Scotland’s national orchestras launched this year’s Perth Concert Series with a reminder of their commitment to free or reduced-price tickets for young people.
Exclusive to Perth Concert Hall, the Perth Concert Series is the only concert platform dedicated to showcasing Scotland’s three leading orchestras.
This year, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra along with Horsecross Arts and supported by The Gannochy Trust are offering free tickets to 18 and unders for every concert in this year’s Perth Concert Series* and £6 tickets for under 26s, students and Young Scot cardholders.
The season opens on Wednesday 25 September with 2019 International Classical Music Awards Artist of the Year Javier Perianes performing Beethoven, Dvořák and Brahms with Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Further highlights include music by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Mahler and a guest appearance by Scottish pianist Steven Osborne. In addition, there will be performances by Sheku Kanneh-Mason and The Cassado Ensemble, guitarist Miloš Karadaglić and the Siberian Symphony Orchestra. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will waltz audiences into the New Year with the annual Viennese Gala and John Suchet will join them to host top hits from Classic FM’s Hall of Fame. Family concerts include the RSNO Christmas concert featuring The Snowman on the big screen and Stan and Mabel and the Race for Space with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in February.
James Waters, creative director for classical music for Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation and charity behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre said:
“Perth Concert Hall is thrilled to host the launch of the 2019-2020 Perth Concert Season. Supported by The Gannochy Trust the season is at the heart of our classical programme and the unique partnership between the BBCSSO, the SCO, the RSNO and Horsecross Arts ensures that Perth audiences experience the very best of orchestral music.
“By offering free tickets to 18 and unders, we are opening our doors to a future generation of concert lovers. We would urge young people to give it a go. They may not think they like classical music, but they will find that it underscores much of their lives, from films and TV to video games and adverts. The benefits of even a short period of musical relaxation to mental health are well-documented, so we reckon this offer will come into its own during exam time!”
Gavin Reid, chief executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra said:
“The Scottish Chamber Orchestra prides itself on making its performances of great music as accessible as possible to as many people as possible. So I’m delighted that the Perth Concert Series, which is generously supported by The Gannochy Trust, features free tickets for all those aged 18 and under and £6 tickets for under 26s and students, meaning that more young people in Perth and Kinross will have the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of live music, performed by world-class musicians.”
Alistair Mackie, chief executive of RSNO said:
“The RSNO is proud to be part of a strong team of organisations working to bring excellent classical music to the Perth Concert Series, and we are so thankful to the generous support of The Gannochy Trust to make this possible. We are thrilled that internationally acclaimed pianist Steven Osborne will be back with us in November for what is not only the RSNO’s first season concert in Perth, but also Steven’s first concert as our artist-in-residence for 2019-20. This really is a special time to be part of this launch and we are already looking forward to coming back complete with our Music Director Thomas Søndergård to conduct that thrilling evening of music.”
Dominic Parker, director BBC SSO, said:
“The BBC SSO is very pleased to be a long-standing member of the Perth Concert Series. Our players love performing at the concert hall, and we are dedicated to introducing bold and exciting music to all ages – from regular concertgoers to children and families who may be hearing an orchestra for the first time.”
18 and unders can also go free to Perth Piano Sundays and Lunchtime Concerts in Perth Concert Hall. For tickets and info visit www.horsecross.co.uk or call Horsecross Arts Box Office on 01738 621031.
Monday 16 September 2019
*Excludes family concerts