sco 2012/13 season brochure edinburgh

GET CLOSER TO THE MUSICEdinburgh Concerts 2012/13

www.sco.org.ukTickets: 0131 668 2019www.thequeenshall.net

Edinburgh Concert Season 2012/13

WELCOMEto your 2012/13 SCO Season!

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We hope to give you a treat, a challenge, a gift on every page. The world needs music more than ever, and we are here to help make it available

to you.

ROBIN TICCIATI PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

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Photograph by Marco Borggreve

It is so important to us here at the Scottish Chamber Orchestra that when you open our 2012/13 Season Brochure, there is a festival of choice in front of your eyes: from un-born premieres to familiar Mozart symphonies, we hope to give you a treat, a challenge, a gift on every page. Notwithstanding the current financial climate, the Orchestra feels an intense excitement at the prospect of bringing you a Season full of wonderful soloists, conductors and music. The world needs music more than ever, and we are here to help make it available to you.

We are thrilled to have three of the world’s most renowned pianists coming to play Mozart with us: Maria João Pires, Piotr Anderszewski and Robert Levin. Each will bring their unique style to these beloved concerti. Their wordless stage will be set with our Season’s opening performance of Mozart’s Così fan tutte. Come to this concert performance, shut your eyes, conjure your own set, dream your own costumes and make it a theatre of the imagination. Decide what really happens to these lovers at the end: chaos? Or simply the deepest truth in chaos?

Mahler and the SCO are not ingredients that are usually found together but, over a period of two weeks this Season, the Orchestra will play its first Das Lied von der Erde in the chamber version and the famous Adagietto from the Fifth Symphony.

Join us to explore these Viennese works in a very different setting. In the same weeks the remarkable lieder singer Matthias Goerne will make his debut with the Orchestra in exquisite orchestral settings of Schubert songs.

Britten was hugely influenced by Mahler and it is fitting that we celebrate his centenary this Season in a series of concerts. Recently appointed Associate Artist Richard Egarr will work with the SCO Chorus, and our brilliant Principal Horn Alec Frank-Gemmill will join John Mark Ainsley in the romantic Serenade for tenor, horn and strings. Ainsley will have just sung his first Peter Grimes and, after his memorable Nocturne in the 2010/11 Season, this is Britten not to be missed.

Do join us for some exciting premieres: step into the unknown with the Orchestra as it discovers new music in the same week you come and hear it! François Leleux performs the Scottish premiere of James MacMillan’s Oboe Concerto, and it is a real pleasure that the Orchestra gives the world premiere of Lyell Cresswell’s Triple Concerto.

As with every Season, we hope there is something here for everyone – familiar favourites such as Haydn, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms and Berlioz make their welcome return as we at the Scottish Chamber Orchestra invite you to join us for a roller-coaster ride in classical music!

GET CLOSERto the musicians

4 Edinburgh Concert Season 2012/13

Internationally recognised as one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, the SCO performs throughout Scotland – in the towns and villages of the Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland as well as concert seasons in the main cities. The Orchestra’s repertoire spans the centuries – music from the baroque to the present day, from Bach to Britten, Mozart to MacMillan. It is regularly invited to appear at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals, and has toured extensively internationally: in November 2012, it undertakes a major European tour with Robin Ticciati and Maria João Pires. The SCO is also busy in the recording studio, with a number of award-winning CDs and a special recording relationship with Glasgow- based Linn Records.

… exquisite”

the guardian

I have rarely sensed an audience so comprehensively pinned to their seats… what a tour de force of performance we witnessed.”

the herald

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Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Photograph by C

hris Christodoulou

Photograph by M

arco Borggreve

Robin Ticciatiprincipal conductor

A young conductor whose star is definitely in the ascendant, Robin Ticciati’s recent appearances have included many of the world’s great orchestras: the Royal Concertgebouw, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Rotterdam Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestras to name just a few. He’s also been announced Music Director Designate of Glyndebourne Festival Opera, has made his debut at The Metropolitan Opera, New York, and will soon give his first performances at La Scala, Milan.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and its Principal Conductor Robin Ticciati have already become one of the great partnerships in British music.”

daily telegraph

TICCIATI CONDUCTS COSĺ FAN TUTTE 4 October

THE ROMANTIC AGE 11 October

PIRES PLAYS MOZART15 November

GOERNE SINGS SCHUBERT 7 March

DAS LIED VON DER ERDE 16 March

TICCIATI CONDUCTS BERLIOZ 4 April

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Richard Egarrassociate artist

Although possibly best known for his expertise in the music of the baroque period, Richard Egarr’s wide-ranging interests span the centuries and his career combines conducting, directing from the keyboard, playing concerti, giving recitals and talking about music. His energy and joy in creating music have made him a firm favourite with SCO musicians and audiences over the years. THE LITTLE C MAJOR 17 January BRITTEN 100: I 18 April

What a firecracker he is. Showman, raconteur, wit, outrageous entertainer, dynamo and spontaneous energiser of music: he does the lot, with style.”

the herald

GET CLOSERto the musicians


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Photograph by Colin Jackson

Photograph by M

arco Borggreve

Joseph Swensenconductor emeritus

Joseph Swensen became SCO Conductor Emeritus in 2005, following nine successful years as Principal Conductor. During that time, he developed a unique relationship with the Orchestra as violin soloist as well as conductor, and recorded five CDs in this dual role with the SCO through its partnership with Linn Records. Their hugely popular concert series of Beethoven Symphonies and Piano Concerti are still talked about by many who were there.

… Swensen and the orchestra were practically airborne and looked as if they were having the ride of their lives…”

the scotsman

SWENSEN CONDUCTS THE ‘RHENISH’ 25 October

Alexander Janiczekassociate artist

Austrian violinist Alexander Janiczek has enjoyed a long and close relationship with the SCO. He held the position of Leader with the Orchestra from 1999 to 2002, and since then has regularly been invited back as guest director and soloist. He has directed the Orchestra from the violin in a series of three highly acclaimed recordings of Mozart Serenades and Divertimenti (Linn Records).

… spellbinding”

the guardian

ANDERSZEWSKI PLAYS MOZART 21 February

SINFONIA CONCERTANTE 11 April

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Photograph by Ugo Ponte

Britten 1002013 is Benjamin Britten’s 100th birthday year. For two weeks in April you can immerse yourself in his wonderful work, including familiar favourites and new discoveries.

Mozart at the PianoDon’t miss the opportunity to hear three of today’s great pianists play Mozart: Maria João Pires in November, Piotr Anderszewski in February and Robert Levin in May.

The Age of RomanticismMusical greats of the Romantic Age – Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms – are vital to every SCO Season. The orchestra of their imagination was about the size of the SCO. For decades we have been used to hearing their work played by much larger orchestras, so an SCO performance of even a familiar masterpiece is akin to seeing a painting restored: details and colours that have been obscured for years are revealed afresh. Magical!

There’s plenty of music by all these composers to enjoy this Season, and a work that could qualify as the quintessential Romantic masterpiece: Berlioz’s Harold in Italy. Inspired by Byron, it has every Romantic obsession in a single work: nature, awe-inspiring landscapes, lonely wandering, cataclysmic tumults and terrifying adventures.

Enriching the SCO’s exploration is music by less familiar names – composers who were celebrated in their day but who have since slipped into obscurity: Dussek was prominent in Haydn’s London and Reicha was a close friend of Beethoven. Hearing their music alongside familiar classics makes these concerts all the more enjoyable.

SEASONHighlights


An SCO performance of even a familiar masterpiece is akin to seeing a painting restored: details and colours that have been obscured for years are

revealed afresh. Magical!

9Liberty Leading the People

by Eugène Delacroix

Photograph by M

arco Borggreve

Sally Matthew

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Photograph by Johan Perrson

Photograph by M

arco Borggreve

MOZARTCosì fan tutte (concert performance) (180’)

ROBIN TICCIATI ConductorSALLY MATTHEWS FiordiligiLAURA TATULESCU DespinaRACHEL FRENKEL DorabellaMAXIMILIAN SCHMITT FerrandoADAM PLACHETKA GuglielmoCHRISTOPHER MALTMAN Don AlfonsoSCO CHORUS

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Opening the 2010 SCO Season with a thrilling Don Giovanni, Robin Ticciati set some kind of a precedent!

Now he follows it with Mozart’s sharp, dark, sexy comedy of young love betrayed: two men are tempted to test their lovers through a cruel deception, then pay the price in heartache and sorrow when the women fall into the trap. It’s a heart-wrenching tale which inspired great operatic writing from Mozart; sublime moments such as the trio Soave sia il vento and great arias including Un aura amoroso. Ticciati is joined by a brilliant cast of singers: just what you would expect from a conductor who is the toast of the operatic as well as the orchestral world.

Please note start time.

Supported by Dunard Fund and The ‘Così’ Circle

Ticciati conducts Così fan tutte

It’s a heart-wrenching tale which inspired great operatic writing from Mozart; sublime

moments such as the trio Soave sia il vento and great

arias including Un aura amoroso.

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Usher HallThursday 4 October 7pm

BERLIOZOverture, King Lear (16’)

SCHUMANNViolin Concerto (31’)

BEETHOVENSymphony No 3 ‘Eroica’ (47’)

ROBIN TICCIATI ConductorVERONIKA EBERLE Violin

Musically, the 19th century was a golden era. To this day, its music brings the age of Romanticism alive: that time of sweeping change, war, revolution and passion is celebrated in this concert. Berlioz wrote King Lear a year after his Symphonie Fantastique: it is easily as vivid and dramatic, full of grand-guignol tumult, but pathos and tragedy too. It makes a powerful complement to Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ Symphony, which Ticciati conducts for the first time in Scotland. Don’t miss the SCO Season debut of the young German violinist Veronika Eberle: currently a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, she inspires reviews extolling her ‘star quality’ and ‘electrifying’ performances.

The Romantic Age Usher HallThursday 11 October 7.30pm

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12 Edinburgh Concert Season 2012/13Moonrise over the Seaby Caspar David Friedrich

DEBUSSY (arr. ZENDER)Five Preludes (15’)

CRESSWELLTriple Concerto world premiere (20’)

SCO co-commission with the Association of Friends of the Swiss Piano Trio

TAKEMITSUHow Slow the Wind (11’)

RAVELMother Goose (complete) (29’)

BALDUR BRÖNNIMANN ConductorSWISS PIANO TRIO

Many have attempted to translate Debussy’s Preludes from piano to orchestra, but none succeeds better than Zender. With an intuitive way of getting under the skin of the music, he is a magician in the same class as Ravel, whose timeless Mother Goose completes the evening. Lyell Cresswell knows the SCO well and has written a stream of dramatic, high-impact pieces for the Orchestra. His new work is unusual: a concerto for trio and orchestra.

Pre-Concert Talk: 6.30pm (free to ticket holders)Lyell Cresswell and Baldur Brönnimann talk about the Triple Concerto.

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Musical Magicians Queen’s HallSaturday 20 October 7.30pm

Swiss Piano Trio

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artist interviews,videos and more...

Photograph by U

we A

rens

Swensen conducts the ‘Rhenish’ Queen’s HallThursday 25 October 7.30pm

Swensen and Kirshbaum – two long-time SCO favourites – return for a delightful evening of music-making. Kirshbaum first recorded the Barber concerto with the SCO back in the 1980s, and it is still one of the top recommended recordings. It has plenty of Barber’s warm mellow lyricism about it, but a good bit of spark and punch too. Schumann’s ‘Rhenish’ was actually his last symphony. It is often mentioned in the same breath as Beethoven’s Fifth and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Come expecting heroics and full-blooded Romanticism, delivered with Swensen’s signature passion and sweep.

WALTONTwo Pieces from Henry V (5’)

BARBERCello Concerto (27’)

SCHUMANNSymphony No 3 ‘Rhenish’ (32’)

JOSEPH SWENSEN ConductorRALPH KIRSHBAUM Cello

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“Schumann’s ‘Rhenish’ was actually his last symphony. It is often mentioned in the

same breath as Beethoven’s Fifth and Berlioz’s

Symphonie Fantastique.

Cologne on the Rhine by Joseph Mallord William Turner

Usher HallThursday 15 November 7.30pm WAGNERSiegfried Idyll (18’)

MOZARTPiano Concerto No 17 in G K453 (30’)

BEETHOVENSymphony No 6 ‘Pastoral’ (39’)

ROBIN TICCIATI ConductorMARIA JOÃO PIRES Piano

As life-affirming and joyful a programme as you could wish, performed by some of the finest musicians in the world. Pires appears with Ticciati for the first time in Scotland, following hard on the heels of a grand tour of the great halls of Europe.

Pires plays Mozart

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Sponsored by

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Photograph by Felix B

roede and Deutsche G

ramm

ophon

Chamber Concert Queen’s HallSunday 25 November 3pm BEETHOVENSextet (17’)

SEIBERSerenade (15’)

WEBERAdagio and Rondo (5’)

MOZARTSerenade in E-flat K375 (25’)

SCO WIND SOLOISTS

“At eleven o’clock at night I was treated to a serenade – and that too of my own composition. These musicians… surprised me, just as I was about to undress, in the most pleasant fashion imaginable with the first chord in E-flat.” So wrote Mozart in 1781. That very Serenade ends this lovely concert, which opens in youthful high spirits with Beethoven’s Sextet. The clarinet is a bit of a scene-stealer here – Beethoven gives it plenty of flashes of brilliance.

Choral Romance Queen’s HallThursday 29 November 7.30pm SCHUMANNZwickau Symphony (18’)

BRAHMS (arr. GLANERT)Four Preludes & Serious Songs (24’)

SCHUMANNOverture, Scherzo & Finale (17’)

BRAHMS Liebeslieder Walzer (17’)

SCHUMANNNachtlied (9’)

OLARI ELTS ConductorMARKUS WERBA BaritoneSCO CHORUS

There is certainly no shortage of contrast here. The Four Serious Songs are among Brahms’ most profound and personal works – deeply meditative music. They are performed here with his frothy and whimsical Liebeslieder Walzer – pop music of the highest quality. Schumann, who was a close friend to Brahms, is also heard in dramatically different modes – the Overture, Scherzo and Finale is sheer extrovert showmanship, while the Nachtlied brings the evening to a beautifully serene close.

Pre-Concert Talk: 6.30pm (free to ticket holders) Dr Fiona Elliott talks about the Age of Romanticism.

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16 Edinburgh Concert Season 2012/13Rain, Steam and Speed – The Great Western Railwayby Joseph Mallord William Turner

Pizarro plays Beethoven Queen’s Hall Thursday 6 December 7.30pm RAUTAVAARAInto the Heart of Light UK premiere (15’)

BEETHOVENPiano Concerto No 2 (28’)

MENDELSSOHNSymphony No 5 ‘Reformation’ (27’)

JOHN STORGÅRDS ConductorARTUR PIZARRO Piano

Charismatic Finn John Storgårds returns to the SCO with a new work from his famous countryman, Einojuhani Rautavaara, and Mendelssohn’s majestic ‘Reformation’ Symphony. It was written to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession – the statement of Lutheran beliefs and practices presented to the Emperor Charles V in 1530; Mendelssohn captures the mystery and awe of the revelation, but also the fire and drama of Luther’s story. Pizarro’s performances of Beethoven have been described as an ‘unalloyed delight’. Not to be missed.

Weber Wind Concertos Queen’s Hall Saturday 15 December 7.30pm BEETHOVENOverture, Egmont (9’)

WEBERBassoon Concerto in F major (19’)

WEBERClarinet Concerto in F minor (21’)

MOZARTSymphony No 25 in G minor (24’)

PABLO GONZÁLEZ ConductorPETER WHELAN BassoonMAXIMILIANO MARTĺN Clarinet

A perfect curtain-raiser to the festive season. High spirits, brilliant comedy and jaw-dropping virtuosity are the essence of Weber’s concertos: a man of the theatre, he certainly knew how to entertain and thrill. Beethoven had no time at all for him, but had to eat his words when Weber wrote the most successful and influential opera of the decade. Egmont belongs to an utterly different kind of Romanticism: dark, heroic and stormy.

Sponsored by

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Artur Pizarro

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Programme to include:

STRAUSSBlue Danube Waltz

STRAUSSTritsch-Tratsch Polka

VON SUPPéOverture, Poet and Peasant

STRAUSSCzardas (from Die Fledermaus)

LéHARViljalied (from The Merry Widow)

THOMAS RÖSNER ConductorSARAH-JANE BRANDON Soprano

Is there any finer way to greet the New Year than with a sparkling, traditional Viennese gala concert? Lovely singing, irresistible Strauss waltzes, polkas and overtures, and, of course, the essential favourites: The Blue Danube and Radetsky March. This is music to brighten up the darkest days and send you off with a spring in your step.

New Year in Vienna Usher HallTuesday 1 January 7pm

The Great C Major Queen’s HallThursday 10 January 7.30pm BEETHOVENOverture, Coriolan (8’)

MENDELSSOHNPiano Concerto No 1 (21’)

SCHUBERTSymphony No 9 ‘Great C major’ (48’)

DAVID AFKHAM ConductorFRANCESCO PIEMONTESI Piano

Begin 2013 in the company of two brilliant and charismatic young artists. David Afkham’s awards, prizes and plaudits make impressive reading: he has captured the attention of musicians and public alike, and makes his SCO debut with a typically ambitious bill. Schubert’s ‘Great C major’ is not for the faint-hearted; for most of the 19th century it was considered unperformable. Now a firmly established favourite, it remains an epic musical journey. Piemontesi returns to the SCO, a pianist as charming as he is formidable.

The Little C Major Queen’s HallThursday 17 January 7.30pm BEETHOVENOverture, Prometheus (5’)

DUSSEKPiano Concerto in G minor Op 49 (31’)

SCHUBERTSymphony No 6 ‘Little C major’ (29’)

RICHARD EGARR Conductor/Fortepiano

Between classics by Schubert and Beethoven, SCO Associate Artist Richard Egarr introduces one of their contemporaries who deserves to be far better known. Dussek certainly had a colourful life: his brilliance as pianist and composer won him the favour of Catherine the Great of Russia and Napoleon Bonaparte among others.It also won him favours of another kind, and he had to flee several countries with angry husbands on his heels. He left eighteen captivating and unusual piano concertos – hugely enjoyable to listen to, and fascinating for us looking back to that time because, in them, you can so clearly hear the future – the piano styles of Liszt, Chopin and Schumann.

Pre-Concert Talk: 6.30pm (free to ticket holders)Richard Egarr talks about Jan Ladislav Dussek and his contemporaries.

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19Franz Schubert

Romantic Century

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MENDELSSOHNTrumpet Overture (8’)

SCHUMANNCello Concerto (25’)

MARTINSSONA.S. in Memoriam Op 50a (10’)

BEETHOVENSymphony No 1 (26’)

ANDREW MANZE ConductorDAVID WATKIN Cello

Now established as an exceptionally fine conductor, Andrew Manze is a musician of great range and curiosity. In this programme, he typically takes a familiar work – in this case Beethoven’s First Symphony – and gives it an intriguing context: Mendelssohn is in very Beethovenian form in the little known overture and Schumann meltingly Romantic in the Cello Concerto. Rolf Martinsson’s reflection on Schoenberg’s ultra-Romantic Verklärte Nacht may last only ten minutes, but it makes a powerful, memorable impression, paving the way for the youthful blaze of Beethoven’s symphony.


Queen’s HallSaturday 26 January 7.30pm

Photograph by C

hris Christodoulou

STRAVINSKYPulcinella: Suite (21’)

MacMILLANOboe Concerto Scottish premiere (23’)

MENDELSSOHNSymphony No 4 ‘Italian’ (27’)

THIERRY FISCHER ConductorFRANÇOIS LELEUX Oboe

“James MacMillan’s new Oboe Concerto is a corker…” – The Times’ verdict at its first performance. Even if contemporary music is not really your thing, we urge you not to miss this Scottish premiere given by the sensational François Leleux. Framing it, two perennial favourites: visits to Italy in the company of a distinguished Russian and a youthful German.

MacMillan Oboe ConcertoQueen’s HallThursday 31 January 7.30pm

James M

acMillan

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Photograph by Philip Gatward

Enjoy more music and save money – book an

SCO subscription – see page 36 for details.

GRIEGMusic from Peer Gynt (15’)

PATTERSONThree Little Pigs (21’)

DEAZLEY & HARVEYA Little Book of Monsters (37’)SCO co-commission with St Magnus International Festival, Deal Festival of Music and Arts, Down Arts Centre, The Sage Gateshead and Welsh National Opera.

JAMES LOWE ConductorMATTHEW SHARP NarratorEDINBURGH PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ CHOIR

Family Concert: A Little Book of Monsters

Come ready to scream! But only in the fun, hiding-behind-the-back-of-the-sofa way that kids love. Stephen Deazley and Matt Harvey’s A Little Book of Monsters is full of songs about the kind of creatures that live under your bed… There’s more fun with Paul Patterson’s hilarious retelling of the Three Little Pigs, and a quick dance with a troll to start. Bring the kids and the grandkids.

Suitable for everyone over 6 years of age.Visit www.littlebookofmonsters.info

Usher HallSaturday 9 February 3pm

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Illustration by Seym

our

Anderszewski plays Mozart Queen’s HallThursday 21 February 7.30pm SCHUBERTOverture in D ‘In the Italian Style’ (10’)

MOZARTPiano Concerto No 23 in A K488 (26’)

BEETHOVENGrosse Fuge (16’)

MOZARTPiano Concerto No 25 in C K503 (30’)

PIOTR ANDERSZEWSKI Piano/Director ALEXANDER JANICZEK Violin/Director

Witness the ultimate in multi-tasking: playing the piano and directing an orchestra at the same time. Anderszewski manages it effortlessly and has given many wonderful Mozart performances with the SCO, both in Scotland and on their many international tours. It is really something special. Complementing these marvellous pieces, SCO Associate Artist Alexander Janiczek directs a youthful spree from Schubert and one of the most astonishing pieces in all music: Grosse Fuge is late Beethoven at its most visionary.

Nelson Mass Queen’s HallThursday 28 February 7.30pm HAYDNNelson Mass (41’)

HAYDNScena from Berenice (12’)

HAYDNSymphony No 101 ‘The Clock’ (29’)

ADAM FISCHER ConductorELIZABETH WATTS SopranoCLARE WILKINSON Mezzo SopranoANDREW STAPLES TenorNEAL DAVIES Bass BaritoneSCO CHORUS

Every year the SCO brings the world’s finest musicians, yet it is still a special thrill when an artist of the stature of Adam Fischer makes his debut with the Orchestra. Haydn is his passion: he created both a festival and an orchestra to perform the great man’s work. He comes to Scotland with a blockbuster programme to show Haydn in symphonic, operatic and grand styles.

Pre-Concert Talk: 6.30pm(free to ticket holders)Adam Fischer talks about Haydn.

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Lord Nelson

BACH (arr. WEBERN)Ricercar from The Musical Offering (9’)

SCHUBERTSongs with orchestra (20’)

MAHLER Adagietto from Symphony No 5 (9’)

SCHUBERTSymphony No 5 (27’)

ROBIN TICCIATI ConductorMATTHIAS GOERNE Baritone

To get the utmost out of Robin Ticciati’s concerts this week and next, try to come to them both. As ever he is thoughtful and deep, taking the SCO into new realms. Across both concerts there is a sense of continuity and tradition with Vienna at its heart: the magnificent, musical city that was home to so many of these composers. Mahler loved Schubert, and Ticciati pairs their Fifth Symphonies. Webern pays tribute to Bach and Matthias Goerne, one of today’s finest exponents of lieder, performs Schubert songs orchestrated by Webern, Brahms and Reger.

Goerne sings Schubert Queen’s HallThursday 7 March 7.30pm

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24 Edinburgh Concert Season 2012/13 Photograph by Marco Borggreve

two weeks in vienna

HAYDNSymphony No 60 ‘Il Distratto’ (24’)

MAHLER (arr. CORTESE)Das Lied von der Erde (65’)

ROBIN TICCIATI Conductor KAREN CARGILL Mezzo SopranoTOBY SPENCE Tenor

Das Lied von der Erde Queen’s HallSaturday 16 March 7.30pm

Karen Cargill

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Inspired by Chinese poetry, the music veers between

earthly passions and eternal longings, ultimately

dissolving into sublime nothingness.

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Photograph by Ken Dundas

“The most personal utterance among Mahler’s creations, and perhaps in all music…” The view of Mahler’s friend, the conductor Bruno Walter, who gave the premiere in 1911 and lived to conduct Das Lied at the very first Edinburgh Festival in 1947. Inspired by Chinese poetry, the music veers between earthly passions and eternal longings, ultimately dissolving into sublime nothingness. This acclaimed new chamber orchestra version was premiered at the BBC Proms. Ticciati has preceded it, playfully enough, with perhaps Haydn’s most theatrical and mad – literally mad – symphony.

Ticciati conducts Berlioz Usher HallThursday 4 April 7.30pm

WEBEROverture, Der Freischütz (10’)

SCHUMANNSymphony No 1 ‘Spring’ (30’)

BERLIOZHarold in Italy (43’)

ROBIN TICCIATI ConductorANTOINE TAMESTIT Viola

Sponsored by

If you loved Ticciati’s thrilling Symphonie Fantastique last Season, join him for Berlioz’s next symphonic masterpiece: Harold in Italy. A solo viola represents Byron’s wistful dreamer Childe Harold in a sequence of Italian musical adventures, climaxing in the swaggering Orgie des Brigands. A direct line connects Weber, Schumann and Berlioz – they were kindred spirits, key figures without whom the Age of Romanticism would never have ignited such a blaze of inspiration. Pre-Concert Talk: 6.30pm

(free to ticket holders)Author and musicologist David Cairns talks about Berlioz’s Harold in Italy.

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26 Edinburgh Concert Season 2012/13Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage – Italyby Joseph Mallord William Turner

In the enviable position of writing most of his music for musicians that he knew well, Haydn peppered his work with wonderful solos – his Sinfonia Concertante is awash in them, offering select principals of the SCO a chance to shine. Janiczek has built a fascinating programme around it, with two short pieces from the 20th century; Strauss’ moonlit sextet is as expansive as Webern’s Five Pieces are tiny and dense. To close, a grand finale: the second symphony of Haydn’s own troublesome pupil.

Sinfonia Concertante Queen’s HallThursday 11 April 7.30pm

STRAUSSSextet from Capriccio (10’)

HAYDNSinfonia Concertante (22’)

WEBERNFive Pieces Op 5 (10’)


ALEXANDER JANICZEK Violin/DirectorDAVID WATKIN CelloROBIN WILLIAMS OboePETER WHELAN Bassoon

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Read our blog at www.sco.org.uk

for artist interviews, videos, photos

and more.

Haydn portrait by Thom

as Hardy


Britten 100: I Queen’s HallThursday 18 April 7.30pm

PURCELLSuite from King Arthur (15’)

BRITTENPrelude and Fugue for Strings (10’)

PURCELL (arr. EGARR)Four Catches and a Rondeau (12’)

BRITTENCourtly Dances from Gloriana (10’)

BRITTENA Hymn to the Virgin (3’)

PÄRT Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten (8’)

PURCELLMy Heart is inditing (15’)

RICHARD EGARR ConductorSCO CHORUS

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2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Britten, arguably the greatest and most successful British composer of the past century. The SCO has its own long and distinguished history of performing his music in the opera house as well as in concert. This week and next it features Britten in two very different contexts. Richard Egarr pairs him with the composer he treasured most: Henry Purcell. Two centuries separate them, but Britten loved – and learned from – the way Purcell set the English language to music. This lovely sequence of works by both men gives plenty of chances to relish them at their considerable best.

Comparing Notes discussion group meets before this concert. See page 32 for details.

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britten 100 concerts

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Chamber Concert Queen’s HallSunday 21 April 3pm SCHUBERT Auf dem Strom (9’)

SCHUBERT Two Impromptus D899: Nos 3 & 4 (13’)

SCHUMANN Adagio and Allegro (10’)

BRITTEN Canticle III: Still Falls the Rain (12’)

BRITTEN Folksongs (11’)

JOHN MARK AINSLEY TenorALEC FRANK-GEMMILL HornTOM POSTER Piano

Britten was someone whose important musical passions were lifelong affairs. Schubert was one of his essential composers: he performed many of his songs with Peter Pears. John Mark Ainsley is a wonderful interpreter of both Britten and Schubert; he has one of the finest tenor voices, and also a true storyteller’s grasp of narrative and drama. In trio with Tom Poster and SCO Principal Horn, Alec Frank-Gemmill, he includes two real treats for tenor and horn – Auf dem Strom and Britten’s third canticle.

Britten 100: II Queen’s HallSaturday 27 April 7.30pm BIRTWISTLECarmen arcadiae mechanicae perpetuum (10’)

SUCKLINGstorm, rose, tiger (14’)

BRITTENSerenade for tenor, horn and strings (25’)

MOZARTSymphony No 40 (35’)

GEORGE BENJAMIN ConductorJOHN MARK AINSLEY Tenor ALEC FRANK-GEMMILL Horn

Britten was a powerful, Janus-like figure musically, always looking both to the past and the future. This concert celebrates that aspect of the great man by arriving at Mozart’s mighty 40th Symphony by way of two composers who have been associated with Britten’s Festival in Aldeburgh. Birtwistle’s brief Carmen arcadiae presents an intense, dramatic and punchy opening; and Britten surely would have admired Suckling’s absorbing and ambitious storm, rose, tiger. At the heart of the evening stands one of the greatest poetic masterpieces of all time; Britten’s own selection of verse on the theme of night and sleep, which he set with unforgettable brilliance. John Mark Ainsley, as fine an interpreter as you will find, is partnered by the SCO’s virtuoso Principal Horn, Alec Frank-Gemmill.

Pre-Concert Talk: 6.30pm (free to ticket holders)Composer Martin Suckling talks about his work and Benjamin Britten.


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Beethoven Seven Usher HallThursday 2 May 7.30pm

Dreams, dance, myths and fantasies pervade this concert, which culminates in Beethoven’s exhilarating powerhouse of a symphony, the Seventh. It is the perfect foil to Schumann’s lyrical concerto, interpreted here by one of the world’s leading pianists: Nelson Goerner is acclaimed as much for his emotional breadth as for the staggering facility and technique that free him to create such brilliant pianism.


MENDELSSOHNOverture, The Fair Melusine (10’)

SCHUMANNPiano Concerto (31’)


EMMANUEL KRIVINE ConductorNELSON GOERNER Piano

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Emm

anuel Krivine

Beethoven’s Seventh is the perfect foil to Schumann’s

lyrical concerto, interpreted here by one of the world’s

leading pianists.

Levin plays Mozart Queen’s HallThursday 9 May 7.30pm

REICHAOverture in D major (15’)

MOZARTPiano Concerto No 16 in D K451 (25’)

SCHUBERTSymphony No 2 (29’)

ROBERT LEVIN Conductor/Piano

Mozart in 1784 and Schubert in 1814/15 – great years for great composers. Mozart was at the height of his popularity in Vienna, writing a stream of new works to perform at his very own showcase concerts. Schubert found his voice in 1814/15 in masterpieces such as Gretchen am Spinnrade; his second symphony has all the best qualities of youth. To open the concert, Levin introduces an unsung hero of the Romantic age. Reicha was a friend of Beethoven and Haydn, and influential teacher of Berlioz, Liszt and Gounod among others.


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Join our email list at www.sco.org.uk for thelatest on SCO concerts,

events, artists, CD releases and more…

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Follow SCO ConnectFor photos, blogs and films about SCO Connect’s programme follow us on:

www.sco.org.uk/experience/blog

facebook.com/scottishchamberorchestra

twitter.com/scomusic

vimeo.com/scomusic

youtube.com/scomusic

SCOConnect

SCO Connect is the education and outreach department of the SCO. With extensive Schools, Community and Lifelong Learning programmes, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Comparing NotesWord Power Books43-45 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DB Usher HallLothian Road, EH1 2EA

THURSDAY 18 APRILSATURDAY 27 APRILTHURSDAY 2 MAYTHURSDAY 9 MAY

Do you enjoy a good chat about music? Comparing Notes is an opportunity to talk about music and share views with others in a relaxed and friendly environment. This Season, the pre-concert discussion group meets four times to chat about the music featured in that evening’s performance. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Comparing Notes and have found them so informative and thought-provoking.” PARTICIPANT 2011

To book a free place, call SCO Connect on 0131 478 8353 or [email protected]


“

Exploring MusicUniversity of Edinburgh Open Studies

Exploring Music I SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2012A general introduction.

Exploring Music II JANUARY-MARCH 2013A more in-depth course focusing on form, structure and musical language.

SCO Connect and the University of Edinburgh Open Studies have teamed up to provide two evening courses, led by composer Jennifer Martin. Each 10-week course guides you through music performed in the SCO Season and introduces you to the world of the Orchestra through interviews with key artists, ticket offers and rehearsal visits. Cost £85/£56 concession To book, call Open Studies on 0131 650 4400 (from August) or visit www.ed.ac.uk/openstudies

It opened my eyes and ears to music from a different and better perspective.” PARTICIPANT 2011

Jennifer Martin

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“

I now listen to music in a different way and get more

out of it.

PARTICIPANT 2011

Photograph by Jen O

wens

how to book ticket prices

0131 668 2019www.thequeenshall.net

queen’s hall box office, clerk street,edinburgh eh8 9jg

10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (open until the end of the interval on performance days).

All major credit cards, except American Express, accepted.

Postage charge of 60p where applicable.

The Queen’s Hall Box Office sells tickets for all SCO concerts in Edinburgh, including those at the Usher Hall.

tickets for usher hall concerts only also available at:

0131 228 1155www.usherhall.co.uk

usher hall box office, lothian road, edinburgh eh1 2ea

10am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday (and on concert evenings).

All major credit cards accepted.

Telephone and online bookings carry a £1 transaction fee. Tickets for collection are available from the box office from one hour before the performance.

Please noteAn allocation of tickets for SCO concerts at the Usher Hall is available from the Usher Hall Box Office in person, by phone and online from 7 May 2012. Tickets are also available from the Queen’s Hall Box Office.

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.

season 2012/13 concerts

All single tickets, including discounts, are on sale from 7 May 2012. Subscription bookings are taken from 21 March 2012.

new year in vienna concert

chamber concerts

Tickets: £12 / Senior Citizens: £10 U26s, students and unemployed people: £5

Chamber Concerts – stalls only

family concert

Tickets: £12 / Senior Citizens: £10 U16s, U26s, students and unemployed people: £5 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £28

ticket discounts (all concerts except New Year in Vienna)

Senior Citizens – £2 off standard prices.

Under 26s, students and unemployed people £5 for any ticket.

Under 16s – Free if accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of 2 free children’s tickets per adult ticket. Additional children £5 each. (Excludes Family Concert – Under 16s £5 each).

People with a disability – 50% off standard ticket prices for people with a disability and a carer.

Group discounts – Groups of 6 or more save 20% off standard ticket prices.

School groups – Teachers and/or accompanying adults go free when bringing a school group. For more information, contact SCO Connect on 0131 478 8353 or [email protected]

I£29

II£25

III£20

IV£14.50

V£10

I£29

II£25

III£20

IV£15

V£10


In aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care (No discounts available)

seating plans

queen’s hallclerk street,edinburgh eh8 9jg

usher halllothian road,edinburgh eh1 2ea

Wheelchair accommodation is available in the centre and side stalls. Ramps are fitted at the front and rear of the hall, and there is a toilet at stalls level.

Guide dogs are welcome.

An induction loop is fitted for people with hearing difficulties.

Please notify the Box Office when booking.

Wheelchair accommodation is available in both the Stalls and Grand Circle (Grand Circle accessed by a lift) with level access toilets on each level.

Guide dogs are welcome.

An induction loop is fitted for people with hearing difficulties.

Please notify the Box Office when booking.

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why take a subscription? • Save money

Save up to 40% (45% for seniors) on single ticket prices – the more you book, the more you save.

• Free choice of concertsSelect any four or more Season 2012/13 concerts.*

• Best seats Priority booking and the best available seats in the area of your choice and, wherever possible, you can keep your seats from year to year.

• Change your mind If a date becomes inconvenient, swap your tickets for another Edinburgh Season 2012/13 concert (24 hours’ notice required).

• Spread the cost Pay by Direct Debit in four instalments.

• Save on SCO CDs Receive a £5 CD voucher.

• Free concert A personal invitation to the annual Subscriber concert and reception.

• SCO news Receive the SCO’s newsletter three times a year.

* Season 2012/13 concerts are marked:

Please note Chamber Concerts, New Year in Vienna and the Family Concert cannot be included in a subscription, but you can book them at the same time as your subscription. We regret that tickets, including subscription tickets, are non-refundable.

how to book a subscription by post• Tick the concerts you wish to attend on the

Booking Form.

• Select your preferred Seating Area (e.g. Stalls, Gallery, Grand Circle, etc) and Price Band (I, II, III or IV).

• Calculate the cost of your subscription (see page 38) and complete the grid on the Booking Form.

• Add on any of the New Year in Vienna, Family or Chamber Concerts you wish to attend.

• Complete your contact, seating and payment details on the Booking Form.

• If you would like to pay in four instalments by Direct Debit, please tick the appropriate box and we will send you a Direct Debit form.

• Send the Booking Form to: SCO Subscription, Queen’s Hall Box Office, FREEPOST EH3185, Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JG (no stamp required).

by phone Call the Queen’s Hall Box Office on 0131 668 2019 (10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday) with your selected concerts and credit or debit card details.

The SCO offers completely flexible subscriptions – simply choose any four or more Season 2012/13 concerts*. As well as substantial discounts on regular ticket prices, you can enjoy priority booking, special events and many other exclusive benefits.

sco subscription


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Number ofconcerts

Number of peopleat standard price

Number of people at senior price

Price band Seating Area(e.g. stalls, gallery)

Total Price

2012/13 SeasonQH:

UH:

Chamber Concerts –New Year in Vienna – –Family Concert – –

Box Office Postage Fee: £0.60

total £

subscription booking form

Title Forename

Address

Telephone (day)

Email

Surname

Postcode

Telephone (eve)

important – please complete!

Join our mailing list for the latest SCO news about concerts, education events, special offers, recordings, behind-the-scenes information and other developments. We will not pass your details to any third parties. Please indicate how you would like to receive news:

Monthly e-newsletter

By post

Please tick boxes below to indicate your choice of concerts:

Chamber Concerts Sun 25 Nov Sun 21 Apr

Thurs 4 Oct (UH) Thurs 11 Oct (UH) Sat 20 Oct (QH)Thurs 25 Oct (QH)Thurs 15 Nov (UH) Thurs 29 Nov (QH)

Thurs 6 Dec (QH) Sat 15 Dec (QH) Thurs 10 Jan (QH)Thurs 17 Jan (QH)Sat 26 Jan (QH)Thurs 31 Jan (QH)

Thurs 21 Feb (QH)Thurs 28 Feb (QH)Thurs 7 Mar (QH)Sat 16 Mar (QH)Thurs 4 Apr (UH)Thurs 11 Apr (QH)

Thurs 18 Apr (QH)Sat 27 Apr (QH)Thurs 2 May (UH)Thurs 9 May (QH)

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how do you wish to pay?

I enclose a cheque, payable to ‘Queen’s Hall Box Office’.

Please debit my Mastercard/Visa/debit card (delete as appropriate)

Card Number Expiry Date Start Date

Issue Number (debit card only) Security Code (last three digits on signature strip)

Signature

I wish to spread the cost of subscription over four months by Direct Debit. Please send me a Direct Debit form.

Please return this form to: SCO Subscription, Queen’s Hall Box Office, FREEPOST EH3185, Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JG (no stamp required)

subscription prices

No. of Concerts I II III IV

4Standard £98.60 £85.00 £68.00 £49.30 Save 15%Senior £92.80 £80.00 £64.00 £46.40 (20%)

5Standard £123.25 £106.25 £85.00 £61.63Senior £116.00 £100.00 £80.00 £58.00

6Standard £147.90 £127.50 £102.00 £73.95Senior £139.20 £120.00 £96.00 £69.60

7Standard £172.55 £148.75 £119.00 £86.28Senior £162.40 £140.00 £112.00 £81.20


9Standard £208.80 £180.00 £144.00 £104.40Senior £195.75 £168.75 £135.00 £97.88

10Standard £232.00 £200.00 £160.00 £116.00Senior £217.50 £187.50 £150.00 £108.75

11Standard £255.20 £220.00 £176.00 £127.60Senior £239.25 £206.25 £165.00 £119.63


13Standard £282.75 £243.75 £195.00 £141.38Senior £263.90 £227.50 £182.00 £131.95

14Standard £304.50 £262.50 £210.00 £152.25Senior £284.20 £245.00 £196.00 £142.10

15Standard £326.25 £281.25 £225.00 £163.13Senior £304.50 £262.50 £210.00 £152.25


17Standard £345.10 £297.50 £238.00 £172.55Senior £320.45 £276.25 £221.00 £160.23

18Standard £365.40 £315.00 £252.00 £182.70Senior £339.30 £292.50 £234.00 £169.65

19Standard £385.70 £332.50 £266.00 £192.85Senior £358.15 £308.75 £247.00 £179.08


21Standard £395.85 £341.25 £273.00 £197.93Senior £365.40 £315.00 £252.00 £182.70



scottish chamber orchestra

HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay PATRON

Robin Ticciati PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR

Joseph Swensen CONDUCTOR EMERITUS

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies COMPOSER LAUREATE

Richard Egarr ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Alexander Janiczek ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Donald MacDonald CBE CHAIRMAN

Roy McEwan OBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The SCO gratefully acknowledges the support of the Scottish Government, local authorities, corporate sponsors, Patrons, 250 Society members and the many trusts and foundations that help to fund its programming, education projects and touring.

principal sponsor

Virgin Money

benefactor

Dunard Fund

sponsors & corporate supporters

Aberdeen Asset ManagementBalmoral HotelCaledonian Brewing CompanyCapital SolutionsChatham SkodaDawsons MusicJohn Lewis EdinburghLinn RecordsLumisonRadio ForthMacDonald Roxburghe Hotel Miller GroupNotion MusicRolandScottish Council for Development and IndustryState StreetThom Micro Systems

There are many ways in which you can support the work of the SCO and help us bring live classical music to people of all ages throughout Scotland. We invite individuals to become SCO Patrons, join the SCO 250 Society, or to consider making a gift to the Orchestra in their will. We offer companies a range of sponsorship and in-kind support opportunities and a flexible Corporate Membership scheme with regular hospitality and dedicated account management.

For further information on how you can support the SCO, visit www.sco.org.uk or contact the Sponsorship & Fundraising Department on 0131 478 8344 or [email protected].

thank you play your part

39

4 Royal Terrace Edinburgh EH7 5AB

Tel: 0131 557 6800 Fax: 0131 557 6933 Email: [email protected] www.sco.org.uk

A charity registered in Scotland No. SC015039. Company registration No. SC75079.

Please note that all timings (shown in brackets) are approximate and do not include intervals or platform changes.

Large-print, Braille and Talking Notes versions of this brochure are available. Call 0131 557 6802.

keep in touch

Sign up to our email list at www.sco.org.uk, or join our postal mailing list by calling 0131 557 6802 or writing to SCO, FREEPOST EH457, 4 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AB

Read our blog www.sco.org.uk for artist interviews, videos, photos and more

Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/scomusic

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/scottishchamberorchestra

Watch us on YouTubewww.youtube.com/SCOmusic

enjoy more music – spend less!

Book an SCO Subscription – from just four concerts

As well as substantial discounts on regular tickets prices, you can enjoy priority booking, special events and many other exclusive benefits. An SCO subscription is completely flexible – you choose the concerts you like – and benefit from huge savings if you book for four or more concerts. You can save up to 45% or you can book 16 concerts for less than it costs to go to 15 – you can’t beat value like that!

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sco 2012/13 season brochure edinburgh

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