The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble, conducted by John Logan, returned to the Scottish Parliament today (Saturday 27 June) to perform at the Opening Ceremony of Session Seven, attended by His Majesty The King, Patron of RCS, and The Queen.

RCS Brass performed a new fanfare, composed by Sir James MacMillan, as the procession entered the chamber.

RCS students previously performed at the Parliament’s 20th and 25th anniversaries, the Opening of Session Six, and at the Motion of Condolence in 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Following the death of composer and former RCS Principal John Wallace, who composed the earlier works, we are honoured that Sir James has written a new fanfare for the occasion.

It’s a full-circle moment for Sir James, who composed the original opening fanfare for the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

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Images of RCS Brass rehearsing in the Stevenson Hall © Richard Walker/RCS