Brass
We provide a wide range of innovative collaborations with Scotland's leading professional
companies. Whether for orchestral musicians, concerto soloists, conductors, chamber musicians,
specialist performers or composers, the range of imaginative schemes available is both extensive
and unrivalled.
Orchestral Performance
For orchestral players, there are three pioneering schemes in operation with the Royal
Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
We enjoy fruitful mentoring schemes with the RSNO and BBCSSO where our students undertake
professional auditions to sit in on rehearsals throughout the year. We also run an annual
side-by-side day in which every RSNO musician sits alongside a Conservatoire student to perform
major orchestral works, such as Mahler Symphony No. 6, directed by an RSNO conductor.
Each year we work together with Scottish Opera on a major production in a unique and
unparalleled collaboration. Previous productions have included Prokofiev's
War and Peace and
The Love for Three Oranges, and Janáček's
Cunning Little Vixen. Chosen at audition, Conservatoire students supplement The Orchestra
of Scottish Opera and sit in each section for the entire rehearsal and performance run, which
includes shows at both Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre and Glasgow’s Theatre Royal.
Specialist Schemes and Ensembles in Association
We operate more specialist side-by-side opportunities. Conservatoire string players audition
to perform with Scotland's prestigious string ensemble, the Scottish Ensemble, on one of its annual
tours, and brass students collaborating with the brass section of the Philharmonia Orchestra in a
joint concert, which last year was in Canterbury Cathedral as part of the Sounds New
Festival.
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and the Scottish National Wind Orchestra also give
regular performances where they offer exciting side-by-side opportunities. Red Note Ensemble also
gives several concerts each season which involve professional contemporary music specialists
performing alongside Conservatoire students.
Concerto Soloists
We’re fortunate to benefit from Concerto Days with both the RSNO and BBCSSO on an annual
basis. These schemes provide incredible opportunities for selected senior students to rehearse and
perform their chosen concerto with either of these orchestras under the guidance of international
conductors and soloists. The BBCSSO Concerto Day includes a masterclass element and is televised
for a documentary before an audience in Glasgow's City Hall.
Conducting
We also create unparalleled opportunities for our student conductors. Under the guidance of
one of its in-house conductors, the RSNO runs a Conductors' Day in which Conservatoire students
direct the Orchestra in major repertoire. The BBCSSO also stage a highly prestigious conducting
masterclass given by Donald Runnicles, its Principal Conductor and our International Fellow in
Conducting. Like the concerto day, this is also recorded for TV and made into a documentary by the
BBC for its online education programmes.
