Baroque inspirations from Emelyanychev and the SCO

Maxim Emelyanychev

Maxim Emelyanychev directs the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

By David Smythe, 22 February 2026

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“the final movement, taken at breakneck speed, became a whirl of excitement”

Reviewed at City Halls: Concert Hall, Glasgow on 20 February 2026

Bach, Brandenburg Concerto no. 3 in G major, BWV1048

Scarlatti, Stylus Scarlatti (arr. Capperauld, world premiere)

Handel, Water Music, Suite no. 1 in F major, HWV 348

Britten, Simple Symphony, Op.4

Schnittke, Gogol Suite

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Maxim Emelyanychev, Conductor

Saxophone dreams with Jess Gillam and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

David Smythe, 11th March

Jess Gillom and Scottish Chamber Orchestra in St Andrews in a wide-ranging programme of contemporary music. Ben Glassberg conducts.

****1

Maxim Emelyanychev and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra reshape Mozart

David Smythe, 29th January

In Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Mozart’s final three symphonies are given a vibrant interpretation by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by the effervescent Maxim Emelyanychev.

****1

Gnarly Buttons central to the SCO’s John Adams programme

David Smythe, 12th December

Andrew Manze conducts an all-Adams programme in Glasgow, Maximiliano Martín the fearless soloist in Gnarly Buttons, bookended by mesmerising Shaker Loops and exuberant Fearful Symmetries.

****1

Reich+ from Colin Currie and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

David Smythe, 6th November

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra with Colin Currie fizz with energy in Duddell, Grime and Steve Reich.

****1

A tale of two Glorias: Poulenc and Vivaldi with the SCO in Edinburgh

Simon Thompson, 9th October

Three sopranos, two Glorias and one French composer who isn’t great box office: the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus sound great, but where is the audience?

****1

An acrobatic Orpheus and Eurydice in Edinburgh

Roy Westbrook, 13th August

The music plays second fiddle to Australian circus company Circa in Yaron Lifschitz’s production of Gluck's great opera.

***11

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

Expecting the unexpected: Baroque inspirations from Emelyanychev and the SCO