Notes from Scotland is an exciting composition opportunity for young, budding composers aged 12–18 run in partnership with The National Trust for Scotland. Composers are invited to write a two- to five-minute piece of music for an instrumental trio, quartet or quintet of their choice based on the theme provided.
Sixteen-year-old Alexander Papp was the winner of the 2017 Notes from Scotland. Following the closing date for entries, four works were chosen to be performed by an RSNO ensemble at the RSNO Centre in front of a panel of judges including Scottish composers Jennifer Martin and Oliver Searle. Alexander received an iPad Pro with music software packages included, as well as VIP access to future RSNO concerts. The theme for the competition was taken from Scotland’s outstanding landmarks; Culzean Castle, Ayrshire; Glen Coe, The Highlands; Hill House, Argyll and Bute; Newhailes, Edinburgh, and House of Dun, Angus.