“The barrier between the classical world and traditional and popular music is increasingly porous. That this concert, including two brand new works, attracted an enthusiastic near-capacity audience of the widest age range speaks glowingly of where the orchestra has arrived in its 50th anniversary year.”
Guardian review of SCO, Pekka Kuusisto, Queen’s Hall, March 2024
CHAIR’S STATEMENT
JOANNA
BAKER
CBE
As we celebrated the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s remarkable 50th anniversary, I was filled with immense pride and gratitude for all we achieved together. This milestone year was a testament to the Orchestra’s enduring commitment to innovation, excellence, and community engagement, rooted in the extraordinary dedication of our musicians, staff, supporters, and audiences.
This anniversary provided an opportunity not only to honour the SCO’s rich history but also to chart an ambitious course for its future. The launch of our Strategic Plan for 2023–28 highlights our unwavering focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and artistic growth. From groundbreaking initiatives such as Soundbox and the Youth Assembly to the exciting anticipation of our new home at The Dunard Centre, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the years to come.
I am particularly proud of the SCO’s work in fostering meaningful connections through music. Whether through our residency in Craigmillar, the introduction of dementia-friendly concerts, or our expansive touring and digital programmes, the Orchestra has continued to live its mission of enriching lives and creating transformative musical experiences for all.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our audiences, donors, and partners. Your belief in the power of music inspires and sustains us.
My heartfelt thanks go to our Chief Executive, Gavin Reid, and Principal Conductor, Maxim Emelyanychev, whose leadership and dedication have helped shape this golden year. I was delighted that Gavin was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in The King’s New Year Honours List; a richly deserved acknowledgment of his work in co-creating the musical programme for the Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral at which His Majesty was presented with The Honours of Scotland.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to our former Chair, Colin Buchan, whose steadfast guidance and invaluable contributions over the past nine years have been instrumental in securing the Orchestra’s success and resilience. His work has left a lasting legacy for which we are deeply grateful.
As we look ahead, we remain dedicated in our commitment to making music that resonates far and wide. Together, we are creating a legacy that will continue to inspire and unite us all.
Joanna Baker CBE Chair
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT
GAVIN REID LVO
During the 2023/24 Season, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra celebrated its 50th anniversary, a milestone that brought with it a range of new initiatives and achievements.
We introduced dementia-friendly concerts, matinees, a diverse talent development project and a new family concert. Our Digital Season reached wider audiences, while a significant body of new commissions brought fresh voices to our repertoire.
To add to the excitement, Maxim Emelyanychev extended his tenure as Principal Conductor to 2028, deepening his connection with the Orchestra and helping to shape a golden age for the SCO.
The Orchestra’s summer was filled with notable appearances at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival, as well as performances in Paris and Hamburg, alongside our annual Scottish Summer Tour.
The Winter Season began with Maxim’s Eroica –A Grand Tour of Scotland, which featured a special concert in Edinburgh’s Craigmillar community as part of our ongoing residency there. The Origin of Colour, performed as part of our Season Opener, was a 50th anniversary commission from Associate Composer Jay Capperauld, and a wonderfully engaging and vibrant work.
Our Chorus, under the inspired leadership of Gregory Batsleer, continues to thrive and has built a reputation as one of the very finest orchestral choruses. Their annual Christmas concerts at Greyfriars Kirk were a highlight of the year.
Andrew Manze joined us as Principal Guest Conductor. Andrew’s brilliance is already well known, as is his commitment to nurturing the talents of young musicians, which we aim to put to good use with our SCO Academy in future years.
The Winter Season was closely followed by a highly successful Parliamentary Reception in Holyrood and a European tour in which we were proud to represent Scotland on the global stage.
Gavin Reid LVO Chief Executive
Maxim led an additional six programmes throughout the Season, including a special concert marking the SCO’s 50th birthday in January 2024, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.
STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-28 INSPIRING
MUSIC MAKING
The Orchestra’s 50th anniversary provided an ideal opportunity to take stock of the SCO’s output and operations and look to the future, especially with the prospect of The Dunard Centre becoming the Orchestra’s new home towards the conclusion of this planning period.
In advance of the Golden Anniversary, we developed a new 5-year Strategic Plan, which was approved by the Board in June 2023.
With input from musicians and colleagues throughout the Company, the plan emphasises our commitment to excellence in all we do, inspiring a diverse range of audiences, enriching lives, fostering creativity and wellbeing with a continued emphasis on reaching people across a wide range of geographical locations and social settings.
Our Approach
Inclusion
We seek to be an inclusive and accessible organisation, where diversity of thought is embraced and all voices are recognised, valued and respected
Collaboration
We know that we can achieve more by acting together. We build productive relationships with each other, and all our stakeholders, seeking co-creation wherever possible
Our Values
OUR VISION
Passionate
We take joy in music and music-making, inspire this in others and work towards the highest level of excellence on and off our concert stages
Connected
To be a world-class chamber orchestra that nurtures exceptional music-making for all
OUR MISSION
Creating musical experiences which transform and enhance lives across Scotland and beyond, reflecting our dynamic world
We use music to create a deep connection between ourselves, our audiences and our communities and to nurture a sense of belonging
Open
We are open-minded and curious, with a commitment to building meaningful relationships, rooted in common purpose, with all our stakeholders
Reflection
We engage in a continuous process of learning and adaptation, based on robust research and evaluation, measuring progress toward our aims
Courageous
We embrace creative risk-taking, are bold enough to be experimental and use our collective imagination to explore new possibilities
Agile We are flexible and fleet of foot, able to look at the familiar with fresh eyes and the confidence to respond positively to our rapidly changing world
STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-28 INSPIRING
MUSIC MAKING
Strategic Priorities
Becoming more diverse and inclusive
There is no true excellence without diversity. We will continue to engage in and develop initiatives and partnerships that ensure we achieve better representation across audiences, staff and artists, while providing equal access to our programme of work, with specific priorities including age, race, social class and disability.
Engaging audiences through a dynamic and relevant programme
We will present artistic programmes - including concerts, creative learning and digital activitythat are socially relevant and reflect the diversity of our audiences. We will listen actively, responding to what we hear. We will strengthen the ways in which we understand our audiences and communities, meeting and exceeding their expectations.
Harnessing the power of digital
We will continue to make the most of the opportunities that technology has to offer, allowing us to work creatively and efficiently, connecting with our audiences and supporters across the world, curating a dynamic, blended programme that combines live activity with online engagement.
Preparing
for our new home
The creation of The Dunard Centre, a purposebuilt world class performance venue in Edinburgh, will provide us with a transformational new home. We will work closely with partners to develop a compelling new vision for the venue, that allows us to reimagine the concert experience, expand our repertoire and collaborate with artists of all genres.
Valuing our people
Our success depends on our people. We will continue to foster a shared sense of purpose in which everyone we engage with feels valued, supported and trusted. We will work hard to ensure that the SCO is a stimulating and collaborative workplace where a genuine spirit of exploration and adventure is fully embraced and where people feel empowered.
Working sustainably
We are committed to operating in a sustainable manner in all aspects of our operation. We will work hard to maintain financial stability. We will continue to adapt to the new realities of the funding landscape by raising the profile of the SCO as a charitable organisation, diversifying and increasing our income streams and funding sources, and seeking efficiencies in the way we work. We will also take responsibility for monitoring our environmental impact and reducing our avoidable carbon emissions.
To read our 2023-28 Strategic Plan in full, visit sco.org.uk or scan the QR code
SCO AT
Since our inaugural concert in Glasgow’s City Halls on 27 January 1974, we’ve brought exceptional live performances to audiences across Scotland and far beyond, from Bach and Handel to premieres by today’s most inspiring composers. The launch of our anniversary season in April 2023 marked a key milestone, introducing new initiatives aligned to our strategic priorities. These included dementia-friendly concerts, matinees, The Great Grumpy Gaboon (our new Family concert), Soundbox (our talent development project), From Scotland to the World (our digital season) and a series of exciting new commissions.
Highlights from our 50th anniversary include:
A Grand Tour of Scotland
The 50th anniversary Season kicked-off in style in September 2023 with Maxim’s Eroica –A Grand Tour of Scotland travelling to seven venues across the country including a special concert for the Craigmillar community at Castlebrae High School, marking the third year of our SCO in Craigmillar Residency.
Maxim was joined by American pianist Kirill Gerstein, and the tour featured two SCO soloists, clarinettist Maximiliano Martín and violist Max Mandel. The programme opener, The Origin of Colour, specially commissioned for the 50th anniversary from SCO Associate Composer Jay Capperauld, was enthusiastically received by musicians, audiences, and critics alike.
SCO Birthday Week
To celebrate our 50th birthday, BBC Radio 3 broadcast a complete performance of the SCO’s highly acclaimed recording of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras. Our anniversary concerts, led by Maxim, also featured music by Mozart, as well as Elena Langer and Haydn. The icing on the birthday cake was provided by Jay Capperauld and his unique version of Happy Birthday – a special celebratory commission. The concert from Glasgow City Halls was broadcast live by BBC Radio 3.
Maxim Emelyanychev’s Tenure Extension
Maxim’s growing partnership with the SCO is flourishing into one of the great conductororchestra relationships. Similarly, his connection with the audience is unique. This truly is a golden age for the Orchestra, and we were thrilled to announce the extension of Maxim’s tenure as Principal Conductor until 2028.
To watch our specially commissioned SCO at 50 film scan the QR code
HM The King and The Honours of Scotland
SCO Chief Executive Gavin Reid was invited by His Majesty to co-create a musical programme for the Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral on 5 July 2023, at which His Majesty was presented with The Honours of Scotland – the Scottish Crown Jewels.
An Honours of Scotland Ensemble was formed, featuring musicians from the SCO, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, all institutions of which His Majesty as The Duke of Rothesay was Patron. Joining the ensemble were Nicola Benedetti, Karen Cargill, The Choir of St Giles’ Cathedral and the National Youth Choir of Scotland Chamber Choir. Broadcast live on BBC Television and Radio, it was a memorable day and a tremendous showcase of Scotland’s musical excellence.
In recognition of his work on the event, Gavin was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in The King’s New Year Honours List, a wonderful acknowledgment for Gavin and the SCO team involved in delivering this historic event.
National World Media Partnership
To coincide with the SCO’s 50th anniversary, the SCO partnered with National World to promote its live concerts, creative learning projects and Digital Season. The partnership provided the SCO with extensive coverage in The Scotsman and local news titles, as well as on social media throughout the year.
Scottish Parliamentary Reception
The 50th anniversary celebrations concluded with a successful Parliamentary Reception at Holyrood on 14 May 2024. Around 160 guests heard from Clare Adamson MSP (Convenor of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee) and Angus Robertson MSP (Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture), who both praised the SCO’s impact and contribution to Scotland’s cultural landscape.
“How do you celebrate a 50th birthday? If you’re the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, with a lot of style, a lot of class, and a great deal of fun too.”
Review of SCO 50th Birthday Concert Queen’s Hall Edinburgh, 18 Jan 2024
The Scotsman
10,000
12,484
“The Chorus provided crystal-clear enunciation”
The Scotsman
“Crackling with energy”
The Times
“Exactitude and intimacy in music-making”
The Herald
OUR MUSICAL YEAR
LIVE PERFORMANCE
From April 2023 to March 2024, the SCO continued its vibrant musical journey, showcasing its commitment to diverse repertoire and dynamic performances.
After the long hiatus of the pandemic, 2022/23 marked the first full season with live audiences, bringing a joyful reconnection between our musicians and our audiences. The energy and warmth of the concerts was a powerful reminder of the unifying magic of live music.
The Season concluded with Maxim leading the Orchestra and SCO Chorus in a moving performance of Brahms Requiem, setting the stage for the 50th anniversary Season.
The 23/24 Season Opener, Maxim’s Eroica – A Grand Tour of Scotland, embodied the SCO’s 50-year legacy – a Scottish tour blending a classical masterpiece, contemporary work and collaborations that highlighted the orchestra’s versatility, vitality and creativity. The tour, which visited six cities including Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Ayr, and Aberdeen, featured a special concert for the Craigmillar community at Castlebrae High School.
Maxim conducted six additional programmes, including Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Benjamin Grosvenor; his annual Baroque Inspirations romp; the SCO 50th Birthday Concert ; an evening of Lindberg, Stravinsky and Shostakovich with long-time SCO collaborator Pekka Kuusisto; and The Auld Alliance, a celebration of Scotland’s historic ties with France featuring mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill.
The Orchestra’s special friendship with Pekka Kuusisto continued to flourish. A sensational violinist, Pekka provides an immensely warm welcome for audiences to step into his world and the Orchestra is with him every step of the way in experimenting with music to bring something new and completely unexpected to the stage. Highlights included his gripping performance of Lindberg’s Violin Concerto performed with Maxim, and his Scandinavian folk-infused version of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, which drew rave reviews.
Other key moments included Ryan Bancroft’s SCO debut, percussionist Colin Currie’s all-Reich programme, and performances with some of Europe’s finest young soloist-directors: Nicolas Altstaedt, an inspirational German-French cellist; Jonian Ilias-Kadesha, a virtuosic GreekAlbanian violinist who warmed some bitterly cold January evenings with flamboyant music inspired by Eastern Europe and the tremendous Italian violinist Lorenza Borrani, who breathed new life into Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. Former SCO Leader Benjamin Marquise Gilmore also returned for sold-out Christmas concerts with Nicola Benedetti performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.
SCO CHORUS
The SCO Chorus continued to reach new heights under the visionary direction of Gregory Batsleer. Comprised entirely of volunteer singers, the Chorus strives to meet the high international standards of the Orchestra, earning a reputation as one of the UK’s most dynamic and versatile choruses. Its professionalism and ambition are evident in its commitment to bringing new projects to life, underpinned by ongoing vocal coaching and development through the Young Singers’ Programme, which nurtures emerging talent.
The Chorus featured prominently in 2023/24, with spellbinding performances of Mendelssohn’s Elijah at the BBC Proms and Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the Edinburgh International Festival. In addition to The Auld Alliance, the Chorus performed two more season concerts, including a magnificent rendition of Bach’s Mass in B Minor with conductor Richard Egarr – widely regarded as the pinnacle of Baroque choral music - and a concert of choral masterworks featuring Schumann’s Nachtlied and Schubert’s Mass in A-flat.
The annual Christmas concerts at Greyfriars Kirk saw continued growth in both ambition and popularity, with two sold-out performances marking a vintage year for the choir.
“The SCO Chorus, brought the whole piece to life, alert to every nuance in their beautifully enunciated text, their sound perfectly balanced and topped with a golden soprano line. A revelatory evening”
The Observer (Mendelssohn Elijah, BBC Proms July 2023)
In summer 2023, Maxim joined the SCO and its Chorus for two landmark concerts celebrating some of the most monumental works ever composed.
In July, at the BBC Proms, Maxim turned to one of his most cherished composers –Felix Mendelssohn - for his dramatic oratorio Elijah featuring an internationally acclaimed line-up of soloists, including Carolyn Sampson and Roderick Williams.
In August, the SCO reaffirmed its strong ties to Mozart and the Edinburgh International Festival with a captivating performance of The Magic Flute
Both concerts received enthusiastic responses from full houses at the Royal Albert Hall and Usher Hall.
European Touring
In June, the Orchestra performed two concerts at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, a venue celebrated for its Frank Gehry design and exceptional acoustics. French pianist Alexandre Kantorow joined the SCO for a French-inspired programme featuring works by Fauré, Connesson and Poulenc, with one concert broadcast on Medici TV.
In August, the SCO debuted at Hamburg’s iconic Elbphilharmonie, renowned for its cutting-edge architecture and acoustics by Yasuhisa Toyota—who also designed the acoustics for the upcoming Dunard Centre in Edinburgh, the SCO’s future home. The programme featured Mozart, Schumann, and Mendelssohn’s Overture The Hebrides, a staple of the Orchestra’s international repertoire.
Celtic Connections
Marking its official birthday week, the SCO performed two standout concerts at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall during the Celtic Connections festival, back in the city where it all began in 1974.
The first concert featured a collaboration with acclaimed Irish folk band Altan, while the second brought together harpist Maeve Gilchrist, folk trio LAU, Paul Buchanan of The Blue Nile, and singersongwriter Aoife O’Donovan.
SCOTTISH SUMMER TOURING
Each summer, the SCO tours across Scotland, bringing world-class classical music to those in more geographically remote areas of the country with limited access to arts and culture. This annual tradition is central to the Orchestra’s mission of making exceptional music accessible to all.
The 2023 Summer Tour ran from June to September, attracting 2,756 audience members to concerts in 20 villages and towns across Scotland. From Aberdeen to Findhorn and Stirling to Largs, the tour strengthened bonds with local communities and venues, fostered new partnerships, and introduced classical music to audiences who might otherwise not be able to experience the SCO in person.
A residency in Aberdeenshire allowed the SCO to engage more deeply with the local community, offering evening concerts and daytime performances of The Chimpanzees of Happy Town, a family-focused work designed for primary school children. Date
07 Jun 2023 Braemar Town Hall 08 Jun 2023 Kinlochleven, Leven Centre 08 Jun 2023 Fort Augustus Village Hall
09 Jun 2023 Findhorn, Universal Hall 09 Jun 2023 Oban, St John’s Cathedral
10 Jun 2023 Montrose Town Hall 10 Jun 2023 Birnam Arts
28 Jun 2023 Largs, Barrfields Theatre
29 Jun 2023 Lanark Memorial Hall
30 Jun 2023 Duns, Volunteer Halls
19 Jul 2023 Stirling Castle, Great Hall
20 Jul 2023 Elgin Town Hall
21 Jul 2023 Forfar, Reid Hall
03 Aug 2023 Aboyne, Deeside Community Theatre
04 Aug 2023
04 Aug 2023
Stonehaven Town Hall
Turiff, St Ninians & Forglen Church
05 Aug 2023 Daviot Village Hall
05 Aug 2023 Inverurie Town Hall 14 Sep 2023 Troon Town Hall
15 Sep 2023 Cumbernauld Theatre
DIGITAL SEASON & BROADCASTS
Online Performances
Between April 2023 and March 2024, we broadcast five free online performances, all filmed in the historic Leith Theatre in Edinburgh and available on YouTube for one month each.
Jonny Greenwood’s Water was the last of four films broadcast as part of the 2022/23 Digital Season and our online performances by Sally Beamish, Thea Musgrave, Felix Mendelssohn and Sir James MacMillan were part of our 2023-24 Digital Season, From Scotland to the World.
Our Digital Season was viewed by an audience of 12,484 across the year.
Jonny Greenwood Water 6 Apr 2023 (Part of 2022/23 Digital Season)
Best known as one fifth of rock band Radiohead, Jonny Greenwood’s 2014 Water imagines light bouncing and refracting within a glass of liquid, in a delicate, luminous soundscape of rippling musical currents and kaleidoscopic harmonies.
Sally Beamish Opus California 19 Oct 2023 (Part of 2023/24 Digital Season)
Sally Beamish was inspired by the warmth and sunshine of California in her radiant, Beethoveninfluenced Second String Quartet, Opus California, combining humour, drama and vivid musical portraits of the Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful Natural Bridges State Beach.
Thea Musgrave The Seasons 16 Nov 2023 (Part of 2023/24 Digital Season)
The remarkable Thea Musgrave’s 1988 orchestral work The Seasons aligns the changing year with a human lifetime, from the destruction of autumn to icy winter, hopeful, birdsong-filled spring to joyful summer.
Felix Mendelssohn String Quartet 15 Feb 2024 (Part of 2023/24 Digital Season)
Felix Mendelssohn composed his First String Quartet in 1829 at the age of just 20 and set out to demonstrate to the world the drama and operatic intensity he was capable of.
Sir James MacMillan Tuireadh
28 Mar 2024 (Part of 2023/24 Digital Season)
Tuireadh (Gaelic for ‘lament’) is one of the most powerful works by Scotland’s greatest living composer, written as a memorial for the victims of the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster.
BBC Radio 3 Broadcasts
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth (broadcast 10 May 2023)
John Storgårds Conductor
Lawrence Power Viola 4 May 2023, City Halls, Glasgow
Mendelssohn’s Elijah (broadcast live)
Maxim Emelyanychev Conductor
Carolyn Sampson Soprano
Rowan Pierce Soprano
Helen Charleston Mezzo-Soprano
Andrew Staples Tenor
Roderick Williams Baritone
SCO Chorus
Gregory Batsleer Chorus Director 29 Jul 2023, BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London
Maxim plays Mozart and Haydn
SCO 50th Birthday Concert (broadcast live)
Maxim Emelyanychev Conductor/Piano
Dmitry Ablogin Piano 19 Jan 2024, City Halls, Glasgow
THE GREAT GRUMPY GABOON
In February 2024 the SCO premiered The Great Grumpy Gaboon, a brand-new orchestral work for families by Jay Capperauld, commissioned by the SCO.
Jay teamed up with Scottish children’s author and illustrator Corinna Campbell to create an original story, while collaborating with eight SCO musicians - each of whom portrayed a character within the tale. The result was a unique, interactive musical adventure.
The debut performances took place in Perth, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, with plans for future national tours in the coming years.
These energetic and engaging concerts had a relaxed atmosphere, with foyers brought to life by traveling musicians and a fun selfie photoshoot area before the show.
To watch our Making of The Great Grumpy Gaboon film scan the QR code
COMMISSIONS & NEW MUSIC
In our 50th anniversary season, the SCO continued the tradition of commissioning bold new works that push boundaries and offer fresh perspectives on classical music.
The headline commission was Jay Capperauld’s The Origin of Colour, a fanfare-esque tour de force written to showcase both the SCO as an ensemble and its individual musicians. Inspired by Italo Calvino’s surrealist short story “Without Colours”, the work uses the orchestra and its timbres to represent the emergence of colour in the world, creating kaleidoscopic soundscapes symbolising the orchestra’s origins. The piece has already become a favourite in the SCO’s repertoire.
Jay also provided the icing on the cake of our 50th birthday concerts in January 2024 with a special celebratory commission titled Jubilee – a unique take on Happy Birthday
Long-time collaborator and previous SCO Associate Composer, Sir James MacMillan, joined the celebrations by writing a new choral setting of Robert Burns’ Composed in August The piece received its world premiere in March 2024 performed by the Orchestra and SCO Chorus, and led by Maxim as part of The Auld Alliance programme.
Pekka Kuusisto’s ‘Time and Tides’ concerts in March 2024 took its title from the premiere of a co-commission of another previous SCO Associate Composer, Anna Clyne. Time and Tides is a beguiling five-movement violin concerto inspired by folk melodies from England, Finland, Scotland, and North America, written specifically for Pekka.
Earlier in the Season, we premiered Dances for Orchestra, a vibrant new work from the vivid musical imagination of Belize-born, Scottish-based composer Errollyn Wallen. With dance and movement at its core, the piece draws inspiration from forms like the sarabande, waltz, and imagined dances. As a trained dancer, Ryan Bancroft was chosen to conduct its world premiere.
The SCO continued its tradition of commissioning bold new works that push boundaries and offer fresh perspective on classical music.
“We see a number of very positive benefits for our patients, including notable positive changes to mood, reduction in stress and distress, decreased social isolation and reminiscence initiated through the music played and shared”
Occupational Therapist, Older People’s Mental Health Service, NHS Lothian
ReConnect is a programme of interactive music sessions for people living with dementia, designed to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for both patients and carers. Music has proven benefits in dementia care, improving mental health, aiding communication and selfexpression, supporting caregiving, and fostering a sense of community.
Throughout the year, ReConnect offered weekly sessions for dementia patients at NHS Lothian’s Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Caring in Craigmillar, a day care centre for older people, as part of our Craigmillar Residency.
In spring 2023, the SCO expanded its dementia work with the introduction of the ReConnect Tea Dance - a relaxed concert series developed with Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Dementia Working Group. Featuring classical favourites and familiar tunes, the event also included tea and cake for guests, creating a welcoming, social concert experience. The SCO performed two dementia-friendly concerts during the 2023/24 season in Edinburgh and Dundee, conducted by Maxim and Ryan Bancroft.
ReConnect and the ReConnect Tea Dance support the SCO’s mission to make exceptional music accessible to all, transforming lives through the power of music. Both programmes will continue to develop in the coming years.
Immerse offers secondary school pupils the opportunity to experience the excitement of a live orchestra up close, often serving as their first orchestral concert, especially in more remote areas.
Each concert programme is carefully designed to spark creativity and deepen pupils’ understanding of the musical concepts explored in the performance. To enhance this experience, teachers are provided with tailored study materials that include insights and engaging classroom activities, helping to prepare pupils for the concert and inspire their artistic exploration.
The 2023-24 Immerse programme featured The Origin of Colour by SCO Associate Composer Jay Capperauld. Jay introduced the programme alongside SCO musicians and artist-musician Kirsty Matheson, who created a captivating series of paintings inspired by the piece. These artworks were showcased during the concert, adding a unique visual dimension to the performance.
Jay and Kirsty shared their creative approaches to music and art composition, offering pupils a behind-the-scenes look at their artistic processes. Immerse was held in Glasgow, Perth, and Galashiels, reaching a wide audience of young learners.
Jay’s involvement was especially meaningful, as he had participated in a similar SCO programme as a school pupil in Cumnock. His return as a composer and mentor highlighted the programme’s enduring impact and his passion for inspiring the next generation of young musicians.
CRAIGMILLAR RESIDENCY
Three Years in Craigmillar
2023/24 marked the third year of the SCO’s five-year residency in the Craigmillar community, a project designed to:
— Enrich school and community life through music and creative activities. Reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing.
Build confidence and transferable skills among local residents.
Bring live music to audiences less likely to engage with the SCO.
Foster a long-term culture of creative community activity.
Throughout the year, we engaged over 2,000 people of all ages through schools and community projects, delivering two early-years and primary school initiatives, supporting music-making at Castlebrae High School, and running three community programmes.
Schools Activity
We introduced Music for All, a new project focussing on entry-level music education and exposure to live music for primary and early years pupils.
At Castlebrae High School, we enhanced the existing Singing for Wellbeing programme by establishing Castlebrae Voices, a popular new school choir, and supported the development of the school concert band.
Responding to requests for more live music, we launched Meet the Musicians. This interactive programme brought a brass trio to our partner schools in December 2023 and a double bass duo in March 2024.
Community Activity
Seen & Heard, a cross-art form project for adults in partnership with Craigmillar Now, offered creative workshops for adults, featuring Associate Composer Jay Capperauld, artist-musician Kirsty Matheson, and saxophonist Lewis Banks.
Craigmillar Voices, a vocal project for adults, nurtured the creation of a self-sustaining community choir under the guidance of workshop leader Moira Morrison, drawing inspiration from local songs and histories.
Our ReConnect programme continued in collaboration with Caring in Craigmillar.
Performances
In October 2023, the SCO celebrated its season opener with A Grand Tour of Scotland community concert at Castlebrae Community Campus—the first full orchestra performance in Craigmillar. Castlebrae High School students attended an open rehearsal, gaining a unique insight into the preparation process under Maxim.
Ran three community programmes
Engaged over 2,000 people of all ages through school and community projects
2023/24 marked the third year of the SCO’s residency in the Craigmillar community
Delivered two early-years and primary school initiatives
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
In 2023/24, the SCO nurtured the next generation of musicians and arts leaders by providing young people with valuable insights into the creative industries and the orchestral world through a variety of programmes
Soundbox
Soundbox is a paid artist development initiative supporting music creators from diverse musical and cultural backgrounds, including those outside the classical tradition. Participants are encouraged to experiment with chamber music, expand their creative practices, and explore new ideas and compositions.
The first Soundbox cohort consisted of three music creators who received financial grants and commission fees to compose original works for an ensemble of SCO musicians. These compositions were premiered in June 2024 as part of the SCO’s UN:TITLED series.
In 2023/24, participants benefited from tailored mentoring sessions with the SCO Soundbox team of musicians, led by Associate Composer Jay Capperauld, and industry insight sessions designed to build essential professional skills.
Youth Assembly
Launched in September 2023, the Youth Assembly is a joint initiative with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) that embeds young voices into the orchestras’ leadership. Eight young people (aged 18–23) were appointed to serve in an advisory capacity, identifying priorities for youth engagement and contributing to related projects.
Youth Assembly members gain life and work experience, as well as practical training in leadership and governance, enhancing their understanding of the creative industries.
SCO Chorus Young Singers Programme
This programme supports aspiring singers (aged 18–23) with a year-long series of masterclasses and coaching sessions led by international artists and the SCO Chorus artistic team. Participants enhance their musicianship and choral technique while performing in concerts of international calibre with the Orchestra.
In 2023/24, two cohorts - five singers in totalparticipated, including three sopranos, three altos, two tenors, and two basses. They performed at prestigious events, such as the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival, premiered works by James MacMillan and Jay Capperauld, and took part in the Chorus’ a cappella Christmas concerts, experiencing a wide range of repertoire and concert formats.
92% of in-person SCO attenders agree that the SCO takes creative risks in its programme and presentation.
97% agree that they associate the SCO with quality and excellence
It’s the combination of new and old, the inclusion of lesser known pieces, and the creative, intelligent programming that attracts me to the SCO
SCO Audience Member
Audience Satisfaction
Audience Survey Question Satisfaction*
SCO dementia-friendly
guest artists/directors/
conductors in the 2023/24
Levels of satisfaction were consistent with the 2022-23 Season. There has, however, been a consistent increase in those that are very satisfied with repertoire from 2021 (62% to 70%) which is encouraging.
Keep innovating and maintaining your zest for music. Each concert feels like a group of hugely talented friends have invited us into their front room for the evening
SCO Audience Member
*Percentage of SCO audience who responded very satisfied or satisfied (base 873)
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Accessible Tickets
The SCO continued to offer and promote various ticket offers to help provide access to as wide an audience as possible. There were free tickets available for young people aged 18 and under for most of our concerts. We also offered £6 tickets to those aged 19-26, students and people in receipt of Universal Credit. People with disabilities received half-price tickets for all SCO own promoted concerts and carers and essential companions went for free.
The matinee concerts are a great idea. I attended two this season with my mother, for whom an evening concert is no longer practical. She was so excited to attend a full concert, with exciting programme and performers just as an evening concert often is
SCO Audience Member
Steve Reich+ Concerts
We repackaged and repriced Colin Currie’s contemporary programme (Edinburgh and Glasgow) in November 2023 as Steve Reich+. There was a more relaxed atmosphere with foyer DJ, lighting and bars open after the concert.
I really appreciate how welcoming and accommodating the SCO has been to children.
My 9-year-old daughter felt very intimidated by being pretty much the only child at her first couple of concerts at the Queens Hall, but the material you had online about attending your first concert as a child, plus free/reduced tickets for under 18s made her feel so much more welcome and comfortable. That’s also played a part in her wanting to keep going to more concerts
SCO Audience Member
Matinee Concerts
We introduced matinee concerts into the SCO’s 2023-24 Season, shifting three of the Orchestra’s Season concerts from evenings to afternoons. These concerts were developed with older audiences in mind; those people who, based on our research, were uncomfortable about coming out at night and struggled with transport to and from the venues. We plan to offer three matinee programmes for the next three Seasons to allow the series to bed in with audiences and to give us a chance to evaluate their success.
We worked with The Skinny Magazine and The Scotsman to help promote the concert to a broader audience and made a concerted effort to attract under 26s, students, under 18s and schools. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow concerts ended up being close to sold out with a great buzz in both venues. And overall ¼ of the audience took advantage of Under 26s, Student and Under 18s ticket offers.
Based on this success we plan to create a series offering three programmes in this style/format in the 2024/25 season to continue engagement with this audience group.
It was so refreshing (aged 37) to be part of a younger audience hearing such well-played, modern music. The whole place felt chilled and full of appreciation of the music
SCO Audience Member
SUSTAINABILITY
In 2023/24, the SCO achieved a significant 48% reduction in carbon emissions, reporting a total of 142 tCO₂e (tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent), primarily due to fewer international tours compared to the previous year. Orchestra and artist travel remained the largest contributor, accounting for 78% of emissions.
We have adopted practical measures to mitigate our environmental impact, including prioritising coach travel over internal flights when overseas, and where possible scheduling longer conductor residencies for overseas artists visiting Scotland to reduce repeat travel.
The organisation is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, aligning with targets set by the City of Edinburgh Council. While the SCO acknowledges the challenges in reducing emissions entirely, it plans to complement internal reductions with appropriate carbon offsetting initiatives and stakeholder engagement to influence broader sustainability practices.
Key actions in 2023/24 included integrating sustainability into the SCO’s Strategic Plan, acquiring its first fully electric company car, and participating in climate-focused programmes. The SCO continued to engage with Creative Carbon Scotland and other partners to develop innovative strategies. Future initiatives will emphasise stakeholder collaboration, enhanced travel policies, and seeking opportunities for public engagement through artistic programming that highlights sustainability themes.
This commitment to environmental responsibility underscores the SCO’s dedication to balancing its artistic mission with climate action, fostering a more sustainable future for the arts.
Original image by Geran de Klerkon on Unsplash
OUR PEOPLE
Principal Conductor
Maxim Emelyanychev
Principal Guest Conductor
Andrew Manze
Chorus Director
Gregory Batsleer
Associate Composer
Jay Capperauld
SCO Board
Lay Directors
Joanna Baker, CBE
Colin Buchan
Zoe van Zwanenberg
Rachael Erskine
Sarah Davidson, CB
Peter Maniura
Charles Macquaker
Mark Urquhart
Pamela Gillies, CBE
SCO Board
Local Authority
Cllr Val Walker (Edinburgh)
Cllr Eva Bolander (Glasgow)
Cllr Paul Leinster (Glasgow)
Cllr Jonny Tepp (Fife)
SCO Board
Orchestra Advisers
Peter Franks
Louise Lewis Goodwin
Alison Green
Philip Higham
Su-a Lee
The SCO Board acknowledges the dedicated contribution made by the SCO members, SCO Management Team, SCO Chorus members, and many freelance musicians and creative learning practitioners who regularly work with the Orchestra.
For more detailed financial information, please refer to the Directors’ Report and Consolidated Financial Statements which can be found on our website at www.sco.org.uk
1) Direct overheads include audition, transport & external player costs; SCO Chorus; music & instrument hire; composer commissions; box office commissions, marketing and promotional activity.
2) Support costs include property & utilities; general administration (facility management; office leases; communications; IT, H&S, insurance and compliance) and restricted fund depreciation.
INSPIRING AUDIENCES FOR 50 YEARS
DUNARD CENTRE
In 2023/24, significant progress was made in the development of the Dunard Centre, Edinburgh’s first new concert hall in over a century.
A key milestone was reached when Royal Bank of Scotland formally handed over the land behind Dundas House, clearing the way for preparation of the site for construction. Demolition of the disused office buildings on the site was expected to be completed by spring 2024. Another major achievement was finalising the venue’s design and readying it for the next phase of development.
Designed by David Chipperfield Architects with acoustics by Nagata Acoustics, the 1,000-seat Dunard Centre will be the new home of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, offering a worldclass acoustic experience and transforming Edinburgh’s cultural landscape.
In 2023, IMPACT Scotland appointed Ronnie Bowie as Chairman and Jo Buckley as Chief Executive, both of them overseeing the project, ensuring its continued success. Gavin Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, continued to serve on the board, playing a vital role in guiding the development of the venue.
The Dunard Centre is supported by Royal Bank of Scotland and funded by a unique combination of private and public support. Individual philanthropy, including substantial support from Dunard Fund, sits alongside £25M in funding from the Scottish and UK governments and City of Edinburgh Council through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
The SCO looks forward to the completion of this exciting new cultural landmark in the years ahead.
To see a 360-degree view of the Dunard Centre, scan the QR code
SUPPORTERS
We are enormously grateful to every person and organisation who supported the SCO in 2023/24. They have made it possible for us to deliver exceptional musical experiences onstage and pioneering education and community work offstage. Every single donation makes a difference.
Principal Conductor’s Circle
Geoff and Mary Ball
Ken Barker and Martha Vail Barker
Ronald and Stella Bowie
Sir Ewan and Lady Brown
Colin and Sue Buchan
Bill and Celia Carman
James and Patricia Cook
Jo and Alison Elliot
Gavin and Kate Gemmell
Caroline Hahn and Richard Neville-Towle
Erik Lars Hansen and Vanessa C L Chang
J Douglas Home
Christine Lessels
Professor Sue Lightman
Donald and Louise MacDonald
Eriadne and George Mackintosh
Jasmine Macquaker Charitable Fund
Anne McFarlane
Harry and Carol Nimmo
Stuart and Alison Paul
Anne and Matthew Richards
Claire and Anthony Tait
The Thomas Family
Sabine and Brian Thomson
Claire and Mark Urquhart
Anne, Tom and Natalie Usher
Anny and Bobby White
Hedley Gordon Wright
To watch our supporters’ video, scan the QR code
Diamond
Malcolm and Avril Gourlay
John and Jane Griffiths
James and Felicity Ivory
Robin and Catherine Parbrook
Clair and Vincent Ryan
William Samuel
Tom and Natalie Usher
Platinum
David Caldwell in memory of Ann
Dr Peter Williamson and Ms Margaret Duffy
Judith and David Halkerston
J Douglas Home
Audrey Hopkins
David and Elizabeth Hudson
Dr and Mrs Peter Jackson
Dr Daniel Lamont
Chris and Gill Masters
Duncan and Una McGhie
Anne-Marie McQueen
James F Muirhead
Patrick and Susan Prenter
Mr and Mrs J Reid
George Ritchie
Martin and Mairi Ritchie
Hilary E Ross
Elaine Ross
George Rubienski
Jill and Brian Sandford
Michael and Elizabeth Sudlow
Robert and Elizabeth Turcan
Alan and Sue Warner
Finlay and Lynn Williamson
Ruth Woodburn
William Zachs
Gold
Adam Gaines and Joanna Baker
John and Maggie Bolton
Kate Calder
Lord Matthew Clarke
James Wastle and Glenn Craig
Jo and Christine Danbolt
James and Caroline Denison-Pender
Andrew and Kirsty Desson
David and Sheila Ferrier
Chris and Claire Fletcher
Dr J W E Forrester
James Friend
Margaret Green
Iain Gow
Christopher and Kathleen Haddow
Catherine Johnstone
Gordon Kirk
Mike and Karen Mair
Roy and Svend McEwan-Brown
John and Liz Murphy
Maggie Peatfield
Charles Platt
Alison and Stephen Rawles
Andrew Robinson
Olivia Robinson
Anne McAlistair and Philip Sawyer
Irene Smith
Ian S Swanson
John-Paul and Joanna Temperley
Bill Welsh
Robert Mackay and Philip Whitley
Catherine Wilson
Neil and Philippa Woodcock
G M Wright
Bruce and Lynda Wyer
Silver
Roy Alexander
Dr Peter Armit
William Armstrong
Fiona and Neil Ballantyne
The Batsleer Family
Jack Bogle
Jane Borland
Alan Borthwick
Michael and Jane Boyle
Mary Brady
Elizabeth Brittin
John Brownlie
Laura Buist
Robert Burns
Sheila Colvin
Lorn and Camilla Cowie
Lord and Lady Cullen of Whitekirk
Adam and Lesley Cumming
Dr Wilma Dickson
Sylvia Dow
Dr and Mrs Alan Falconer
Sheila Ferguson
Malcolm Fleming
Dr William Irvine Fortescue
Jeanette Gilchrist
Dr David Grant
Andrew Hadden
J Martin Haldane
Ronnie and Ann Hanna
Ruth Hannah
Robin Harding
Roderick Hart
Norman Hazelton
Ron and Evelynne Hill
Philip Holman
Clephane Hume
Tim and Anna Ingold
David and Pamela Jenkins
Margaret Mortimer and Ken Jobling
Julie and Julian Keanie
Marty Kehoe
Professor Christopher and Mrs Alison Kelnar
Dr and Mrs Ian Laing
Janey and Barrie Lambie
Graham and Elma Leisk
Geoff Lewis
Philip Croft and David Lipetz
Dorothy A Lunt
Vincent Macaulay
Isobel and Alan MacGillivary
James McClure in memory of Robert Duncan
Gavin McCrone
Brian Miller
James and Helen Moir
Alistair Montgomerie
Andrew Murchison
Hugh and Gillian Nimmo
Pamela Andrews and Alan Norton
David and Tanya Parker
Hilary and Bruce Patrick
John Peutherer in memory of Audrey Peutherer
James S Potter
Alastair Reid
Fiona Reith
Timothy Barnes and Janet Sidaway
Catherine Steel
Michael and Jane Boyle
Ian and Janet Szymanski
Takashi and Mikako Taji
Douglas and Sandra Tweddle
Susannah Johnston and Jamie Weir
C S Weir
We are indebted to everyone acknowledged here who gives philanthropic gifts to the SCO of £300 or greater each year, as well as those who prefer to remain anonymous. We are also incredibly thankful to the many individuals not listed who are kind enough to support the Orchestra financially on a regular or ad-hoc basis. Every single donation makes a difference.
