Scottish Chamber Orchestra announces its annual Summer Tour, bringing world-class music to venues across Scotland
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra today announces its annual Summer Tour, from 11 June – 29 August 2025, bringing together a host of exceptional conductors and soloists to present world-class, live classical music to 20 remote Scottish locations. From Kames in the West to Golspie in the North, the SCO Summer Tour aims to build relationships with local communities, put SCO musicians centre-stage and bring world-class concerts to audiences who might otherwise not be able to experience them.
The 2024/25 Season marks Jay Capperauld’s second year as SCO Associate Composer. Following a season that included the world premiere of Bruckner’s Skull and performances of three other works, the SCO will perform two newly commissioned pieces by Jay during the Summer Tour, including his Wind Dectet Carmina Gadelica.
Gavin Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra: “As we look ahead to summer 2025, we look forward to hitting the road once again and bringing the SCO’s music to communities across Scotland. With our world-class musicians and a dynamic programme that truly showcases the depth of our orchestra, this tour promises to offer something for everyone. Whether it's your first concert or you're a long-time supporter, we can’t wait to share the joy of live music with you all."
The full orchestra presents four programmes as part of the Summer Tour:
The SCO’s Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze takes the Orchestra to Stirling (26 June), Dunoon (27 June), and Hawick (28 June) for a concert of timeless melodies including Larsson’s Pastoral Suite, Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto with SCO’s very own Cerys Ambrose-Evans as soloist and concluding with Schubert’s Symphony No. 6.
Conductor Jakob Lehmann and SCO Principal Clarinettist Maximiliano Martín lead a romantic programme in Airdrie (27 August), Blair Atholl (28 August), and Inverness (29 August). The programme includes Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville, Spohr’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-flat, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 2 in B-flat
Conductor Adam Hickox leads a French Romantic programme with SCO Principal Flautist André Cebrián placing his instrument firmly in the spotlight. Touring to Kingussie (19 June), Golspie (20 June), and Findhorn (21 June). The programme features Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, Ibert’s Flute concerto, as well as Schubert’s Symphony No. 5.
Conductor Jonathan Bloxham takes the Orchestra to Hamilton (17 July), Castle Douglas (18 July), and Ayr (19 July) with a programme showcasing the Orchestra’s versatility and artistry. The concert features the world premiere of Rewired, a dynamic new concerto for soprano saxophone and chamber orchestra written by SCO Associate Composer Jay Capperauld, with Lewis Banks as soloist. The programme also includes symphonies by Haydn and Beethoven.
The SCO’s musicians are celebrated throughout the Summer Tour:
The SCO Wind Soloists visit Kames (11 June), Kilmelford (12 June), Crianlarich (13 June) and Gartmore (14 June) with an intimate programme, featuring Carmina Gadelica, a vibrant new dectet by SCO Associate Composer Jay Capperauld, who takes inspiration from Gaelic hymns, incantations and songs in his striking new work.
The SCO Strings directed by Stephanie Gonley embark on a Summer Serenade which takes audiences on a journey through vibrant rhythms, tender romance and timeless beauty, with works including minatures from Coleridge-Taylor’s Novelletten and Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. Sibelius’s Rakastava (The Lover) and Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings round off performances in Brechin (12 June), Fochabers (13 June), and Fortrose (14 June).
Also over the summer period, the SCO takes to the stage at the East Neuk Festival for the Opening Concert (25 June). SCO Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze leads the celebrations with The East Neuk of Fife, followed by guitarist Sean Shibe performing Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, perhaps the most famous piece ever written for guitar, before closing the concert with Schubert’s joyful Symphony No 6.