Canellakis brings sparkle and shine to Stravinsky and Bernstein

Karina Canellakis and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Hugh Cutting, Karina Canellakis and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

By Simon Thompson, 22 August 2025

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“as bright as a button, rich with vigour and full of detail”

Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 21 August 2025

Messiaen, Les Offrandes oubliées

Bernstein, Chichester Psalms

Stravinsky, Petrushka

Karina Canellakis, Conductor

Edinburgh Festival Chorus

James Grossmith, Choirmaster / chorus director

Rising Stars of Voice

Hugh Cutting, Countertenor

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Astonishing Mahler 2 from Runnicles and the BBC Scottish

David Smythe, 1st March

Sir Donald Runnicles and the BBC Scottish reunite for an astonishing Mahler 2 with Karen Cargill, Jennifer Davis and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus.

*****

Sweeping Rachmaninov and scorching Barber from the BBC Scottish

Simon Thompson, 8th February

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.

****1

Meditative and powerful Górecki at Celtic Connections

David Smythe, 20th January

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.

****1

Celebrating 90 years of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

David Smythe, 20th November

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.

****1

Revelatory Birtwistle and Beethoven from the BBC Scottish SO

Peter Quantrill, 28th July

A composer-conductor's insight yields lasting rewards in Earth Dances and the Eroica at the Royal Albert Hall.

*****

Scintillating Bruckner from Wigglesworth and the BBC Scottish

Patrick Maxwell, 27th July

Ryan Wigglesworth conducts a premiere of his own work before steering the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra through a dextrous and fascinating performance of Bruckner's Seventh Symphony.

****1

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Simon Thompson

Simon lives and works in Edinburgh, and teaches History and Modern Studies at a local high school when he is not writing about music. Born an Irishman, he is an enthusiastic adopted Scot, and has lived in the capital for fifteen years since university days, making the most of its many avenues for classical music. He spends his spare time enthusing about music, theatre, art and literature to anyone who will listen, including his long-suffering students, who have no choice.

Canellakis brings sparkle and shine to Stravinsky and Bernstein in Edinburgh