Stravinsky's Rite of Spring

The evening begins with the crumbling elegance of Ravel’s La valse, a work that starts in a shadowy mist before evolving into a frantic, disjointed ballroom scene. You will notice how the composer gradually distorts the traditional triple-metre dance, building towards a sense of total collapse. This is followed by the British premiere of David Fennessy’s electric guitar concerto, THE NOISE. We can expect a sharp contrast in texture here, as the amplified soloist introduces a gritty, modern energy to the orchestral soundscape. After the interval, the focus shifts to Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. This remains one of the most physically demanding pieces in the repertoire. Listen for the famous bassoon solo at the very top of its range that opens the work, followed by the jagged, irregular rhythmic stamps of the strings. The music moves through a series of folk-inspired fragments and explosive percussion sections, culminating in a relentless sacrificial dance that tests the precision of every musician on the platform.

Patrick Hahn leads the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, a group known for its robust sound and regular presence across Scotland’s major concert halls. The orchestra often tackles large-scale twentieth-century works that require significant brass and percussion forces. They are joined by guitarist Sean Shibe, a soloist recognised for his versatile approach to both acoustic and electric instruments. For this specific Edinburgh performance, the ensemble also welcomes the young musicians of Big Noise Wester Hailes. This collaboration brings together a professional national body with a local youth initiative, creating a particularly large and diverse performing force for the evening's new commission.

The concert takes place at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and has a total running time of approximately one hour and 45 minutes, including an interval. This is a substantial symphonic programme that may particularly interest you if you enjoy hearing how contemporary instruments like the electric guitar are integrated into a traditional setting. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though many attendees opt for smart-casual attire. Given the inclusion of the UK premiere and a large-scale Stravinsky work, it is a significant date in the city's musical calendar.