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.

RSNO Chorus in Concert

St. Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow

Snippets of folk like tunes weave together in Holst's kaleidoscopic Capriccio, and taking an equally central role in Stravinsky's Symphonies of Wind Instruments are the Russian folk elements and original meaning of 'symphony', that of sounding together. Short litanies between the different instruments draw together contrasting episodes at three different but still related speeds.

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BBC NOW - Expressions of Folk

Brangwyn Hall

Snippets of folk-like tunes weave together in Holst’s kaleidoscopic Capriccio, and taking an equally central role in Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments are the Russian folk elements and original meaning of ‘symphony’, that of sounding together. Short litanies between the different instruments draw together contrasting episodes at three different but still related speeds.

Expressions of Folk

Wales Millennium Centre

The Festive Overture is exactly that: a sprightly, light-touch of a piece composed in only three days. MacMillan’s orchestral music is sometimes likened to Shostakovich’s. His new Concerto, with its dark colours and folk-like melodies, sits well between two of the Russian composer’s works. The darkness is dispelled at the end, concluding with great serenity.

London Symphony Orchestra/Gianandrea Noseda

Barbican Centre

Nielsen conjures up a sun rising from the darkness in his Helios Overture, lighting up the sparkling Aegean sea. At the end of the day, the sun – and the music – sinks below the horizon.

James MacMillan has explored the concerto in many forms – from saxophone to organ to percussion . The prospect of a brand new work, this time placing the whole orchestra in the spotlight, is truly exciting.

London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Antonio Pappano

Kicking off the series is BBC NOW’s Composer-in-Association, Gavin Higgins, with the concerts world premiere, his Sarabande, before we turn to the exciting multi-award-winning Chinese American composer Tan Dun and his Three Muses in Video Game. This trombone concerto pays tribute to gaming music, whilst reflecting the traditional music of China - with its movements named after ancient Chinese instruments these distinctive sounds are the muse for orchestra and soloist alike. To perform we’re delighted to welcome Jrgen van Rijen, who also gave the works world premiere.

Bbc Now - Now!

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!

Ode to Joy

Usher Hall

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! 

Sir James MacMillan

Events

Upcoming events

Jun 12, 2026

Ode to Joy · Usher Hall

12 - 13 Jun, 2026

Season Finale: Ode to Joy · Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Past events

Sep 20, 2025

RSNO Chorus in Concert · Royal Scottish National Orchestra

May 2, 2025

BBC NOW - Expressions of Folk · Brangwyn Hall

About

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