Scottish Chamber Orchestra

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is internationally recognised for its innovative approach to music-making and programme planning. Formed in 1974 with a commitment to serve the Scottish community, it is also one of the country’s foremost cultural ambassadors. The Orchestra performs throughout Scotland, including an annual tour of the Highlands and Islands, and appears regularly at the Edinburgh, St. Magnus, and Aldeburgh Festivals and the BBC Proms. Its busy international schedule has recently included the USA, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Hong Kong. From September 2005, Joseph Swensen is the Orchestra’s first-ever Conductor Emeritus, following his highly successful nine-year tenure as Principal Conductor. The Orchestra also enjoys a close relationship with Conductor Laureate Sir Charles Mackerras, and works regularly with guest conductors including Nicholas McGegan, Andrew Litton, John Storgârds, Frans Breggen and Emmanuel Krivine. The Orchestra enjoys close relationships with many leading composers, including Composer Laureate Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and Affiliate Composer James MacMillan. The SCO also collaborated with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra in a three-year programme of joint commissions from Sally Beamish and Karin Rehnqvist. The SCO has led the way in the development of music education, with a unique programme of projects, providing workshops for children and adults across Scotland.