RSNO RELEASES NEW SHORT FILM WITH AWARD-WINNING PIANIST ETHAN LOCH Posted Thu 2 October 2025
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) releases a new animated film set to Gershwin’s ever-popular Rhapsody in Blue recorded by John Mather Rising Star Award 2025 winner, pianist Ethan Loch.
Together with RSNO Engagement Conductor Ellie Slorach, Scottish-born pianist Ethan Loch worked to ensure the recording of Rhapsody in Blue was synchronised exactly with the animated film – a particular challenge for Loch who has been blind since birth. The artistic duo devised a technique which involved Slorach taking sharp, audible breaths to keep the pianist in time and Loch was talked through the animation in detail to help him capture the qualities of the various creatures.
The 2D animated short film, Ballet of the Blue, explores the Scottish seas and follows the friendly giant, the basking shark, through its underwater kingdom meeting kelp, fish, lobster and other inhabitants. A bespoke creation by Edinburgh production studio EYEBOLLS, the animation was originally part of the RSNO’s Schools Programme, Sounds of the Deep, which toured around Scotland earlier this year and reached over 8,000 school pupils.
Pianist Ethan Loch said: ‘This was a fascinating project and it really opened my eyes, so to speak, about what’s going on with the animation on the screen. I feel like I really got to experience what it’s like for a sighted person to see a movie. That blend of visual and musical elements really helped me connect with the piece. Everyone at RSNO was fantastic and the whole process was a delight.’
Co-founder and Executive Producer at EYEBOLLS Rhona Drummond said: ‘It was a joy for Eyebolls to team up with RSNO on this project. Fusing the arts with such inspiring talent always creates something truly special.’
The John Mather Trust Rising Star Award supports young people reach their full potential and achieve their career goals across a range of sectors. Previous award winners include emerging composer Jay Capperauld who has worked extensively with the RSNO over the years.
Head to rsno.org.uk/ballet-of-the-blue to watch Ballet of the Blue and Creating Ballet of the Blue, an interview with Ethan Loch about the recording process. Ethan Loch will perform Rhapsody in Blue as part of the RSNO’s Concert Season on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March 2026, book now at rsno.org.uk/ethan-loch-plays-gershwin/