THROUGH THE EYES OF

PHILIP HIGHAM Principal Cello

Our 2019/20 featured artist is Pekka Kuusisto. Are you excited to work with him again? I heard Pekka play chamber music on a few memorable occasions, and was captivated by his unique musical dialect, its vibrancy and communicative power. I remember noting that, in the Bartók Contrasts, for example, there seemed not to be one single sound that belonged “to the violin” as I knew it – everything he did sounded new, and his imagination for sound and colour, especially, simply transcended all convention. I’m looking forward to our explorations through the broad variety of repertoire and musical styles with Pekka.

Pekka is passionate about breaking down the barriers between performers and listeners and shaking up the format of a traditional classical concert – how do you think that mentality suits the SCO? It seems to me that he rather breaks down barriers within music itself – or, to put it another way, he has a way of opening musical doors that are often not so immediately visible to others. What he can produce, in terms of tonal range, atmosphere, gesture, a sense of theatre, is so out of the ordinary for many, that people are compelled to listen in a new way. Not to mention his immense honesty on the concert platform; perhaps a little like Yo Yo Ma, his sense of warmth and openness speaks to everyone in the hall before even a note has been played. We welcome any artist who genuinely shares their music-making, and in that respect I can’t think of a more generous figure than Pekka.

Looking ahead to next Season, you are teaming up with Benjamin Marquise Gilmore and Kristian Bezuidenhout for Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, what is your experience of this piece? I’ve loved this piece since I was a child, so it’s something of a “dream come true” to be playing it with SCO - especially alongside my wonderful colleagues, Messrs Gilmore and Bezuidenhout. It’s a magnificent work: heroic, noble, dramatic, and full of conversation and humour, particularly in the Finale. And, most likely, not a little sweat from the cellist, who has to play mostly up in the violin register! ––––––

HEAR PEKKA KUUSISTO IN CONCERT

Pekka Kuusisto is our Season 2019/2020 Featured Artist. Tickets for his concerts can be purchased from the Edinburgh Queen’s Hall, Glasgow City Halls and St Andrews Byer Theatre Box Offices, online or over the phone (0131 668 2019). ––––––Philip’s Chair is kindly supported by The Thomas Family

Every time we play a note You’ll still be there

–––––If the SCO is something you treasure, leaving a gift in your Will can make a significant and lasting difference. Help us to ensure that orchestral music can continue to inspire future generations.

sco.org.uk/support-us/legacies

To speak in confidence about leaving a gift in your Will to the SCO, please call Lucinda Coulthard on 0131 478 8364.