Scottish Ensemble (SE) have built a devoted following for their Concerts by Candlelight in the Midwinter, and they now present a series of concerts revelling in the long days and abundance of natural light around the Summer Solstice. Light-filled venues will resonate to the sounds of music, performed with SE’s characteristic style.
Concerts for a Summer’s Night will celebrate that time so treasured in Scotland when daylight outlasts the night, filling the air with the promise of endless possibilities. Performances will take place in Rossie Byre in Perthshire, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Aberdeen Art Gallery, The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Audiences can expect a treat as the ensemble blend classical and contemporary works for string orchestra into a sonic summer cocktail. From familiar works by Elgar and Mendelssohn to the innovative sounds of Tunde Jegede and Sigur Rós, the programme promises to transport listeners through centuries and musical styles, focusing on themes of joy and connection.
The much-awaited second instalment of Glasgow-based composer David Fennessy’s two-part commission will also feature. Following the warmly received debut of RAIN I during S E’s Concerts by Candlelight performances last December, this new piece promises to captivate and inspire.
Artistic Director of Scottish Ensemble, Jonathan Morton, said “Following on from last year’s second and warmly received Concerts for a Summer’s Night, I am looking forward to the third edition! We hope these events will become – like Concerts by Candlelight in December – a regular and anticipated feature of our season.
At this time of year, natural light is almost a constant, tempting us to spend more time outside and reconnect with the natural world as well as with each other. There is a unique kind of energy around the time of the summer solstice, and I hope that hearing live music in these light-filled venues will be a vibrant and memorable experience.”
Dates: 17th to 21st June
Tickets range from £9 – £22.50 and are free for under 16s.
Tickets are available from https://scottishensemble.co.uk/programme/2023-24/concerts-for-a-summers-night-2/
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 