RSNO Plays Panufnik & Mozart

The evening opens with the propulsive energy of Bacewicz’s Concerto for String Orchestra, a work that showcases the sheer technical agility and texture of the RSNO’s string section. Following this is the Scottish premiere of Roxanna Panufnik’s Lunar Solar. In this double concerto, you should listen for the contrasting timbres and intricate interplay between the oboe and cor anglais as they navigate the work's celestial themes. The programme concludes with one of Mozart’s final major symphonic statements, the Symphony No. 39. It begins with a grand, stately introduction that leads into a work of immense warmth and rhythmic vitality. You will hear the composer moving away from his earlier styles toward a more complex, expansive sound. The sequence of these three works is designed to move from sharp, modernist focus through contemporary lyricism into the balanced, classical architecture of the 18th century, providing a broad view of the orchestral tradition in a compact timeframe.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is Scotland’s national symphony ensemble, widely recognised for its versatility and its commitment to performing both core classical repertoire and new commissions. For this performance, they are led by conductor Holly Hyun Choe. The orchestra’s own principal players, Adrian Wilson on oboe and Henry Clay on cor anglais, step forward as soloists, demonstrating the high calibre of musicianship within the ensemble’s ranks. Gillian Moore joins the stage as presenter to provide spoken context for the music, drawing on her extensive experience in music education and communication.

This performance takes place at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock. With a total running time of approximately 47 minutes and no interval, it is an ideal choice if you prefer a shorter evening or are attending an orchestral concert for the first time. The programme begins and ends within an hour, allowing you to experience three distinct styles of music efficiently. As this is a standard orchestral concert, there is no specific dress code, and audiences typically wear anything from smart-casual to business attire.