Scotland’s National Orchestra announces new free tour as part of its flagship educational initiative Posted Tue 22 September 2026
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has launched Yoyo & The Broken Xylophone in partnership with Visible Fictions. This latest chapter in the RSNO’s innovative early years project includes free-to-access educational resources and live concert experiences.
Storytelling and music-making play an integral role in the development of early years literacy skills. Created in partnership with Visible Fictions, the animated short film of Yoyo & The Broken Xylophone introduces nursery to primary 3 pupils to the magic of classical music in a fun, relaxed way.
Featuring Euan Stevenson’s bespoke score performed by Scotland’s National Orchestra, Yoyo & The Broken Xylophone tells the story of Yoyo as she sets out to learn a new skill for the local talent show. Settling on the xylophone, we see a determined and curious Yoyo working hard to master her new instrument, highlighting the importance of practice, determination and stepping out of your comfort zone. Written by Stewart Ennis, animated by Gavin C Robinson and directed by Dougie Irvine, the story is narrated by Scottish actor Jo Cameron Brown.
Touring across the country, the RSNO will take Yoyo & The Broken Xylophone to concert halls in Perth, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Filling the seats will be Scotland’s youngest audiences who will attend the concerts entirely free of charge. For those that can’t make the journey to the concert halls, the RSNO is piloting Concert in a Classroom, bringing the experience of a full symphony orchestra performance directly into classrooms nationwide via livestream.
Alongside a suite of educational resources for teachers, the project includes interactive, livestreamed workshops, and a further tour later in 2027. Teachers can sign up for free access to Yoyo & The Broken Xylophone and apply for concert tickets at rsno.org.uk/yoyo-broken-xylophone/
RSNO Director of Engagement Andy Stevenson said: ‘Over the last few years at the RSNO, we’ve been working extensively with teachers across Scotland, supporting them in teaching music and the wider Expressive Arts. The RSNO’s Schools Programme is built in response to ongoing evaluation from teachers across Scotland and in consultation with our Schools Advisory Group to ensure relevance and accessibility. It’s a pleasure to working with Visible Fictions again and to be launching this latest episode in our Schools Programme. We are placing classical music at the heart of our education work and look forward to continuing to support pupil and teacher learning.’
Visible Fictions Artistic Director Dougie Irvine said: ‘Visible Fictions is delighted to be working again with the RSNO on this far-reaching project. Bringing storytelling, animation and orchestral music together in our Yoyo tales has been a magical experience. Thousands of young people across Scotland have been able to access this work for free and to be able to continue this legacy is an achievement we, as a company, are very proud of.’
Yoyo & The Broken Xylophone Live Performance dates:
- Perth Concert Hall: Thursday 28 January 2027, 1pm
- Caird Hall, Dundee: Monday 1 February, 1pm
- Usher Hall, Edinburgh: Tuesday 2 February, 1pm
- Glasgow Royal Concert Hall: Wednesday 3 February, 11am and 1pm
- Concert in a Classroom: Thursday 4 February, 11am
The RSNO’s Schools Programme delivers free access to world-leading musical experiences to over 40,000 children across Scotland, regardless of background, location or circumstance, addressing critical gaps in Scotland’s music education provision. For more information about the RSNO’s education work, please visit rsno.org.uk/join-in/.