RSNO Concert Season 26:27 Dundee

2026 27

Concert Season

Caird Hall, Dundee

Welcome

Dear friends,

It is my great privilege to be Music Director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra: an orchestra that plays with such passion and welcomes everyone to enjoy the wonders of music. We love performing for you on stages across the country. Whether it’s your favourite classics or a brand-new commissioned work, every performance is special and heartfelt.

But we are much more than the concerts you enjoy.

We are the soundtracks to your favourite movies and video games. Thanks to our award-winning studio, the Orchestra regularly records film and video game soundtracks, working with the likes of Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros and Ubisoft.

We are music educators in your local school. Our National Schools Programme has seen us develop brand-new animations with our partner Visible Fictions, enabling thousands of young pupils across the country to engage with their National Orchestra for the first time in their lives.

We are engaging with local communities. Our network of singing opportunities continues to grow, bringing health and wellbeing benefits to hundreds of amateur singers, whilst our musicians work closely on dedicated projects supporting people living with health conditions and widening access to classical music.

We are your orchestra and we’re proud to serve the people of Scotland.

I hope you enjoy exploring the new Season. We very much look forward to welcoming you to the Caird Hall.

Thomas Søndergård, Music Director

Shostakovich Seven

Sun 1 Nov 2026: 3pm

Fanfare for the Common Man (3’)

Lera Auerbach Violin Concerto No1 (28’)

UK Premiere

Shostakovich Symphony No7 Leningrad

Bassem Akiki Conductor

Philippe Quint Violin

As Hitler’s armies surrounded the city of Leningrad, Dmitri Shostakovich composed his Seventh Symphony – a shout of courage, defiance and victory, written for massed battalions of musicians. Brace yourself for wartime drama on a heroic scale as Bassem Akiki conducts the mighty RSNO in this sonic blockbuster: the climax of a concert that begins with Copland’s showstopping fanfare and stars a real RSNO favourite, violinist Philippe Quint, in a violin concerto with a dazzling difference.

6.45pm Pre-concert talk

RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman

Fri 18 Dec 2026: 6.30pm

Karen Ní Bhroin Conductor

Hugh Dennis Presenter

RSNO Youth Chorus

RSNO Changed Voices

Join the RSNO this December for a special feast of Christmas cheer! This familyfriendly concert is packed full of your favourite sing-along carols and festive melodies, including Consider the Penguin and The Twelve Days of Christmas Plus, don’t miss the enchanting film The Snowman shown on the big screen, accompanied by the Orchestra and narrated by our special star guest, Hugh Dennis. It’s the perfect start to your Christmas!

Supported by

Tchaikovsky Five

Thu 15 Apr 2027: 7.30pm

Boulanger D’un matin de printemps (5’) Szymanowski Symphony No4 Symphonie concertante (24’)

Tchaikovsky Symphony No5 (47’)

Thomas Søndergård Conductor Vadym Kholodenko Piano

‘With desire and passion,’ wrote Tchaikovsky on the score of his Fifth Symphony. From its stirring opening to its triumphant finale, this is music that comes straight from the heart and speaks straight to the heart. Music Director Thomas Søndergård won’t hold back today, but first, Lili Boulanger captures the perfumes of a spring morning and Szymanowski scatters notes like jewels. Sounds gorgeous? Just wait until you hear it.

6.45pm Pre-concert talk

Sibelius One

Thu 6 May 2027: 7.30pm

Bonis Trois Femmes de légende (19’)

Berlioz La mort de Cléopâtre (21’)

Sibelius Symphony No1 (38’)

Edward Gardner Conductor

Beth Taylor Mezzo-soprano

Paul Whittaker BSL Performer

For the French composers Mel Bonis and Hector Berlioz, the great women of legend and literature were an endless source of inspiration, and tonight we’ll hear them come alive. Scotland’s international awardwinning mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor stars as the fearless queen of Egypt, before guest conductor Edward Gardner sweeps us off to Finland for the elemental power and glowing colours of Sibelius’ tempestuous First Symphony. Stirring stuff, performed with passion and style.

Beth Taylor’s residency is supported by George Ritchie

6.45pm Pre-concert talk

Video Games Music in Concert

Thu 3 Jun 2027: 7.30pm

Oscar Senén Conductor

RSNO Chorus

Stephen Doughty Director, RSNO Chorus

Game on! On computers, tablets and consoles all over the world, the symphony orchestra is the ultimate special effect. No bestselling 21st-century computer game is complete without a great soundtrack –and today we’re playing them, from Final Fantasy 7 and Halo to Skyrim and God of War. Experience the full, immersive sound of gaming, performed live by Scotland’s National Orchestra. Discover music in 3D: the adventure has never felt more real.

When more people have access to their national orchestra, our communities are stronger, our economy more resilient and our wellbeing improved. From the largest concert halls in Scotland’s major cities to the smallest village halls in our rural communities, the RSNO aims to reach more people and mean more to them –and you can help make that happen.

Join the RSNO Circle

Do you wish to support the Orchestra on a regular basis, hear behind-the-scenes news and attend open rehearsals? Join the RSNO Circle today and you can enjoy a closer connection with your orchestra. Find out more at rsno.org.uk/circle

Donate to our appeal

Our Every Child, Every Community appeal directly supports our work in musical education, from early years to young professionals. If you would like to support the next generation of young professionals, please donate at rsno.org.uk/every-child

Become a Patron

RSNO Patrons support the Orchestra by aligning their giving to a specific area of interest, from individual musicians and our Engagement activity through to new commissions and international touring. Being a Patron brings you closer to our community of supporters, with access to our members’ bar and exclusive events.

By becoming an RSNO Circle Member or Patron, donating to our appeal or leaving a gift in your Will, you are helping to keep Scotland’s National Orchestra on stage and in communities across the country.

To find out more, please contact polly.lightbody@rsno.org.uk

On every stage

We believe music enriches lives. That’s why you’ll find RSNO musicians out in your local community, across all 32 Scottish local authorities, delivering performances, workshops, participatory events and digital content 52 weeks of the year.

In 2025

18,000+ children enjoyed our live and digital schools content.

Our musicians engaged with people with long-term health conditions and life-limiting conditions through our partnerships with THAT, CHAS and Meeting Centres Scotland. 1,267 singers enjoyed the health and wellbeing benefits of singing in our range of choirs.

Our partnerships with Sistema Scotland, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Douglas Academy and St Mary’s Music School enabled young people to access unique performing opportunities with support from our musicians.

183,825 students across Scotland were able to watch RSNO content in their classrooms through music education platform Charanga.

Throughout 2025 we delivered nearly 300 activities reaching over 80,200 individuals.

RSNO Buggy Choir

A choir for parents and carers with young babies

Your world has just been turned upside down by a new arrival, you’re probably functioning on less sleep than you’d like and you’re not sure what day of the week it is! Now more than ever, it is essential that you devote a little time each week to yourself.

Bring your baby along and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of group singing with other new parents and carers in our Buggy Choir. Forget the nursery rhymes, the music we sing will be for the grown-ups in the room (although we’re sure the babies will enjoy listening too)!

Find out more at rsno.org.uk/buggy

Thank you

FUNDERS

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS

PRINCIPAL MEDIA PARTNER

Trust ScotRail to keep you moving to the music

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PARTNER

As the official transport partner of the RSNO, ScotRail ensures our musicians travel in comfort across the country while reducing the environmental impact of a busy touring schedule.

We recommend you make tracks for our concerts by taking the train. With convenient, fast and frequent services throughout Scotland and a wide range of great value fares, ScotRail has just the ticket for your next visit. The Caird Hall is just minutes from Dundee Station. Visit scotrail.co.uk to book tickets.

BROADCAST PARTNER

PARTNERS

Adelaide Place • Black Lives in Music • Charanga Children’s Classic Concerts

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland • Classic FM

Douglas Academy • Dundee Instrumental Music Service

Dundee Science Centre • Dunedin Consort • Edinburgh Zoo

Education Scotland • Fanzclub • Gig Buddies • GMAC Film

Heads of Instrumental Teaching Scotland • Hebrides Ensemble

Kibble • Luminate • Marine Conservation Society • MARSM

Meeting Centre Scotland • Music Education Partnership Group

ParentZone • The Pyramid at Anderston

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland • Scottish Book Trust

Scottish Chamber Orchestra • Scottish Refugee Council Sistema Scotland • St Mary’s Music School

Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust • Trees for Life University of Glasgow • V&A Dundee • Visible Fictions

With thanks to all RSNO Benefactors, Patrons, Circle Members and appeal donors for their support of the RSNO.

The RSNO’s work in Dundee and Tayside is kindly supported by the Northwood Charitable Trust, W M Sword Charitable Trust, R J Larg Family Trust, Leng Charitable Trust, Tay Charitable Trust, Lethendy Charitable Trust and Leisure & Culture Dundee Major Music Award.

Discounts

Patrons with disabilities

concerts for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of two free per adult. Additional children £6 each. Tickets to Festive/Pops concerts

concerts for free with their friends. Phone the Box Office or visit in person to book your tickets. Proof of age must be shown upon ticket collection, e.g. Young Scot card. Tickets to Festive/Pops concerts are 50% off for U18s. Offers may be limited for

Patrons with disabilities and their carers are entitled to 50% off full-price single tickets. Disabled concessions are not applicable to multibuy prices. The Caird Hall is accessible via the ramps from City Square. The lift to the balcony level is next to the ramp at the west door.

Additional needs

Visitors are encouraged to contact the Box Office in advance on 01382 434940 if they have any questions about access requirements.

Schools and youth groups

Free tickets to RSNO Classical concerts are available for schools and groups of young people aged 17 and under. Visit rsno.org.uk/groups for details on the concerts and how to book.*

or are in full-time education, you can purchase tickets to all RSNO Classical concerts for £6 in advance, or £8 after 5pm on the day of the concert.

Proof of age or valid full-time student card must

Great discounts for groups

Whether you’re organising a work night out or simply meeting up with friends and family, the RSNO has great discounts available for group bookers. Groups of 6-10 save 20% and groups of 11+ save 30% off full-price tickets. Book online or email groups@rsno.org.uk to reserve the best seats for your group. Discounts are subject to availability.

unemployment benefits you can purchase tickets to all RSNO Classical concerts for £6 each. Tickets to Festive/Pops concerts are 50% off.* Proof of

All discounts are subject to availability. The RSNO reserves the right to vary pricing at any time. The RSNO reserves the right to change performance details without prior notice, although we will always endeavour to notify patrons whenever possible. All details are correct at time of print 2 April 2026. We regret that no refunds can be issued except

* Seating restrictions may apply to some performances. Subject to availability.

When you purchase tickets to our concerts your personal details will be processed by the RSNO and

information about RSNO activities. We will collect and store your data safely and securely and may review it from time to time to ensure that it is accurate and up to date. We will not share your data with any other organisations (excluding approved data-processing partners working on our behalf, e.g. mailing houses).

To find out more please see our full Privacy Statement at rsno.org.uk/privacy

If you would like to change your contact preferences, update your details or withdraw from our marketing lists please let us know by writing to: The Database Manager, RSNO, 19 Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NX or emailing info@rsno.org.uk

Our concerts across Scotland

Season Opener: Mahler Six

EDN Fri 18 Sep 2026: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 19 Sep 2026: 7.30pm

RSNO Plays Lutosławski, Rota & Mozart

AYR Tue 22 Sep 2026: 11.30am

LNK Wed 23 Sep 2026: 11.30am

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert

EDN Fri 25 Sep 2026: 7pm

GLW Sat 26 Sep 2026: 7pm

Sonica Festival

Philip Glass: The Bowie Symphony (No4)

GLW Thu 1 Oct 2026: 7pm

Shostakovich Five

EDN Fri 2 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 3 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

Douglas Academy Showcase

GLW Sat 3 Oct 2026: 6pm

Chamber Series

RSNO String Sextet with Lawrence Power

GLW Sun 4 Oct 2026: 2.30pm

West Side Story

DND Thu 8 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

EDN Fri 9 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 10 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

Brahms’ Violin Concerto

ABN Thu 22 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

EDN Fri 23 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 24 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

NOV

Children’s Classic Concerts Creepy Carnival

GLW Sat 24 Oct 2026: 3pm

EDN Sun 25 Oct 2026: 3pm

Shostakovich Seven

EDN Fri 30 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 31 Oct 2026: 7.30pm

DND Sun 1 Nov 2026: 3pm

Verdi Requiem

EDN Fri 6 Nov 2026: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 7 Nov 2026: 7.30pm

Schumann’s Piano Concerto

ABN Thu 12 Nov 2026: 7.30pm

EDN Fri 13 Nov 2026: 7.30pm

Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No2

GLW Sat 14 Nov 2026: 7.30pm

DEC

Pictures at an Exhibition

PTH Wed 9 Dec 2026: 7pm

EDN Fri 11 Dec 2026: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 12 Dec 2026: 7.30pm

Children’s Classic Concerts Elf Academy

GLW Sat 12 Dec 2026: 1pm & 3pm

EDN Sun 13 Dec 2026: 3pm

Chamber Series Rafał Blechacz Piano Recital

GLW Sun 13 Dec 2026: 2.30pm

RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman

ABN Thu 17 Dec 2026: 6.30pm

DND Fri 18 Dec 2026: 6.30pm

GLW Sat 19 Dec 2026: 2pm & 6pm

EDN Sun 20 Dec 2026: 2.30pm

JAN

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in Concert

EDN Tue 22 Dec 2026: 7pm

GLW Wed 23 Dec 2026: 7pm

Handel’s Messiah

GLW Sat 2 Jan 2027: 3pm

Viennese Gala

DNF Sun 3 Jan 2027: 3pm

LNG Thu 7 Jan 2027: 7.30pm

GNK Fri 8 Jan 2027: 7.30pm

PTH Sat 9 Jan 2027: 7pm

INV Sun 10 Jan 2027: 3pm

FEB

Chamber Series RSNO Trombone Quartet & RSNO Youth Chorus

GLW Sun 7 Feb 2027: 2.30pm

Romantic Valentine’s Grieg’s Piano Concerto

EDN Fri 12 Feb 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 13 Feb 2027: 7.30pm

INV Sun 14 Feb 2027: 3.30pm

Beethoven Five

PTH Thu 18 Feb 2027: 7pm

EDN Fri 19 Feb 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 20 Feb 2027: 7.30pm

All Together Now Showcase

GLW Sat 20 Feb 2027: 6.15pm

RSNO Plays Moussa & Beethoven

CMK Tue 23 Feb 2027: 11.30am

HMN Wed 24 Feb 2027: 11.30am

How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert

EDN Fri 26 Feb 2027: 7pm

GLW Sat 27 Feb 2027: 7pm

MAR

Coldplay vs Queen

EDN Fri 5 Mar 2027: 7.30pm

A Celebration of Steve Reich

GLW Sat 6 Mar 2027: 7.30pm

Chamber Series

Colin Currie: The Inspiration of Reich

GLW Sun 7 Mar 2027: 2.30pm

Carmina Burana

EDN Fri 12 Mar 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 13 Mar 2027: 7.30pm

The Music of John Williams

EDN Fri 19 Mar 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 20 Mar 2027: 7.30pm

RSNO Plays

Bacewicz, Panufnik & Mozart

GNK Tue 23 Mar 2027: 11.30am

STG Wed 24 Mar 2027: 11.30am

APR

Tchaikovsky Five

DND Thu 15 Apr 2027: 7.30pm

Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé

EDN Fri 16 Apr 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 17 Apr 2027: 7.30pm

Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring

EDN Fri 23 Apr 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 24 Apr 2027: 7.30pm

RSNO Plays Grieg

ADR Tue 27 Apr 2027: 11.30am

HDN Wed 28 Apr 2027: 11.30am

MAY

Chamber Series

RSNO Wind Dectet Plays Brahms

GLW Sun 2 May 2027: 2.30pm

Sibelius One

DND Thu 6 May 2027: 7.30pm

EDN Fri 7 May 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 8 May 2027: 7.30pm

Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony

ABN Thu 13 May 2027: 7.30pm

EDN Fri 14 May 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 15 May 2027: 7.30pm

St Mary’s Music School Showcase

EDN Fri 14 May 2027: 6pm

Chamber Series

Beth Taylor Recital: L’heure exquise

GLW Sun 16 May 2027: 2.30pm

Season Finale: Mahler Three

EDN Fri 21 May 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 22 May 2027: 7.30pm

JUN

Video Games

Music in Concert

DND Thu 3 Jun 2027: 7.30pm

EDN Fri 4 Jun 2027: 7.30pm

GLW Sat 5 Jun 2027: 7.30pm

Chorus Jamboree

GLW Sun 6 Jun 2027: 3pm

RSNO at the Movies

Series RSNO Comes to Play

ABN Aberdeen

ADR Airdrie

AYR Ayr

CMK Cumnock

DND Dundee

DNF Dunfermline

EDN Edinburgh

GLW Glasgow

GNK Greenock

HDN Haddington

HMN Hamilton

INV Inverness

LNG Langholm

LNK Lanark

PTH Perth

STG Stirling Book online at

Book online at rsno.org.uk

Illustrations © Eri Griffin

Eri Griffin is an award-winning artist based in Edinburgh. Specialising in ink, she creates distinctive black and white pen-and-ink illustrations for UK and international clients. Eri infuses emotions and movement into each piece using minimalistic yet expressive lines, capturing the world through ink.

erigripug

Cover illustration:

Betsy Taylor, Associate Principal Cello

Supported by The Maxwell Armstrong Chair

RSNO photography

© Leighanne Evelyn

© Sally Jubb

© Martin Shields

© Erika Stevenson

All details correct at time of print

19 Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NX +44 (0)141 226 3868 rsno.org.uk

Scottish Company No 27809

Scottish Charity No SC010702

The RSNO is supported by the Scottish Government