Performer: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Despite the presence of Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto on the bill, it is a gripping performance of Samuel Barber's First Symphony that steals this Usher Hall Sunday matinee.

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Meditative and powerful Górecki at Celtic Connections

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David Smythe, 20 Jan

The Celtic Connections festival showcases Górecki’s Sorrowful Songs, the BBC Scottish with soprano Francesca Chiejina conducted by Pawel Kapula with a thoughtful introductory song set from Alice Zawadzki.

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Celebrating 90 years of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

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David Smythe, 20 Nov

Martyn Brabbins conducts MacMillan’s Confession of Isobel Gowdie, BBCSSO founder Ian Whyte’s forgotten Violin Concerto with Stephanie Gonley, and a memorable Rachmaninov 2.

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Big orchestral statements: BBC Proms 2025

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Bachtrack, 04 Jul

With a focus on Shostakovich, and many prestigious guest orchestras from around Europe, this year’s BBC Proms confirms orchestral music can make a big public statement.

Music as a public good: BBC Proms 2024

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Bachtrack, 02 Jul

Stretching over 8 weeks, and with concerts in London and 6 cities across the UK, this year’s BBC Proms has a vast offering – including guest orchestras, premieres, and celebrations of Holst, Bruckner and Schoenberg.

Composition as learning: Cassandra Miller

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Lawrence Dunn, 07 Mar

The Canadian composer talks about her working method, her interest in vocality, her guitar concerto for Sean Shibe and the Dunedin Consort, and whether she’s still trying to make audiences cry.