Classical Music Glasgow
| by John Wallace, Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama | |
| John Wallace made his name as a trumpet player and his solo performances with leading orchestras and conductors at major festivals and venues throughout the world have established him as a musician of great distinction. John has given masterclasses all over the world and has participated in Arts Council Network tours in both the UK and Australia. In 1986 he founded the Wallace Collection, an ensemble devoted to the development of brass music and education, which fast became one of the world’s pioneering brass groups. John was appointed principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow in 2000. Glasgow has an enviable reputation as a centre for classical music, with a range of performances for all ages throughout the year, a thriving community of talented musicians, and a renowned music and drama college at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. What makes the city unique is the blend of performers and performances on offer. From renaissance to cutting edge, from serious to lunatic and from classical to jazz, Glasgow boasts a huge collection of ensembles, performances and visiting international stars performing at venues across the city. As well as established national and international stars, the city provides a vibrant platform for some of the country’s best up and coming talent: top students performing alongside professional musicians as well as in their own ensembles are generating a new audience for classical music. Increasingly, classical music encompasses music not only from western European traditions, but from around the world, and international visitors bringing music from Afghanistan, India and the Far East to name a few are no strangers to Glasgow’s venues. Classical traditions are fused with traditional Scottish music, pop and other styles to create a new sound that reflects the growing diversity within the city. Throughout the year, visitors to the city can experience everything from busking ensembles to full-scale opera productions, from children’s concerts and musical events to the latest avant-garde contemporary classics. | The surprising number of orchestras and ensembles located or performing in the city is indicative of Glasgow’s thriving classical music community. The Scottish International Piano Competition is held in the city every three years and attracts competitors from around the world. The final of the 2004 competition took place in September at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), whose forthcoming season is the last one for conductor Alexandre Larazarev who has been a tour de force during his time with the Orchestra. In addition, we have the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra whose conductor is the astounding young Ilan Volkov, currently taking the classical music world by storm with his inimitable style and vigour. The RSAMD’s own Symphony Orchestra performs regularly in the Academy Concert Hall, with all performances open to the public, showcasing some of the finest young talent in the world. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra play in Glasgow almost every week during their September to May season at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama on Renfrew Street. The list goes on. In addition to the main national orchestras, there are a number of smaller ensembles – the Paragon Ensemble, for example, plays some of the most contemporary Scottish music by up and coming as well as established composers. Opera fans will doubtless head for The Theatre Royal, where Scottish Opera’s forthcoming season includes Tosca and Handel’s ‘Semele’, with RSAMD graduate Lisa Milne taking the leading role. Even outside the season, the fact that Glasgow is home to so many musicians and performers means that outdoor performances, buskers, festivals, proms, choral societies and musical showcases continue throughout the year in venues across the city. |