23 – 27 October 20116 – 11 December 2011Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen
£10: 11/12 SEASOn Autumn
ALLTICKETS
£10
Re-defining the string orchestra
Image: To
mm
y Ga-K
en Wan
www.scottishensemble.co.ukCharity number SC001539
This concert focuses on two composers who looked to the musical past for their inspiration: Mendelssohn and Stravinsky.
We’re thrilled to be welcoming back rising Scottish star pianist Alasdair Beatson to perform with the Ensemble on this tour, having worked with him to great acclaim in 2008.
Alasdair will be playing a double concerto written by the gifted 14 year-old Mendelssohn with our Artistic Director, Jonathan Morton, joining him as violin soloist. The two works from Mendelssohn’s opus 81, arranged here for string orchestra by Jonathan, were written at the other end of the composer’s life, proving that he was more than just a child prodigy.
The hallmarks of Stravinsky’s unmistakable style shine from both of the composer’s works in this concert: energetic, primeval rhythms combined with refined neo-classical sophistication, plus a dash of Hollywood glamour.
Baltic RenaissanceConcerts by Candlelight 6 – 11 December 2011
Kutavičius northern Gates of Jerusalem Byrd Fantasia a 6 no 2 in G Pärt Fratres Purcell Dance of the Furies Tüür Action & Illusion Purcell Fantasia on one note Vasks Distant Light
Mendelssohn & Stravinskywith Alasdair Beatson, piano 23 – 27 October 2011
Stravinsky Concerto in DMendelssohn Capriccio and Fugue from op.81 (arr. Morton)Stravinsky Concertino (arr. Morton)Mendelssohn Concerto for Piano, Violin and Strings in D minor
The Scottish Ensemble’s annual Concerts by Candlelight have become famous for serving up the perfect concerts for the festive season, with a contemporary twist. Come in out of the dark and enjoy some of the most intriguing music you’ll hear performed in December by the light of flickering candles in suitably atmospheric venues.
Arvo Pärt is one of the most popular living composers, with people all over the world finding comfort and solace in his haunting, affecting and instantly-recognisable musical style. We explore the Baltic region around Pärt’s homeland and present works by contemporary composers working in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. Their work, like Pärt’s, is embedded in their cultural heritage whilst engaging with the rest of the world through a uniquely accessible musical language.
Scottish Ensemble Artistic Director Jonathan Morton will perform the solo part in Vasks’ beautifully hopeful, nostalgic and melancholic work Distant Light. Works from William Byrd and Henry Purcell, two early British masters of the string repertoire, are interspersed throughout the concert in a programme of music that crosses boundaries of time and geography. Join the Ensemble in a kaleidoscope of procession, dance and contemplation.
ALLTICKETS
£10
ALLTICKETS
£10
“There are Christmas concerts, and then there are the Scottish Ensemble Christmas concerts” The Daily Telegraph
“A major Scottish musical figure” The Herald on Alasdair Beatson
Want to know more about the music? Come along to one of our free pre- or post-concert conversations and hear from the musicians performing in the concert. Details are on the back page.
WirEDYoung musicians in Aberdeen can sign up for free interactive workshops before the concerts to get up close with Scotland’s most exciting string players. Visit scottishensemble.co.uk/education for more information
Jonathan Morton
Alasdair Beatson
Image: To
mm
y Ga-K
en Wan
Image: Jack Liebeck
Image: Jo
anne Green
AberdeenSun 23 October 2011, 7.30pm Post-concert conversation with Alasdair BeatsonThe Music Hall, Union Street, AB10 1QS
Fri 9 December 2011, 7.30pm The Sanctuary, Queen’s Cross Church, Albyn Place, AB10 1Yn
Tickets: 01224 641 122www.boxofficeaberdeen.com
DundeeWed 26 October 2011, 7.30pmSt Paul’s Cathedral, High Street, DD1 1TG
Sat 10 December 2011, 7.30pmPre-concert conversation 6.45pm Marryat Hall, City Square, DD1 3BG
Tickets: 01382 434 940www.dundeebox.co.uk
Edinburgh Thu 27 October 2011, 7.30pm The Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, EH8 9JG
Sun 11 December 2011, 7.30pmGreyfriars Kirk, 86 Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QA
Tickets: 0131 668 2019www.thequeenshall.net
GlasgowTue 6 December 2011, 7.30pmÒran Mór, Byres Road, G12 8QX
Tickets: 0141 353 8000www.glasgowconcerthalls.com
InvernessMon 24 October 2011, 8.00pmPre-concert conversation with Alasdair Beatson 7.15pm
Thu 8 December 2011, 8.00pm Pre-concert conversation 7.15pmOne Touch Theatre, Eden Court, Bishops Road, IV3 5SA
Tickets: 01463 234 234 www.eden-court.co.uk
Perth Tue 25 October 2011, 7.30pmPre-concert talk with Alasdair Beatson 6.45pm
Wed 7 December 2011, 7.30pmPerth Concert Hall, Mill Street, PH1 5HZ
Tickets: 01738 621 031www.horsecross.co.uk
ALLTICKETS
£10
Scottish Ensemble @scotensemble