RECENT RECORDINGS

Peter Maxwell Davies: An Orkney Wedding, With Sunrise

With Ben Gernon, Conductor and Sean Shibe, Guitar

We didn’t plan this new recording as a tribute to Sir Peter Maxwell Davies who sadly passed away in March, but, as Paul Driver in the Sunday Times pointed out, it has “afforded us a fond farewell” and offers a rich musical realisation of Orkney – the composer’s adopted home. The orchestral works on this album are interwoven with five Hill Runes for guitar (Sean Shibe) and an arrangement for the same instrument of Farewell to Stromness. The real discovery for Nicholas Kenyon (writing in the Guardian) is Ebb of Winter, commissioned by the SCO for its 40th Anniversary in 2014. “It is a vivid overture conjuring the wild spaces and often bleak weather of the islands that Max loved, with a wonderful openness and transparency in the orchestration.” “...played with an irrepressible panache and swinging energy... It’s all hugely life-inspiring.” McAlister Matheson Music Newsletter

––––––Available to purchase now from the SCO Merchandise desk at concerts: £12. Also available to download in Studio Master from www.linnrecords.com

––––––Kindly supported by the SCO Sir Charles Mackerras Fund, The Bacher Trust and the Usher Hall, Edinburgh.

Stravinsky: Choral works Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral duncan Ferguson SCO Soloists STRaVinSkY: ChORaL wORkS ––––––A ten-strong wind and brass ensemble from the SCO linked up with the Choir of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh under the direction of Duncan Ferguson. Joined by vocal soloists Ruby Hughes and Nicholas Mulroy, our ensemble recorded major works by one of the twentieth century’s most influential composers, Igor Stravinsky.

Included on the album is Stravinsky’s Mass in its full version, alongside his ‘completions’ of three Cantiones Sacrae by Gesualdo. ––––––“This disc shows off a choir of distinction... Their fresh, youthful sound lends colour to the studious dourness of Stravinsky’s deliberately monochrome mass” Sunday Times, August 2016

“This logically planned programme is beautifully sung and blessed with outstandingly vivid recorded sound”. Gramophone, October 2016

Introducing... Three New Players!

Philip higham Marcus barcham Stevens Felix Tanner

We are delighted to welcome three new faces to the front desk of our String section. They make their first official appearances with the Orchestra at our Season Opening in October with Robin Ticciati conducting Mozart’s Last Symphonies.

SCO Chief Executive Gavin Reid comments, “These players each bring vast experience and creativity to their respective roles, all having played with many of the great chamber groups and orchestras across the UK. We are hugely looking forward to them joining the Scottish Chamber Orchestra family as we forge ahead in this new chapter for the SCO.”

Philip Higham – Principal Cello

Philip returns to his home city of Edinburgh. As well as being in demand as a soloist with orchestras such as the Philharmonia, Hallé and Royal Northern Sinfonia, he gives solo recitals at Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square, and abroad. Philip has released recordings of the Britten and Bach solo suites to great critical acclaim.

Speaking of his appointment, Philip said, “I am so happy to accept the position of Principal Cello and am very excited about the future with this special orchestra. It always feels like every player is as invested as the next, and that there is a shared commitment to high quality, passionate musicmaking.”

Marcus Barcham Stevens – Principal Second Violin

Marcus is a renowned soloist and chamber musician across the UK, having led City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Aurora Orchestra. He is also a member of the acclaimed Fitzwilliam String Quartet, and has been co-leader of the Britten Sinfonia since 2013.

Marcus commented, “I’m excited about taking up the job with the SCO. The close musical communication and interaction within this great chamber orchestra is what attracted me to the SCO.”

Felix Tanner – Sub Principal Viola

Felix is also returning to his Edinburgh roots, having studied at St Mary’s Music School shortly before Philip Higham. He has gone on to play for all the notable British orchestras and became a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London in 2012. He has been a member of the Brodowski Quartet since 2007, performing recitals throughout the UK and Europe, including Wigmore Hall, Kings Place and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.