Scotland is lucky to have a wealth of outstanding artists across many mediums. And the Scottish Ensemble are at the forefront, breaking boundaries between art forms.
Classical Concerts October Glasgow
Quite incredibly, The Scottish Ensemble have been performing for over 50 years. Initially a small baroque ensemble in 1969, the group has grown to a collection of 12 musicians. The intimacy of the baroque performance has not been lost however. Connection with the audience is key to the Ensemble’s philosophy. But that doesn’t mean they constrain themselves to candlelight and Bach. Not these musicians.
Performance
For whilst that closeness, that conversation with the audience is vital, The Scottish Ensemble strive to push boundaries in so many other ways. They are as likely to play to audiences in the Royal Concert Hall as they are in a community centre in Shetland. The team thrive on bringing music, in it’s many forms, to audiences in the city, nationwide, globally.
From old Scots traditional melodies, to new works specially composed for the Ensemble, innovation is celebrated. And attending a Scottish Ensemble performance doesn’t mean ‘just’ orchestral music. For the exploration of visual arts accompanying sound is something that the team are keen to incorporate. Designing bespoke performances, with specialist compositions, crafted visual installations, animation, film – these are all possibilities at an Ensemble concert.
Audience
What type of audience members attend a show? Well, that’s as diverse as their performances. For whilst classical music fans of course line-up for a ticket, the ensemble take their music to a much wider demographic. Concerts, tea dances, ceilidhs and, vitally mindfulness sessions. The Scottish Ensemble believe that music has the power to improve wellbeing. As such, the musicians take their art into communities of people who need it most. The group have been working with Maggie’s Centre for many years. The aim ‘to help people find a moment of calm, combat stress and anxiety, and lift their mood.’
The musicians also work with schools on wellbeing. This is in partnership with the University of Stirling and Children in Scotland. In 2022, they launched their digital Breathe for Schools project. This is a free resource for teachers to provide Music for Wellbeing in the classroom.
With fingers in so many pies, how do The Scottish Ensemble have time for actual concert performances?
Shifting Patterns
Thankfully they do! Their season opening is Shifting Patterns, ‘a striking fusion of sound and visuals.’ Rhythm, harmony, pulse: an exploration of sound. A fusion of two composers – ‘Anna Meredith’s boundary-pushing style collides with Henryk Górecki’s poignant lyricism against a backdrop of stunning visual projections.’ The visual art is by animator Ewan Jones Morris, so the 90 minute performance promises to be both entertaining and immersive.*
The Scottish Ensemble are touring with the performance nationwide and, thankfully Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is on the schedule. For one night only, Shifting Patterns will mesmerise audience members so get your tickets now. An exceptional team of musicians, championing the power and diversity of their art.
*Content Warning: Flashing lights, high contrast patterns that pulse or flicker, sudden bright light changes and repetitive geometric patterns that flash. Please be aware that this performance includes moving visual projections with changing light patterns that may affect people with photosensitive conditions or light sensitivity.
For one of the unmissable classical concerts this October in Glasgow –
Shifting Patterns
The Scottish Ensemble
Sunday 26th October
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
New Auditorium
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