SCO and RSNO Return to Aberdeen in 2025/26 with Brand-new Concert Series Posted Thu 24 April 2025
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) and Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) collaborate once again for the 2025/26 Aberdeen Concert Series which will include nine captivating concerts from the two orchestras.
- Three superlative pianists take to Aberdeen’s Music Hall stage with RSNO and SCO
- Innovative programming from SCO and RSNO with Dreamers’ Circus and Frank Dupree Trio
- SCO Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev premieres Widmann’s homage to Schumann
- RSNO and SCO festive favourites return to Aberdeen
Three superlative pianists take to Aberdeen Music Hall’s stage
The Aberdeen Concert Series 2025/26 begins with extraordinary South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son who triumphs over not one, but two Mozart piano concertos which are billed alongside Webern’s fascinating Symphony. Pianist Makoto Ozone and conductor Kevin John Edusei join the RSNO in February for a romantic Valentine’s concert with music from Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. Hosted by Gillian Moore, audiences will be guided through the music for a thought-provoking and emotional evening. Rounding off the RSNO’s 2025/26 offering in Aberdeen is Sir Stephen Hough with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.1. Under the baton of John Wilson, audiences will also hear music by Ravel and Vaughan Williams alongside a special side-by-side performance from the young musicians from Big Noise Torry.
Innovative programming from SCO and RSNO with Dreamers’ Circus and Frank Dupree Trio
Blending classical with jazz, RSNO Principal Guest Conductor Patrick Hahn is joined by the Frank Dupree Trio in a concert with a twist. Swapping podium for piano, Hahn performs Antheil’s A Jazz Symphony before Dupree takes over the keys for Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Aberdeen audiences receive another symphonic synthesis as Beethoven’s Seventh is interspersed with folk tunes. SCO joins forces with the Danish/Swedish trio Dreamers’ Circus for a fusion of classical and folk music from the brilliant mind of conductor and violinist Pekka Kuusisto.
SCO Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev premieres Widmann’s homage to Schumann
Following the success of their performances at the 2021 BBC Proms, Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev and the SCO take on Mozart’s Symphonies No.39, No.40 and No.41 in one mammoth concert at the end of January. Drawing the Aberdeen Concert Series 2025/26 to a close in May is SCO’s own Principal Cello Philip Higham with Emelyanychev. The concert features the UK Premiere of Jörg Widmann’s Albumblätter, an homage to Schumann whose Cello Concerto will also be performed by Higham.
RSNO and SCO festive favourites return to Aberdeen
The RSNO celebrates the festive season in December with a Christmas concert which features the enduringly popular animated film The Snowman, this year narrated by comedian Josie Long. The SCO brings in the New Year with a traditional Viennese celebration under the baton of Andrew Manze and featuring soprano Rachel Redmond.
RSNO Chief Executive Alistair Mackie said
‘It’s a pleasure to continue our longstanding partnership with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for the 2025/26 Aberdeen Concert Series which features lots of brilliant musicians and repertoire. In November, our dedicated Aberdeen audiences will be introduced to Principal Guest Conductor Patrick Hahn who makes his Music Hall debut. The RSNO’s relationship with Sistema Scotland goes from strength to strength with the young musicians from Big Noise Torry performing alongside the Orchestra and conductor John Wilson in April. We are excited to return to Aberdeen for what is set to fantastic Season.’
SCO Chief Executive Gavin Reid LVO said
‘We’re thrilled to announce the new Aberdeen Concert Series, continuing our collaboration with esteemed partners, the RSNO and Aberdeen Music Hall. The SCO is delighted to present a rich and varied selection of concerts for the 2025-26 Aberdeen Season: from Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev leading performances of Mozart’s Last Three Symphonies to our delightful Viennese New Year concert, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the Season.’
Aberdeen Concert Series subscriptions (3 or more concerts) are available to purchase from Thursday 24 April 2025. Tickets for individual concerts go on sale from Monday 12 May 2025. Booking online at www.rsno.org.uk.
