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.

A Harmonious Year: RSNO's Musical Journey from Choral Masterpieces to Festive Celebrations

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) is set to offer an eclectic and rich concert season, featuring choral masterworks, cinematic experiences, and cross-cultural musical fusion. From Rachmaninov's beloved Vespers to the epic soundscapes of 'Gladiator,' and the soul-stirring Orchestral Qawwali Project, this season promises a delightful auditory experience. Topping it all off is a grand finale with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation for music lovers.

A Harmonious Journey: RSNO's Diverse and Captivating Concert Season

Step into a world where music transcends its traditional boundaries with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, as they present a captivating series of musical events. From Rachmaninov’s Vespers to the timeless Gladiator soundtrack, these performances promise to be unforgettable. Experience the rich blend of orchestral and Sufi music in the Orchestral Qawwali Project, and revel in the grandeur of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony during the Season Finale. Each event is a unique tapestry woven with cultural richness and artistic excellence.

A Symphony of Sounds: Exploring RSNO's Spectacular Musical Events

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.

Handel’s Messiah

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

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! 

RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman

Music Hall, Aberdeen

Caird Hall

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

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. 

A Festive Celebration

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!

Home Alone in Concert

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. 

Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor

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

Passion, drink and roasted swans – choral music isn’t meant to be this much fun! But the medieval monks who wrote the words to Carmina Burana didn’t seem to have been that bothered. Expect great tunes, unstoppable rhythms and some thoroughly bad behavior from Orff’s outrageous piece. Plus, we begin the evening with a playful cello concerto featuring the nonsense verse of Edward Lear, reimagined by Elena Langer and RSNO Principal Cellist Pei-Jee Ng.

RSNO Season 24-25: Carmina Burana

Usher Hall

Experience the monumental power of Mahler's Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection," with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) under the baton of Music Director Thomas Søndergård. This awe-inspiring performance promises to take you on a journey from the depths of despair to the heights of jubilation, featuring the super-sized RSNO and the massed voices of the RSNO Chorus. 

Join us at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Friday, 4 October 2024, at 7:30 pm, or at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, on Saturday, 5 October 2024, at 7:30 pm, for a musical experience that explores the themes of life, death, and rebirth like no other. The concert will showcase the talents of soprano Julie Roset and mezzo-soprano Linda Watson, alongside the RSNO Chorus directed by Stephen Doughty, with Paul Whittaker providing BSL interpretation.

Don't miss this spectacular opening to our concert season, where Mahler's masterpiece will be brought to life in a performance filled with heavenly and hellish visions, joyous melodies, and triumphant choruses. Tickets are available now, with discounts for under 18s, under 26s, mature students, unemployed patrons, patrons with disabilities, and groups. Book your seats today for an unforgettable evening of music that promises to lift your heart and stir your soul.

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Mahler Two

The Usher Hall

Buchanan Galleries

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Berlioz's "Grande Messe des Morts" with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) under the baton of Music Director Thomas Søndergård. This monumental concert event promises to be one of Scotland's musical highlights of the year, featuring a colossal ensemble that includes a gigantic orchestra, a mighty chorus, four brass bands, and a team of opera singers. 

Join us for two unforgettable evenings of awe-inspiring music. The first performance will take place at Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Friday, 14 June 2024, at 7:30 pm, followed by a second performance at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, on Saturday, 15 June 2024, at 7:30 pm. 

The concert will showcase the talents of tenor Magnus Walker and the RSNO Chorus, directed by Stephen Doughty, alongside the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Voices and Musicians. 

Before the concert, attendees will have the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the music with a pre-concert talk by RSNO Chorus Director Stephen Doughty, free to ticket holders. This talk will take place at 6:45 pm in the Upper Circle Bar in Edinburgh and the Clyde Foyer in Glasgow.

Tickets are available for purchase, with discounts available for under 18s, under 26s, mature students, unemployed patrons, and patrons with disabilities. Don't miss this grand event that promises to be a highlight of Scotland's musical calendar.

Berlioz Grande Messe

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.

RSNO Chorus All-Night Vigil

Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh

St Aloysius' Church, Garnethill

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.

Gladiator in Concert

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.

Orchestral Qawwali Project

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! 

RSNO Chorus

6 - 7 Mar, 2026

RSNO Chorus All-Night Vigil

13 - 14 Mar, 2026

Gladiator in Concert

Apr 30, 2026

Orchestral Qawwali Project

12 - 13 Jun, 2026

Season Finale: Ode to Joy

Jan 2, 2026

Handel’s Messiah

17 - 20 Dec, 2025

RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman

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