Scottish Chamber Orchestra 2025/26 Season
October means the close of some seasons and the opening of others, and one of the most exciting of the latter to my mind is that of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Do I know much about classic music? No. Will I go every time I can? Absolutely.
I think even the sort of people who listen to Classic FM in the car or play their vintage classic records after dinner will agree that there’s just something special and unique about seeing an orchestra live. Apart from anything else, there’s something about seeing a conductor conduct that feels like a privilege, something I remember feeling the first time I watched Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev, and felt again on this occasion.
This year’s opening concert was called From Darkness to Light, and explored different composer’s responses to destruction and loss. The programme consisted of Strauss’ Metmophosen, MacMillan’s Veni, Veni Emmanuel and Beethoven’s Symphony No.5. These pieces were so well chosen for the theme, going from an almost unbearably sorrowful wail, to rippling light and hope, to gentle acceptance and bright victory.
We were sent a link to a digital programme before the concert, which was a fantastic innovation, since allowed us to read up about what we were to hear beforehand, rather than trying to peer at the page in a half-lit theatre. There were also some links to articles on the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in the same email, which provided some fascinating background information, particularly the one on percussion concertos, as this was something entirely new to me.
I really enjoyed all the pieces, and knowing some background really added to the enjoyment. Metmophosen was incredibly haunting and emotional, and Veni, Veni Emmanuel, with Scottish percussionist Colin Currie, was a completely different experience to what I’ve ever had a concert before. Beethoven’s Symphony No.5 was my highlight of the evening—finally hearing those famous four opening notes in their full context was a revelation, and I found the whole symphony to be radiant and exhilarating.
The atmosphere at Perth Concert Hall felt intimate and friendly, and the audience was buzzing with excitement in a very relaxed kind of way. It was really a very lovely evening out, and one I’d recommend even if you don’t think you like classic music.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra will return to Perth Concert hall on the 3rd December to perform The Nutcracker, and on 4th of January for Viennese New Year.
Photos by Christopher Bowen
Nathan and Abi received complimentary tickets for the purpose of this review
