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Epic Shostakovich rounds off the Royal Scottish National Orchestra season

Thomas Søndergård conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra
© Clara Cowen
By David Smythe, 08 June 2025
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“the strings on a trigger hair of tension”
Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 6 June 2025
Programme
Shostakovich, Festive Overture in A major for orchestra, Op.96
Shostakovich, Cello Concerto no. 2 in G major, Op.126
Bach, Cello suite no. 3 in C major, BWV1009: Gigue
Shostakovich, Symphony no. 11 in G minor "The Year 1905", Op.103
Performers
Daniel Müller-Schott, Cello
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Thomas Søndergård, Conductor
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Stephen Hough makes a convincing case for Rachmaninov 1 with the RSNO
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On a return visit to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, John Wilson shapes A London Symphony with melancholy sweep. 
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Felix Klieser plays Strauss with the RSNO, before Bruckner exodus
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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?
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Giedrė Šlekytė conducts the RSNO in passionate, exciting Mahler
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Giedrė Šlekytė makes a stellar conducting debut with the RSNO, while violinist Nemanja Radulović has a great look but a disappointingly ordinary sound.
****1
Mahler magic: RSNO opens season with the Seventh Symphony
Simon Thompson, 3rd October
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Thomas Søndergård open their season, continuing their Mahler cycle, with the Seventh Symphony.
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More reviews...
Read reviews of
Cello Concerto no. 2 in G major, Op.126Cello suite no. 3 in C major, BWV1009: GigueDaniel Müller-SchottDmitri ShostakovichFestive Overture in A major for orchestra, Op.96Johann Sebastian BachMembers of the Royal Scottish National OrchestraRoyal Scottish National OrchestraSymphony no. 11 in G minor "The Year 1905", Op.103Thomas Søndergård
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David Smythe
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.