Colin Currie with RSNO

We begin with Steve Reich’s Music for Pieces of Wood, a foundational work that demands intense focus and rhythmic precision from the ensemble. You will hear how simple, pitched wooden claves build complex, interlocking patterns through subtle shifts in timing. The programme then moves into contemporary territory with Bryce Dessner’s Tromp Miniature and Andy Akiho’s Aluminous, pieces that explore the metallic and resonant possibilities of the percussion kit. The evening concludes with Robert Honstein’s Continuous Interior, an eighteen-minute work that sustainedly explores texture and momentum. Throughout the hour, listen for the way these composers use repetition not just for hypnosis, but to create a sense of architectural space. The music moves from the raw, organic sound of wood to more industrial, modern soundscapes, offering a clear view of how rhythm has evolved in the chamber music of the last fifty years. It is a concentrated selection that prioritises clarity and physical energy.

Colin Currie leads this performance as both conductor and soloist, bringing his specialist knowledge of contemporary percussion to the stage. He is joined by the RSNO Chamber Ensemble, a flexible group drawn from the ranks of Scotland’s national symphony orchestra. The ensemble is known for its versatility and its regular presence at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where it explores repertoire that sits outside the standard symphonic cycle. They are particularly well-regarded for their commitment to living composers and their ability to tackle the intricate technical demands of minimalist and experimental music with great precision.

This performance takes place in the New Auditorium at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. With a total duration of sixty minutes and no interval, it is an ideal choice if you prefer a shorter, more concentrated concert experience or are visiting a chamber performance for the first time. The venue is located in the centre of Glasgow and provides a modern acoustic setting for this type of percussion-led programme. There is no specific dress code for this event, so you should feel comfortable in everyday smart-casual attire. Tickets start from twenty pounds.