Digital Hub

Tickets26

£5 tickets for under 26s

Sign up for free

St Andrew's Day Celebration

Sun 26 Nov / 7.30pm

Book Now

The Jungle Book

9 - 15 Dec

Book Now

RCS Royalty Discount Card

Up to 30% off RCS performances, plus free entry to Masterclasses and Competitions.

More info

Love and Information

14 - 23 Nov

Book Now

All Orchestra and Ensemble Shows

All Genres
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - Scottish Ensemble with Colin Currie

Thu 28th Sep

Mozart Serenata Notturna
Purcell Fantasia on 1 note
Debussy Music from Epigraphes Antiques
Fauré Berceuse
Prokofiev Vision Fugitives
Stravinsky 3 pieces no 1 and no 2
Tippett Lament (variation from Sellinger’s Round)
Dave Maric New Work for Solo Percussion, Solo Piano and Electronics and Ensemble WORLD PREMIERE
Stravinsky Concerto in D

Cumnock Tryst artists in residence this year are the brilliant string players of Scottish Ensemble, joined in this opening Tryst concert by the world-renowned Scottish percussionist Colin Currie.

The programme culminates in the world premiere, co-commissioned by The Cumnock Tryst, of a new concertante work by and performed with the unique composer Dave Maric, who has produced numerous works for the concert hall, stage, TV and film. He has been championed by some of the world’s great performers including Colin Currie, who joins us at the Tryst fresh from a whirlwind of international performances of solo recitals and concertos.

Scottish Ensemble’s programme for Cumnock is an exciting procession through musical history from the Baroque splendours of Purcell, the classical genius of Mozart, the soft, French, pictorial romantic beauty of Debussy and Fauré, and the energetic modernism of 20th century Russians, Prokofiev and Stravinsky.
Sir James MacMillan

Approx running time 100 mins inc 20 min interval.

Supported by PRS for Music Foundation, Hinrichsen Foundation and Hillhouse Quarry Group Ltd

*Local residents discount applies to bookers from Cumnock and Doon Valley – Cumnock, New Cumnock, Auchinleck, Bellsbank, Catrine, Coylton, Dalmellington, Dalrymple, Drongan, Hollybush, Logan, Lugar, Mauchline, Muirkirk, Ochiltree, Patna, Rankinston, Smallburn, Sorn, Tarbolton and Waterside with the following postcodes: KA5 5… / KA5 6… / KA6 6… / KA6 7… / KA18 1… / KA18 2… / KA18 3… / KA18 4…
Limited Tickets!
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - Festival Club, Centrestage Gospel and Soul Choir

Thu 28th Sep

Everyone is welcome to join us at the free Festival Club on Thursday and Saturday nights. Free tickets are available in advance from the Box Office, with a limited number available on the door. The bar will be open until late with a special Festival Club menu for supper and snacks. Join us to relax and enjoy some great music!

The first Festival Club concert this year welcomes the Centrestage Gospel and Soul Choir.

Centrestage in Kilmarnock offers music theatre classes and rehearsals for all ages. Since 2006, their Gospel and Soul Choir has been an integral part of the organisation. The choir is comprised of individuals from all walks of life and embodies a true community atmosphere as members enjoy harmonising to a wide range of Gospel and Soul favourites every week.

Approx running time 60 mins, no interval.
Book Now
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - Kaleidoscope

Fri 29th Sep

Drake Music Scotland with Scottish Ensemble musicians, James MacMillan and Colin Currie.

Cumnock Tryst welcome back Drake Music Scotland for a third time in their ongoing collaboration. Their project last year culminated in The Bell Tree, a narrative-based concert exploring aspects of Cumnock history, given by pupils from Hillside School and adults from the Riverside Centre. This year they are joined by students of Auchinleck Academy and the strings of Greenmill Primary School, performing alongside our artists in residence, Scottish Ensemble and percussionist Colin Currie.

The combined ensembles will present a four movement ‘symphony’ with each group taking a movement, based around colours and moods evoked by the music presented by Scottish Ensemble in the other Tryst concerts. This work is the outcome of a series of educational workshops led by James MacMillan and Matilda Brown, focusing on composition and invention, enhanced by a beautiful video presentation, which allows the audience to see into the close workings of Drake Music Scotland and their local performers.

Join us at Cumnock Academy for what is turning out to be the emotional highlight of each Tryst Festival. The combination of some of Scotland’s greatest musicians with young local music students, under the auspices of Drake Music Scotland and their wonderful collaborators at Hillside and Riverside makes this a must-see at this year’s Tryst.
Sir James MacMillan

Approx running time 75 mins, no interval.
Limited Tickets!
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - The Cumnock Hour, Upbeat

Fri 29th Sep

In collaboration with Boswell Book Festival.

Upbeat: The Story of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq - Paul MacAlindin in conversation with James Knox.

The story of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq told by its musical director from its inception to its eventual end. The NYOI came through the most difficult and dangerous of times to produce fine music not only in Iraq but also in Britain, Germany and France. A beacon of hope and achievement the young musicians and their tutors made bridges across their own ethnic divisions, made great music in the most trying and tragic of circumstances, and became their country’s best ambassadors in 5000 years.

We are pleased to welcome James Knox of the Boswell Book Festival in collaboration with the Tryst. The Cumnock Hour is a place where we can explore the ideas and issues around music. Our literary theme will allow us to delve into an amazing story of the Scottish musician who worked wonders in the war zone of Iraq, overcoming hatred and division, and bringing people together through the power of music. We are delighted to welcome the extraordinary Paul MacAlindin to The Cumnock Hour.
Sir James MacMillan
Limited Tickets!
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - Colin Currie Solo Recital

Fri 29th Sep

Elliott Carter Figment V
Per Norgaard Fire Over Water
Toshio Hosokawa Reminiscence
Bruno Mantovani Moi, jeu...
Iannis Xenakis Rebonds B
Karlheinz Stockhausen Vibra-Elufa
Rolf Wallin Realismos Mágicos

Hailed as “the world’s finest and most daring percussionist” (The Spectator), Colin Currie is a solo and chamber artist at the peak of his powers. Championing new music at the highest level, Currie is the soloist of choice for many of today’s foremost composers and he performs regularly with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors.

A dynamic and adventurous soloist, Currie’s unrivalled commitment to commissioning and creating new music was recognised in 2015 by the Royal Philharmonic Society who awarded him the Instrumentalist Award. We welcome him to the Tryst, and to a brand new venue for us, New Cumnock Town Hall. For this solo recital he brings some of the most astonishing modern percussion repertoire to Ayrshire. His virtuosity will astound our audience, and the music will take them on a unique journey of aural discovery. Not to be missed.

I have known Colin Currie since he was a teenager and have watched him grow into one of the great musicians of our time. Like another world-renowned Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie, he is a source of pride for musical Scotland. (What is it about Scots and hitting things?!) He has given scores of performances of my Veni, Veni Emmanuel around the world and I wrote my second percussion concerto for him recently. This will be one of the Tryst’s most special events.
Sir James MacMillan

Approx running time 90 mins inc 20 min interval.
Supported by PRS for Music Foundation.

*Local residents discount applies to bookers from Cumnock and Doon Valley – Cumnock, New Cumnock, Auchinleck, Bellsbank, Catrine, Coylton, Dalmellington, Dalrymple, Drongan, Hollybush, Logan, Lugar, Mauchline, Muirkirk, Ochiltree, Patna, Rankinston, Smallburn, Sorn, Tarbolton and Waterside with the following postcodes: KA5 5… / KA5 6… / KA6 6… / KA6 7… / KA18 1… / KA18 2… / KA18 3… / KA18 4…
Book Now
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - Ian Peaston

Fri 29th Sep

The Dumfries Arms 300th anniversary concert

Who can forget the Ian Peaston concert at the first Tryst in 2014? He returns in this special concert to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Dumfries Arms Hotel. Who better to perform this than this extraordinary musician who grew up in Cumnock and went to school here? Ian plays violin through a sampler that enables him to build up a big sound consisting of loops of his own playing. The results are astonishing, making him sound like an orchestra one minute and a rock band the next.

One morning, walking through Helsingborg in Sweden I see Henrik Larsson in a roadside café. Ten minutes later I’m standing in front of their orchestra and there’s a guy from Cumnock sitting in the first violins! Ian Peaston has branched out as an extraordinarily versatile and creative solo performer and brings back some of his amazing electric eclecticism to his amazing electric eclecticism to his home town.
Sir James MacMillan

Approx running time 90 mins inc 20 min interval.

*Local residents discount applies to bookers from Cumnock and Doon Valley – Cumnock, New Cumnock, Auchinleck, Bellsbank, Catrine, Coylton, Dalmellington, Dalrymple, Drongan, Hollybush, Logan, Lugar, Mauchline, Muirkirk, Ochiltree, Patna, Rankinston, Smallburn, Sorn, Tarbolton and Waterside with the following postcodes: KA5 5… / KA5 6… / KA6 6… / KA6 7… / KA18 1… / KA18 2… / KA18 3… / KA18 4…
Book Now
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - Dalmellington Band

Sat 30th Sep

Dalmellington Band
The Wallace Collection
Conductor Martyn Brabbins

Martyn Brabbins Prelude
Eric Ball Resurgam
Herbert Howells Suite from Pageantry
Jay Capperauld As Above, So Below WORLD PREMIERE (commissioned by John Wallace)
Martyn Brabbins Miniature No 1
Mendelssohn Overture from Fingal’s Cave
Holst March from A Moorside Suite

Cumnock Tryst are delighted to welcome back Dalmellington Band for this special concert in Cumnock Old Church. Brass music has been a feature of cultural life in Ayrshire for generations, just as it has been in many industrial areas of the UK. Some of the country’s greatest musicians were brass band players before pursuing major careers as soloists, conductors and composers.

Today’s conductor was a band trombonist before his life as a major conductor, taking him all over the world. Known to Scottish audiences through his fruitful relationship with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins is now artistic director of English National Opera. His programme today combines some favourite British band standards with a brand new piece by New Cumnockian Jay Capperauld. His new work has a concertante role for brass quintet, and today’s virtuosi are The Wallace Collection led by John Wallace who began his musical life in the colliery bands of Fife.

It is a delight to welcome my old friends Martyn Brabbins and John Wallace to the Tryst. Martyn returns to his musical roots and includes a couple of short band pieces he wrote himself some years ago. John has had a brilliant career as a world-class trumpeter before his time as Principal of the RCS. It will be wonderful to see them work closely with our local renowned band in well-loved repertoire, as well as launching an exciting, innovative new work by our very own Jay Capperauld.
Sir James MacMillan

Approx running time 70 mins, no interval.
Supported by PRS for Music Foundation and Cumnock and Doon Valley Minerals Trust.

*Local residents discount applies to bookers from Cumnock and Doon Valley – Cumnock, New Cumnock, Auchinleck, Bellsbank, Catrine, Coylton, Dalmellington, Dalrymple, Drongan, Hollybush, Logan, Lugar, Mauchline, Muirkirk, Ochiltree, Patna, Rankinston, Smallburn, Sorn, Tarbolton and Waterside with the following postcodes: KA5 5… / KA5 6… / KA6 6… / KA6 7… / KA18 1… / KA18 2… / KA18 3… / KA18 4…
Book Now
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - Scottish Ensemble, Westminster Cathedral Choir and Sean Shibe

Sat 30th Sep

Conductors James MacMillan, Martin Baker
Allegri Miserere mei, Deus
Michael Murray Pilgrims WORLD PREMIERE
Michael Murray King David’s Dance WORLD PREMIERE
James MacMillan Seven Last Words from the Cross

Cumnock Tryst artists in residence, Scottish Ensemble are tonight joined by the brilliant young Scottish guitarist Sean Shibe and the world-renowned Westminster Cathedral Choir. Once again back at the beautiful St John’s Church we present a varied programme of ancient and new music. We are delighted to present two brand new commissioned works by Auchinleck composer Michael Murray. Self-taught from school days, Michael has had a life-long commitment to writing music and is now emerging as a composer of note. The Tryst is proud to give him this platform.

His guitar concerto and a special encore piece form the centrepiece of this concert, preceded by the famous choral masterpiece Miserere by Allegri, written for the Sistine Chapel centuries ago, which takes the voice of a boy soloist into the stratosphere. In the second half choir and orchestra combine in a performance of the signature cantata by the Tryst’s Artistic Director; MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross, will be conducted by the composer himself.

I have written a number of works for the incredible choir of Westminster Cathedral, and I am delighted to welcome them to my old church of St John’s where I played the organ as a teenager. They sing my Seven Last Words beautifully and they will be joined by the string ensemble I wrote it for. An added pleasure for me is to give the world premieres of works by another local composer who has written for an outstanding soloist, Sean Shibe.
Sir James MacMillan

Approx running time 120 mins inc 20 min interval.
Supported by PRS for Music Foundation.

*Local residents discount applies to bookers from Cumnock and Doon Valley – Cumnock, New Cumnock, Auchinleck, Bellsbank, Catrine, Coylton, Dalmellington, Dalrymple, Drongan, Hollybush, Logan, Lugar, Mauchline, Muirkirk, Ochiltree, Patna, Rankinston, Smallburn, Sorn, Tarbolton and Waterside with the following postcodes: KA5 5… / KA5 6… / KA6 6… / KA6 7… / KA18 1… / KA18 2… / KA18 3… / KA18 4…
Limited Tickets!
More Info

Cumnock Tryst - Festival Finale Promenade Concert

Sun 1st Oct - Sun 1st Oct

The Tapestry Room
Sean Shibe, Guitar
JS Bach Lute Suite No. 4 in E

The Entrance Hall (standing, with limited seats for those with mobility support)
The Wallace Collection, brass quintet
Jim Parker Golden Section

The Great Steward’s Dining Room
Scottish Ensemble – quintet
Tabakova Insight (trio)
Mozart String Quintet No. 4 in G minor, K516, IV Adagio – Allegro

Our Festival finale sees us return to the beautiful setting of Dumfries House for our three-part series of mini-recitals. The music of JS Bach played by guitarist Sean Shibe, Scotland’s young new musical superstar, in the Tapestry Room should be a delight. The Wallace Collection will then provide a brassy counterblast in the Entrance Hall with some jazzy sounds from America. The Festival comes to a close with another quintet, this time from our artists in residence, Scottish Ensemble in the Great Steward’s Dining Room.

Our Sunday finale is proving to be a popular and pleasant day out, where our audiences promenade from one beautiful space to another, hearing music that is always fascinating and surprising, played by some of our great musicians. Dumfries House is a stunning estate and 18th-Century house and is a wonderful setting for a feast of music.

Once again there is a varied menu of different kinds of music on our last day. Guitar, brass and strings cover a wide range of aural options, presenting music from the Baroque to the present day. Come and join us as the 2017 Tryst comes to a close.
Sir James MacMillan

Approx running time 90 mins, no interval.
The 7.30pm performance is followed by post-concert champagne reception.
Supported by Cumnock and Doon Valley Minerals Trust.

*Local residents discount applies to bookers from Cumnock and Doon Valley – Cumnock, New Cumnock, Auchinleck, Bellsbank, Catrine, Coylton, Dalmellington, Dalrymple, Drongan, Hollybush, Logan, Lugar, Mauchline, Muirkirk, Ochiltree, Patna, Rankinston, Smallburn, Sorn, Tarbolton and Waterside with the following postcodes: KA5 5… / KA5 6… / KA6 6… / KA6 7… / KA18 1… / KA18 2… / KA18 3… / KA18 4…
Limited Tickets!
More Info

Fridays at One - A Celebration of Kulgin Duval

Fri 6th Oct

We present a concerto dedicated to the life and generosity of Kulgin Duval, who died in 2016. Kulgin supported many RCS opera students and this concert features some of those talented graduates and current students in a programme of Schumann, Wolf and Strauss songs.

Rebecca Afonwy-Jones - Mezzo-soprano
Khanyiso Gwenxane - Tenor
Ravi Popoff Sankar - Tenor
Arshak Kuzykyan - Bass-baritone
Timothy Dean - Piano
Book Now
More Info

Fridays at One - Strictly... By George

Fri 13th Oct

The RCS Wind Orchestra takes you on a journey of music by composers called George, including one of the most famous popular composers of the 20th century, George Gershwin.

RCS Wind Orchestra
Conductors - Nigel Boddice and John Logan

Handel - Music for the Royal Fireworks
Snell - Postcards from Mexico
Gershwin - Girl Crazy
Bizet - Carmen Fantasy for solo clarinet
Gershwin - An American in Paris
Book Now
More Info

Fridays at One - Decoda

Fri 27th Oct

Returning to RCS is the first ever affiliate ensemble at New York's Carnegie Hall's, Decoda, with a programme of classical and contemporary composers.

Haydn - Trio SOnata for Flute, Violin, Cello and Piano
Vali - Selections from Folk Song Set No. 9
Saariaho - Mirrors
Vasks - Castillo Interior
Crumb - Voice of the Whale

Decoda
Catherine Gregory Flute
Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir Cello
David Kaplan Piano
Book Now
More Info

Glasgow Orchestral Society

Sun 29th Oct

Sibelius Kareila Suite
Korngold Violin Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 2

Conducted by Chris Swaffer
Book Now
More Info

RCS Guitar Showcase

Fri 3rd Nov

Featuring our outstanding guitar students from the School of Music.


If you would like information about participating on the Big Guitar Weekend course, where you will receive lessons and play in ensembles over the weekend, please contact bgw@rcs.ac.uk
Book Now
More Info

Symphonic Last Works

Fri 3rd Nov

We welcome back Danish conductor, Christian Kluxen, for a programme which includes the last works written by both Strauss and Bartok and features the orchestra and oboe as concerto soloists. We are thrilled to be joined by Irene Klimach, last year's Concerto Competition winner.

RCS Symphony Orchestra
Conductor - Christian Kluxen
Oboe - Irene Klimach

Wagner - Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde
Strauss - Oboe Concerto
Bartok - Concerto for Orchestra
Book Now
More Info

Finnish-Scottish Connections

Sat 4th Nov

Otto Tolonen Guitar
Ian Watt Guitar

Mompou Suite Compostelana
Granados La Maja de Goya
Granados Spanish Dances
Regondi Reverie-Nocturne
Lindberg Mano a mano
Piazzolla Verano Porteño


We are delighted to have a double bill of guitarists featuring RCS graduate, Ian Watt and Finland's Otto Tolonen with a programme of Spanish, 20th, 21st century and Scandinavian works.



If you would like information about participating on the Big Guitar Weekend course, where you will receive lessons and play in ensembles over the weekend, please contact bgw@rcs.ac.uk
Book Now
More Info

Big Guitar Weekend Closing Performance

Sun 5th Nov

Big Guitar Weekend closes for another year with the final concert, featuring the School of Music and the Big Guitar Weekend Guitar Orchestra.




If you would like information about participating on the Big Guitar Weekend course, where you will receive lessons and play in ensembles over the weekend, please contact bgw@rcs.ac.uk
Book Now
More Info

Metamorphosen

Thu 16th Nov

On Sinfonia's first outing, the Strings department performs Strauss' incredible work for 23 solo strings players.

RCS Sinfonia
Conductor - David Watkin

Programme to include:
Strauss - Metamorphosen
Mozart - Symphony No. 41, K555 'Jupiter'
Book Now
More Info

Fridays at One - Winds Side-By-Side

Fri 17th Nov

Our Wind students perform alongside members of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra with Strauss' luxurious writing for winds from the two ends of his career, the Serenade written when he was just 18 years old and the Sonatina at 79.
Book Now
More Info

Mondays at One: Strings

Mon 20th Nov

These bite-sized, hour-long concerts focus on a different department or instrument each week to showcase student's talents.
Book Now
More Info

MusicLab: Contrasts

Thu 23rd Nov

MusicLab returns with 20th century works centered around the intensely spiritual piece, the Quartet for the End of Time.

RCS MusicLab

Programme to include:
Messiaen - Quatuor pour la fin du temps
Book Now
More Info

Fridays at One - Doctors of Performance

Fri 24th Nov

The Doctor of Performance programme is our most advance performance degree, and the students artistry and virtuosity is inspirational.
Book Now
More Info

Fridays at One - A Tribute to Max

Fri 1st Dec

Pianist Rolf Hind, performance a sequence of tributes to Peter Maxwell Davies, works by Sally Beamish, Darren Bloom, Alasdair Nicolson, Robert Reid Allan, a new work by Stuart MacRae and Max's very own Piano Sonata.

Rolf Hind - Piano

Nicolson - Magnus IV
Beamish - Mavis
Bloom - Auriole
MacRae - Lento in memoriam Peter Maxwell Davies
Hind - The Dark Hug of Time
Allan - New Work
Maxwell Davies - Piano Sonata
Book Now
More Info

Sonic Nights 1

Mon 4th Dec

A programme of immersive new electro-acoustic works from students studying Sonic Arts. Performed on the RCS multi-channel surround sound system, this promises to be a night of cinema for the ears.
Book Now
More Info

RCS Choir and Orchestra at Christmas

Tue 12th Dec

Join us for a choral concert featuring last year's Classical Concerto winner, Hannah Foster.

RCS Chamber Choir
RCS Chamber Orchestra
Conductor - Timothy Dean
Flute - Hannah Foster
Book Now
More Info

Bothwell Philharmonic Choir presents "The Wonder of Christmas"

Thu 21st Dec

Mark Donnelly Musical Director
Dennis Haggerty Special Guest Tenor, Craigholme School Choir
Book Now