Scottish Ensemble (SE) announces its new summer, Concerts for a Summer’s Night, that mirrors its winter Concerts by Candlelight series, to be held in the National Museum of Scotland whose natural light means audiences can bask in summer light and music on the longest day of the year.
The 12-piece ensemble will perform an eclectic programme features the music of Mozart, Dvořák, Schubert and Purcell led by Artistic Director Jonathan Morton in venues across Scotland specially chosen to make the most of the natural light that’s enjoyed on summer evenings.
The programme opens with a strings rendition of Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture, followed later by the famous Queen of the Night aria. Ranging from Dvořák’s folk-infused American Quartet to Purcell’s hypnotic Fantasia, to Schubert’s Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel, meaning lots of enjoyable music for everyone.
Between renowned works, SE will introduce audiences to less widely known pieces, including Dobrinka Tabakova’s Spinning a Yarn, which features the unusual combination of violin and hurdy-gurdy, and Jessie Montgomery’s Strum, a vibrant, rhythmic piece, inspired by the spirit of dance and movement. Audiences will also be treated to William Grant Still’s Summerland, an evocation of a heat-stilled summer’s afternoon, and a true musical realisation of the light-infused theme of Concerts for a Summer’s Night.
Artistic Director Jonathan Morton said “We wanted to create an experience for the lighter summer evenings which complements the popular winter candlelit performances. I am very much looking forward to working with the whole team on this new addition to our musical calendar, where audiences can enjoy Scottish Ensemble’s beautifully adventurous programming at this light-filled time of year.”
Tickets include a welcome drink and are on sale now.
The SE concert will be in Edinburgh on 21st June.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 