We Are Still Here, will safeguard the future of the arts through student scholarships. We Are Still Here launched in November 2020 with a powerful short film narrated by award-winning Hollywood and West End actor James McAvoy, a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s BA Acting degree programme.
With footage filmed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the film features music from acclaimed pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie, a rising star on the European jazz scene, who is an RCS graduate and scholarship recipient.
RCS is committed to providing pathways for emerging artists, helping them to realise their potential and achieve their ambitions, regardless of their background. Its Fair Access programme and pre-higher education initiatives work with young people from across Scotland, to ensure the performing arts are accessible to all.
The award-winning Transitions programme is for Scottish residents living at postcodes that are identified as being within the top 20 per cent on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) list.
It provides funded training, tailored support and mentoring for those wishing to study the performing or production arts and prepares them for degree-level training at conservatoire or university level.
Find out more and donate to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student scholarship fund.
