Elim Chan conducts the RSNO in her Edinburgh Festival debut

By Simon Thompson, 17 August 2021

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“[Sol Gabetta] conjured an extraordinarily beautiful tone from her cello”

Reviewed at Edinburgh Academy Junior School, Edinburgh on 16 August 2021

Shaw, Entr'acte

Saint-Saëns, Cello Concerto no. 1 in A minor, Op.33

Beethoven, Symphony no. 1 in C major, Op.21

Sol Gabetta, Cello

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Elim Chan, Conductor

Kristiina Poska makes an exciting return to conduct the RSNO

Simon Thompson, 20th March

Kristiina Poska directs the RSNO in gripping Tchaikovsky and Pärt, but words and music only occasionally match in Elena Langer's new song cycle.

***11

Felix Klieser plays Strauss with the RSNO, before Bruckner exodus

Simon Thompson, 21st February

Felix Klieser is quietly remarkable as he plays Strauss' First Horn Concerto with the RSNO, but why did so many people walk out during Bruckner's Eighth Symphony?

****1

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Simon Thompson, 5th December

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****1

Mahler magic: RSNO opens season with the Seventh Symphony

Simon Thompson, 3rd October

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****1

A dramatic, declamatory Elijah closes the 2025 Edinburgh Festival

Simon Thompson, 24th August

The festival’s closing concert brings drama from the RSNO and conductor Thomas Søndergård, but Christopher Maltman's Elijah brings the presence of greatness.

****1

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David Smythe, 2nd August

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*****

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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.

Elim Chan conducts the RSNO in her Edinburgh International Festival debut