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The world-renowned Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) takes an exciting programme of musical treats to Aberdeen Music Hall on Saturday, March 7, at 7.30pm.
Celebrated French violinist Renaud Capucon returns to the SCO to play Beethoven’s noble Violin Concerto. At the age of just 21, Capucon was head-hunted by conductor Claudio Abbado to lead the prestigious Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester and, since then, has enjoyed a highly successful career as a concert violinist.
He has performed across the world, playing with orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic under Haitink and the Simon Bolivar orchestra under Dudamel.
He is also a committed chamber musician, appearing regularly with stars of the classical world, including Martha Argerich, Daniel Barenboim and Helene Grimaud. The Orchestra is delighted that the partnership between Capucon and the SCO continues to develop, following a CD recording together in 2008 which received critical acclaim, with one of the reviews saying: “This cohesive team elicits that magical . . . mix of sinuous melody and vital energy. The music sings with natural effusion and uplifting spirit . . .”
Beethoven’s Violin Concerto is one of the best-known pieces in the repertoire. Written in 1806, it received a somewhat unsuccessful premiere (perhaps because Beethoven is said to have finished the solo part as late as the day before the performance) by Franz Clement in Vienna. However, in 1844, child prodigy violinist Joseph Joachim revived the work, performing it to critical acclaim at the age of just 12, and it has remained a firm favourite with audiences ever since.
The programme concludes with Schubert’s powerful Symphony No. 9. Known as the Great C Major. It was so called originally to distinguish it from his smaller-scale Symphony No. 6 (the Little C Major), but is now widely acknowledged as a reference to the piece’s majesty and boundless heroism. Publicly premiered by Mendelssohn in Leipzig in 1839, here it will be conducted by SCO principal conductor Robin Ticciati.
Following this concert, the SCO will take the programme on a two-week tour, visiting Cologne, Vienna, Grenoble, Toulouse and Aix-en-Provence. The SCO will also appear in Aberdeen on Saturday, April 25, when internationally acclaimed concert pianist Ingrid Fliter plays Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 as part of the SCO Piano Classics series. This concert follows the release last year of a “breathtaking” album of the first two Chopin concertos with Fliter and the SCO, which was Classic FM CD of the week.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra will perform alongside Renaud Capucon at the Music Hall, Aberdeen, on Saturday, March 7, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from www.aberdeen performingarts.com or by calling 01224 641122.