The RSNO and Sinfonia Smith Square announce new partnership Posted Tue 29 September 2026
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and Sinfonia Smith Square are pleased to announce a new partnership, giving emerging orchestral musicians the chance to perform alongside and learn from seasoned professionals.
Sinfonia Smith Square will join the RSNO at its Shostakovich Seven concerts at the end of October under the baton of Bassem Akiki, allowing the Sinfonia’s musicians to gain industry insight and musical guidance from RSNO players. The organisations look forward to further collaboration in 2027, bringing Sinfonia Smith Square’s early-career musicians to Scotland as the orchestra prepares for its time on the road during the renovation of its London home, Smith Square Hall.
Testament to the quality of the Sinfonia Smith Square’s Fellowship programme and the calibre of its musicians, several alumni are now full members of the RSNO including founding member of the Sinfonia, Principal Oboe Adrian Wilson, as well as First Violin Veronica Marziano and Double Bass Alexandre Cruz dos Santos.
Reflecting on the partnership, Principal Oboe Adrian Wilson said: ‘I’m really excited for this collaboration between the RSNO and members of Sinfonia Smith Square, who will be joining us for our Shostakovich Seven concerts! Having been a founding member of its previous incarnation (South Bank Sinfonia), I fully recognise the tremendous importance and value this orchestral academy brings, bridging the gap between educational and professional experience.’
Sinfonia Smith Square Artistic Director Toby Chadd said: ‘For our players, the chance to sit alongside RSNO musicians and share the stage with them is invaluable. They’ll gain experience of performing within an established orchestra and build on the skills they’re developing through the Fellowship programme. Sinfonia Smith Square and RSNO share a commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and helping shape the future of orchestral music, and we look forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring for our players in Scotland.’
With thanks to the Solti Foundation for their continued support of both organisations and for facilitating this fruitful partnership.