LIFE PLAYED WITH PASSION St Andrews Concert Season 2020/2021 SCO.ORG.UK
CONTENTS
ST ANDREWS CONCERT SEASON 2020 / 2021
September 2020 to April 2021 Haydn, Tchaikovsky & Mozart
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Milhaud, Copland, Bernstein & Poulenc
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Farrenc, Mazzoli, Britten & Haydn
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Christmas Journeys
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Adams, Bach & Mozart
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Lunchtime Concerts
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StAFCO / SCO Orchestra in Residence Programme
Booking Information 11
Scottish Chamber Orchestra HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay Patron
The SCO gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Scottish Government
Over the course of five concerts which feature both the SCO and SCO Chorus, we bring a wealth of great music from Bach to the present day.
Donald MacDonald CBE Life President Colin Buchan Chairman Gavin Reid Chief Executive Maxim Emelyanychev Principal Conductor
Photography credits Christina Kernohan Marco Borggreve Ryan Buchanan Jen Owens Reuben Paris Ugo Ponte
Emmanuel Krivine Principal Guest Conductor Joseph Swensen Conductor Emeritus Gregory Batsleer Chorus Director Anna Clyne Associate Composer
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A very warm welcome to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s 20/21 Concert Season in St Andrews.
Art direction & design: thetouchagency.co.uk
Our Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev has made quite an impression since joining the SCO last year. Well-known for his passion and for his expertise in music from the Baroque and Classical eras, we will hear him perform Bach and Mozart, in a programme which also includes John Adams’ Shaker Loops, a classic from the 20th century. We also welcome some of our other great conducting friends; musicians who have developed a true rapport with players and audiences alike over many years. Conductor Emeritus Joseph Swensen brings a sparkling programme of French and American works featuring our own Maximiliano Martín as soloist. The SCO Chorus and their Director Gregory Batsleer will help us begin our Christmas celebrations. Peter Whelan – for many years our Principal Bassoon – will be joined by one of the rising stars of classical music, viola soloist Timothy Ridout, for a very special performance of Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Rococo Variations.
Finnish conductor and violinist Pekka Kuusisto also makes a welcome return. Pekka’s programmes are always fascinating, invariably surprising and often provocative. This time, he places one of Haydn’s great masterpieces alongside one of Benjamin Britten’s, reuniting the SCO with the outstanding horn player Alec Frank-Gemmill and leading tenor Allan Clayton. During the course of these five programmes, you will hear one of the finest orchestras in the world making music with some of the greatest artists of the day, performing works from the UK, France, Germany, Austria, America, Russia and Estonia; some of which may well be very familiar to you, some less so; some which have been unfairly neglected over the years; and some that are brand new. None of this would be possible without the financial support of the Scottish Government, Dunard Fund, our Business Partners, all the individuals and charitable trusts who kindly make donations, and the loyalty we receive from you, our audience. I look forward enormously to joining you on what promises to be an exciting musical journey this Season. Gavin Reid Chief Executive Scottish Chamber Orchestra
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HAYDN, TCHAIKOVSKY & MOZART
SCO Conductor Emeritus Joseph Swensen, whose infectious energy knows no bounds.
Conducted by Peter Whelan
The Scotsman
Thu 10 Sep 2020, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews Haydn Symphony No 99 in E-flat (25’) Tchaikovsky trans Primrose Variations on a Rococo Theme (18’) Mozart Symphony No 39 in E-flat (29’) Peter Whelan: Conductor Timothy Ridout: Viola
Haydn’s Symphony No 99 – the seventh of the twelve ‘London symphonies’ – was composed in 1793 in Vienna. Musically, it was something of a landmark for him, being the first of his symphonies to include clarinets whose presence is immediately felt in the slow introduction’s majestically sonorous opening chord. Listen out too for the irresistibly captivating finale. Variations on a Rococo Theme may have been inspired by Mozart, whom Tchaikovsky greatly admired, but its unrestrained flights of imagination and romanticism are all Tchaikovsky’s own. This beautiful work, originally written for cello, is performed here in a transcription for viola by rising star Timothy Ridout. There has been considerable debate over the years as to whether Symphony No 39 was ever performed in Mozart’s lifetime. One of his final three symphonies, it is among the composer’s longest and features a level of complexity and experimentation uncommon in music of the time. Mozart’s frequent use of the clarinet also gives the work a sound distinct from that of his other symphonies. By turns majestic, playful and blazingly energetic, the piece is a testament to his genius for beguiling melodies that will live on in your head long after the concert has ended.
Peter Whelan conducts with buoyant style. Financial Times
Peter Whelan
Joseph Swensen Conductor Emeritus
MILHAUD, COPLAND, BERNSTEIN & POULENC Conducted by Joseph Swensen
Sat 31 Oct 2020, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews Milhaud La Création du monde (16’) Copland Clarinet Concerto (16’) Bernstein orch Ramin Sonata for Clarinet and Orchestra (12’) Poulenc Sinfonietta (29’) Joseph Swensen: Conductor Maximiliano Martín: Clarinet
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We are delighted to welcome back our Conductor Emeritus Joseph Swensen for an evening of jazzy, foot-tapping tunes. Dixieland meets Baroque brilliance in Milhaud’s bewitching ballet score, infused with the jazz he encountered on the streets of Harlem, while Poulenc freely mixes Mozart, Tchaikovsky and catchy Parisian tunes in the breathless energy of his sunny Sinfonietta. SCO Principal Clarinet Maximiliano Martín is a remarkably expressive soloist in his own right, and what better opportunity to enjoy his talents than with two larger-than-life masterpieces: the bittersweet lyricism and wild euphoria of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, written for jazz legend Benny Goodman, and Bernstein’s jazzy, snazzy Sonata.
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FARRENC, MAZZOLI, BRITTEN & HAYDN With Pekka Kuusisto
Wed 11 Nov 2020, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews Farrenc Andante con Variazione (Nonet) (8’) Mazzoli Dissolve, Oh My Heart (8’) Britten Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings (26’) Haydn Symphony No 104 in D major ‘London’ (29’) Pekka Kuusisto: Director / Violin Allan Clayton: Tenor Alec Frank-Gemmill: Horn
An evening of contrasts which sees us welcome back three brilliant musicians.
CHRISTMAS JOURNEYS
The programme opens with a movement from Louise Farrenc’s charming, genial Nonet.
Conducted by Gregory Batsleer
Not every piece of classical music emerges from late-night conversations over Chinese food, but that is how Breaking the Waves composer Missy Mazzoli describes the genesis of her 2011 violin solo. The piece is possibly best described as a contemporary musical conversation with Bach’s heartbreaking Chaconne from the famous Partita in D minor.
Mon 21 Dec 2020, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews
The origins of Benjamin Britten’s masterpiece Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings are perhaps more familiar. Composed during World War II, it sets to music a selection of six poems by some of the most famous names in literature, including Tennyson, Keats and Blake. Its opening and closing sequence of softly intoned horn calls evoke a twilight atmosphere of stillness and sadness.
Programme to include: Vaughan Williams This is the truth told from above Cornelius The Three Kings Pärt Da Pacem Domine I Holst The Lord that lay in Assë Stall Bax Mater Ora Filium Rutter Hymn to the Creator of Light Clyne New Work (World Premiere) Warlock Bethlehem Down Whitacre Lux Aurumque
To end, we turn to Joseph Haydn’s acclaimed final symphony, the ‘London’. It’s not known whether it was the composer’s intention that this symphony would be his last, but everything about it certainly makes a bold statement.
Pekka Kuusisto
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SCO Chorus Gregory Batsleer: Conductor
The SCO Chorus returns to St Andrews with their Christmas concert. The unique combination of the setting of Holy Trinity Church and sublime choral singing will doubtlessly make for a truly uplifting, spiritual evening. This year’s concert features music by Arvo Pärt, John Rutter and Eric Whitacre, as well as the world premiere of a new work by the SCO’s Associate Composer Anna Clyne.
A truly magical concert of Christmas music from the SCO Chorus. Seen and Heard International
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ADAMS, BACH & MOZART With Maxim Emelyanychev
Martín’s dynamic performance was exquisite against the rich sound of the ensemble. The Herald
Proudly sponsored by
Wed 10 Mar 2021, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, St Andrews Adams Shaker Loops (24’) Bach Brandenburg Concerto No 5, BWV 1050 (21’) Mozart Serenade in B-flat, K361 ‘Gran Partita’ (44’) Maxim Emelyanychev: Conductor / Harpsichord Stephanie Gonley: Violin André Cebrián: Flute
SCO Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev showcases the exceptional talents of the SCO’s string and wind players – both separately and together – in this striking concert bringing together ancient and modern. With its extraordinary colours and glorious invention, Mozart’s ‘Gran Partita’ takes the humble wind serenade to unprecedented heights, its gathering of twelve wind players and one double bassist delivering captivating melodies of almost symphonic grandeur. On the other hand, John Adams’ glistening minimalist masterpiece Shaker Loops charms and inspires with its delirious web of scurrying strings and propulsive energy. In between, Emelyanychev is himself soloist in Bach’s deliciously entertaining Fifth Brandenburg Concerto. Maximiliano Martín Principal Clarinet Maxim Emelyanychev Principal Conductor
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS SCO musicians in recital as part of The University of St Andrew’s Music Centre’s concert programme
Wed 11 Nov 2020, 1.10pm Recital Room, Laidlaw Music Centre
Wed 10 Feb 2021, 1.10pm Recital Room, Laidlaw Music Centre
Programme to include: Janáček Mladi (20’)
Beethoven Trio in E-flat, Op 38 (24’)
SCO Principal Clarinet Maximiliano Martín is joined by scholarship students from The University of St Andrews Music Centre, featuring music by Janáček.
SCO Principal Clarinet Maximiliano Martín, SCO Principal Cello Philip Higham and pianist Julian Milford perform Beethoven’s own arrangement for Trio of his Septet Op 20.
Ticket prices £3 (Available on the door) / Free for members of the University of St Andrews Music Centre.
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HOW TO BOOK SEASON CONCERTS
Holy Trinity Church
StAFCO
Orchestra In Residence Programme
The St Andrews and Fife Community Orchestra (StAFCO) is conducted by Gillian Craig and meets weekly from September to April. StAFCO is unauditioned and open to all students and members of the local community who play an orchestral instrument at any level. The 70+ strong orchestra performs twice annually, in collaboration with the Children’s Orchestra and Choirs, attracting audiences of all ages from across Fife.
The SCO’s Orchestra in Residence programme, unique in Scotland, is delivered in partnership with the University of St Andrews. The residency enables people of all ages across the local community to connect with our musicians through Big Ears, Little Ears concerts for babies, toddlers and their adults, SCO masterclasses for music students, and creative music projects in schools. The SCO is also proud to support the non-auditioned Children’s Orchestra and StAFCO with coaching and an annual concerto performance by an SCO soloist.
Due to the seating in Holy Trinity Church being unreserved, the SCO has created a very simple subscription package for our concerts in St Andrews this Season. If you book for all five concerts in a single transaction, you can save £5 on the cost of your booking. Ticket prices have been kept as low as possible and you’ll find full details of how to book opposite.
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Standard £17 Senior £15
Subscription / Multibuy Offer
Book for all five Season concerts at Holy Trinity Church in one transaction and receive £5 off the cost of your booking. Offer applies to all ticket types.
All tickets can be booked:
All major credit cards, except American Express, are accepted. Postage charge of £1 where applicable.
Other Discounted Tickets Under 26s, students and unemployed people £6 for any concert.
18 or Under Free tickets for all concerts except the SCO Chorus Concert – Christmas Journeys. Please note that under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
For details about the Orchestra in Residence programme, please visit sco.org.uk or st-andrews.ac.uk/music, phone: 01334 462226, email: graduate.trainee@sco.org.uk or call in to the Laidlaw Music Centre in person.
Kindly supported by Kinburn (St Andrews) Charitable Trust, New Park Educational Trust, Mrs M A Lascelles Charitable Trust and DC Thomson Charitable Trust.
Ticket Price Per Concert
Online: sco.org.uk or byretheatre.com In person: The Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, KY16 9LA By phone: 01334 475 000 (10am to 4.30pm Mon to Sat)
Orchestra in Residence activity is supported by a graduate traineeship, a paid position which enables a graduate from the University of St Andrews to work across both organisations, assisting project delivery and developing skills in arts management.
Creative Learning Partner
BOOK ONLINE AT SCO.ORG.UK, BY POST, PHONE OR IN PERSON
Kindly supported by the Inches Carr Trust.
People with a disability
Please note: all discounts are subject to availability. We regret that tickets are non-refundable. Every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct at time of going to press. The SCO does, however, reserve the right to change dates, artists or programmes if necessary. Postal transaction fee subject to change if postage costs rise; check with Box Office for details. Scottish Chamber Orchestra processes data for certain legitimate business purposes in order to provide you with the best experiences and most relevant information about our activities as an arts charity. These include recording your ticket purchases, subscriptions and donations, keeping you up-to-date on the events you have booked as well as sending you information about similar events and opportunities to support our work. We pass on some of your data to the venues and box offices of the events you have booked for the same purpose. More information about how we process your data can be found within the Privacy Statement on our website sco.org.uk/privacy-statement. If you wish for your data not to be used in these ways, please let us know.
50% off full price tickets and, where one is required, 50% off for their companion. A limited number of free tickets are available for full-time carers. Please ask at the Box Office.
Lunchtime Concerts Tickets: £3 / Free for members of the University of St Andrews Music Centre (available on the door).
Full access for wheelchair users Guide dogs are welcome
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2020 Join The Conversation
Haydn, Tchaikovsky & Mozart Thursday 10 September 2020
Milhaud, Copland, Bernstein & Poulenc Saturday 31 October 2020
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@SCOmusic
Farrenc, Mazzoli, Britten & Haydn Wednesday 11 November 2020
@scottishchamberorchestra
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Lunchtime Concert Wednesday 11 November 2020
Keep in touch
Christmas Journeys
If you’d rather send us a letter, email or give us a call, here are our details:
Monday 21 December 2020
2021 Lunchtime Concert Wednesday 10 February 2021
Adams, Bach & Mozart Wednesday 10 March 2021
sco.org.uk/keep-me-informed telephone: 0131 557 6800 email: info@sco.org.uk
Become a Patron Donate to the SCO and get to know us better. telephone: 0131 478 8344 sco.org.uk/support-us/sco-patrons
SCO Patrons, Subscribers and current ticket buyers receive regular news by email and post. More information about how we process your data can be found within the Privacy Statement on our website sco.org.uk/privacy-statement. Please note: all discounts are subject to availability. We regret that tickets are non-refundable. Every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of going to print. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra does however reserve the right to change dates, ticket prices, artists or programmes without prior notice, and to allocate seats for guests of the Company at reserved and unreserved concerts as required.
4 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AB +44 (0)131 557 6800 • info@sco.org.uk sco.org.uk The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is a charity registered in Scotland No. SC015039. Company registration No. SC075079.
Cover photo: Maxim Emelyanychev Principal Conductor