Paintings created for partnership between RSNO and artist Gerard M Burns go on show Posted Wed 27 March 2024
Yesterday, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and artist Gerard M Burns gathered with key supporters to officially unveil Anthem (A Portrait of Music) in its new home in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The group was also joined by children from Saint Anne’s Primary School who feature in the paintings.
The three paintings are the culmination of a collaboration which took place during the RSNO’s 2022:23 Concert Season giving Burns unrestricted backstage and concert access to the RSNO’s performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. Anthem (A Portrait of Music) was first revealed at the RSNO’s Midsummer Ball in June 2023 where the Orchestra launched its fundraising campaign auctioning the work for public exhibition, helping to raise over £100,000 to support the Orchestra’s work both on and off the stage.
Speaking on Anthem (A Portrait of Music) Gerard M Burns said: “My hope is that these paintings will now go on to have a life of their own and will allow people to gain a new insight into this incredible piece of music, and more importantly the work of this wonderful orchestra.”
Burns’ triptych is now on show at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to view for free. Readers can find out more about the project and how to get involved at: rsno.org.uk/a-portrait-of-music/, including an interview with Burns discussing the process and his relationship with the RSNO.
The RSNO sincerely thanks all the donors who supported the Anthem (A Portrait of Music) Project, especially Dame Susan and Mr John Bruce, Mr and Mrs Pierre and Alison Girard, Ms Chris Grace Hartness, and Captain Iain Macneil and Mrs Kat Heathcote.
