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A Harmonious Year: RSNO's Musical Journey from Choral Masterpieces to Festive Celebrations
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) is set to present an exciting lineup of events for the 2025-2026 season, featuring a diverse array of choral masterpieces, film concerts, and festive celebrations. From the contemplative choral works of Poulenc and Mozart to the cinematic scores of John Williams and Hans Zimmer, the RSNO promises an unforgettable musical experience. With performances by acclaimed artists like Polly Beck, Ben Palmer, and Rushil Ranjan, audiences will be treated to a blend of classical and contemporary sounds, ensuring each event is a unique celebration of musical artistry.
May 25, 2025
Share1. RSNO Chorus in Concert
In this exclusive concert, RSNO Chorus presents a glorious concert of 20th-century choral works. Poulenc’s Gloria is one of contrasts; he said while composing, ‘I had in mind some solemn-looking Benedictine monks that I saw playing football one day’. Alongside soprano Polly Beck, the Chorus will take you through the ebbs and flows of this celebrated work. Concluding with the illuminating sounds of Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, this evening will leave you in the warm embrace of a hundred voices.
Sep 20, 2025
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
St. Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow
2. Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor
Some say that Mozart wrote his C minor Mass in fulfilment of a vow; others say that it’s even greater than his famous Requiem. But everyone who hears it agrees that it’s one of the mightiest and most moving of choral masterpieces. A superb team of solo singers join the RSNO and its Chorus, and the RSNO’s Principal Trumpet Christopher Hart takes the spotlight in the delightful concerto by Mozart’s closest musical friend – Joseph Haydn.
28 - 29 Nov, 2025
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall + 1 other locations
3. Home Alone in Concert
A true Christmas favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by Scotland’s National Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Academy Award®-nominated for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, Home Alone is hilarious, heart-warming festive fun for the entire family!
12 - 13 Dec, 2025
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall + 1 other locations
4. A Festive Celebration
No music says ‘it’s Christmas’ quite like the bright shining sound of a brass ensemble – unless it’s carols from a choir in full, joyous, festive voice. Put the two together and the result is an afternoon of seasonal magic! Join the RSNO’s Brass Ensemble and Chorus Academy this December for a celebration of some of your favourite festive melodies.
Dec 14, 2025
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
5. RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman
Join the RSNO this December for a special feast of Christmas cheer! This family-friendly concert is packed full of your favourite sing-along carols and festive melodies, including Consider the Penguin and Schneewalzer. Plus, don’t miss the enchanting film The Snowman shown on the big screen, accompanied by the Orchestra and narrated by our star guest, comedian Josie Long. It’s the perfect start to your Christmas!
17 - 20 Dec, 2025
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall + 3 other locations
6. Handel’s Messiah
Hallelujah! Celebrate the New Year with the RSNO’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Laurence Cummings directs an all-star cast alongside the RSNO and its mighty Chorus. From For Unto Us a Child is Born to the unforgettable Hallelujah Chorus, enjoy all the glory and joy of this truly timeless masterpiece.
Jan 2, 2026
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
7. RSNO Chorus All-Night Vigil
Luminous, serene, and rooted in a profound and quiet faith, Rachmaninov’s Vespers were the composition that he loved the most. They gave their composer “an hour of the most complete satisfaction”, and every performance creates a quite unmistakable atmosphere. For RSNO Chorus director Stephen Doughty it’s a labour of love; his is music that glows in the dark, and in the beautiful surroundings of a historic church, it should speak straight to the heart – and soul.
6 - 7 Mar, 2026
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh + 1 other locations
8. Gladiator in Concert
Presented in association with CineConcerts, enjoy sword-and-sandals epic Gladiator like you’ve never experienced it before! Relive the legendary and five-time Academy Award®-winning film on the big screen, with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Chorus performing Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s Golden Globe-winning score live on stage.
13 - 14 Mar, 2026
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall + 1 other locations
9. Orchestral Qawwali Project
The Orchestral Qawwali Project joins the musicians of the RSNO and RSNO Chorus for a special one-off show. Created and led by critically acclaimed composer Rushil Ranjan and renowned singer Abi Sampa, the project breathes new life into centuries-old traditions, reframing the spiritual rapture of Sufi music through Rushil’s rich orchestral scores, blending Western classical with South Asian music and Indian classical dance. Within just three years of its founding, the ensemble has performed several sell-out shows, including the Royal Albert Hall in 2024, following which the RAH appointed Rushil and Abi as its new Associate Artists.
Apr 30, 2026
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
10. Season Finale: Ode to Joy
With its unforgettable Ode to Joy, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is always a special occasion – a glorious way to end any concert season. Tonight, Principal Guest Conductor Patrick Hahn makes it the climax of a very special (and distinctly Scottish) celebration; starting with Mendelssohn’s Hebridean journey and pausing for a song or three with Sir James MacMillan and Scottish star, mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill. As Beethoven himself put it: here’s a kiss for all the world!
12 - 13 Jun, 2026
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall + 1 other locations
Conclusion
The RSNO's 2025-2026 season is a celebration of musical artistry, diversity, and tradition. From choral masterpieces and film concerts to festive celebrations, the RSNO offers a rich tapestry of performances that cater to a wide range of musical tastes. With renowned artists and composers at the helm, audiences are invited to embark on a journey filled with emotional depth, cultural exploration, and joyous celebration. This season promises not only to entertain but also to inspire and engage, making it a remarkable chapter in the RSNO's illustrious history.
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