Four Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students will take to the stage with the band brownbear this week, performing as part of a concert series that platforms Black musicians and musicians of colour.

AMPLIFI Main Stage series at The Queen’s Hall on Friday 27 March pairs established headliners with rising artists. As part of Brownbear’s set, a specially formed string ensemble will join the band onstage, including RCS students Huixin Hu, Beatrice Devlin, Norman Nainggolan and Beau Tanues‑Miller.

Fronted by award‑winning singer-songwriter Matt Hickman, indie-soul outfit brownbear has toured extensively across the UK and Europe, supporting artists such as The Libertines, Paolo Nutini and Michael Kiwanuka.

“I’m truly honoured to be part of AMPLIFI and to perform on The Queen’s Hall stage”, said violinist Huixin Hu.

“What I value most about AMPLIFI is its commitment to creating space for diverse voices and supporting artists from a wide range of backgrounds and musical approaches. I’m particularly looking forward to sharing this moment with fellow artists and audiences, and to being part of a programme that celebrates such a rich spectrum of musical expression.

“Initiatives like AMPLIFI are vital in shaping a more inclusive and representative music scene in Scotland, and it’s a privilege to contribute to that at this stage of my journey.

“Having studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for nearly a decade across my undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies, this feels especially meaningful, as it will likely be my final performance as a student here.”

The concert forms part of a bill that also includes Edinburgh singer‑songwriter Ria Andrews and Nuna, a neo‑soul and jazz‑inspired multi‑instrumentalist.

Matt from brownbear said: “AMPLIFI has been such a hugely positive step forward for music programming in Scotland and diversity, both of musicians and artists, as well as genres. I am very grateful for the opportunity we have been given to have our music brought to life in a totally new way alongside the string ensemble.

“To see so many musicians on stage from backgrounds that are often underrepresented in music is really heartwarming. I hope we can continue to give a sense of the changes that are happening in Scotland and the importance of that diversity being supported not just through space, but through opportunity.

“For the students, I hope this is a chance to not just gain experience, but to gain peers that will go on to be their colleagues in the future and offer opportunities not just in their own practice, but across the creative spectrum as they move through their professional futures as creatives.

“I’m eternally grateful to the Conservatoire for their support in the process of making this show happen and for putting forward such incredible players to join us on stage.”

Supported by Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council, AMPLIFI is presented by The Queen’s Hall and We Are Here Scotland. The programme recently won the Creative Edinburgh ‘Inclusion’ Award for its commitment to representation and access in the arts.

Guest curators Arusa Qureshi and Halina Rifai of We Are Here Scotland have selected artists who reflect the breadth and innovation of Scotland’s contemporary music scene.

The result is a set of performances designed to amplify new voices and introduce audiences to the next generation of breakthrough talent.

Find out more and book tickets for AMPLIFI at The Queen’s Hall.

Main image: Matt Hickman of brownbear © Simon Murphy