Enrico Chapela’s Electric Violin Concerto

The evening opens with Arvo Pärt’s Swansong, a piece we expect will offer the composer’s signature stillness and meditative orchestral textures. This provides a quiet baseline before the arrival of Enrico Chapela’s Antiphaser. In this concerto, you will hear the electric violin take centre stage, moving away from the woody timbre of a traditional instrument into a world of gritty, amplified sound influenced by jazz and rock. The soloist is tasked with navigating complex rhythmic shifts and electronic textures that contrast sharply against the orchestral backdrop. The second half of the concert focuses on the Sixth Symphony by Eduard Tubin. This work is characterised by its driving momentum and rhythmic energy, a hallmark of the Estonian symphonic tradition. We suggest listening for the way the orchestral colours evolve from the haunting opening work into the more aggressive, percussive energy of the symphony, providing a programme that balances modern sonic experimentation with traditional symphonic power.

Mihhail Gerts leads the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble known for its versatile programming and its residence at the historic City Halls in Glasgow. Joining them is soloist Chloë Hanslip, a violinist recognised for her technical command and her willingness to engage with contemporary and challenging new repertoire. The orchestra frequently explores both the standard classical canon and twentieth-century works, often championing music from the Baltic regions and beyond. In this performance, the collaboration between Gerts and Hanslip highlights a shared focus on precise, high-energy modern works and intricate orchestral layers.

This performance takes place at Glasgow City Halls and has a total duration of approximately 150 minutes, including an interval. Given the inclusion of the electric violin and the modern energy of the programme, this concert is a suitable choice if you are interested in how contemporary technology integrates with a traditional orchestra. The venue is situated in the city centre. There is no specific dress code for this event, and the length is typical for a full evening orchestral programme in Glasgow.