Scottish Music Centre - Industry Directory

Artists | Classical | Symphony Orchestras

Founded in 1935 by the composer and conductor Ian Whyte, as the first full-time orchestral ensemble in Scotland, the BBC SSO began as a small studio orchestra, one of many ensembles that were employed by the BBC in cities across Britain. But Whyte had a grander vision - of a Scottish symphony orchestra that would play the latest music by Scottish composers, as well as works by the major orchestral composers, to the high standard he demanded. Through his tenacity, uncompromising musicianship and artistic integrity, he established an orchestra with a distinct character and tradition, later renamed the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Few orchestras can rival the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for its extraordinary range of repertoire and activity. Its innovative approach to the classics, with special projects under Chief Conductor Ilan Volkov, with performances of major works have generated enthusiastic new audiences and critical acclaim. Its ability to play contemporary music with real commitment and energy have made it an orchestra that can startle a composer with the skill and instinctive understanding it brings to even the first reading of a difficult new score.

"No other British symphony orchestra knows the colours, densities, textures and tonal networks of modern music better than the BBC SSO, or can bring them more explosively to life than these players are able to do" - Conrad Wilson, The Herald

One of five full time BBC orchestras, the BBC SSO is first and foremost a broadcasting and recording orchestra. This means that almost all of its performances, whether in the studio or around the country, are broadcast on the BBC's networks, primarily Radio 3 and Radio Scotland. On CD the orchestra has been specially praised for its work in new music, winning one of its two Gramophone Awards in the contemporary music category. It has a close relationship with Hyperion, recording several premiere recordings of Scottish romantic music for them, and for BIS it has recorded a Nielsen symphony cycle with former Chief Conductor Osmo Vänskä.

Suppliers and Services | Ticket Outlets

Founded in 1935 by the composer and conductor Ian Whyte, as the first full-time orchestral ensemble in Scotland, the BBC SSO began as a small studio orchestra, one of many ensembles that were employed by the BBC in cities across Britain. But Whyte had a grander vision - of a Scottish symphony orchestra that would play the latest music by Scottish composers, as well as works by the major orchestral composers, to the high standard he demanded. Through his tenacity, uncompromising musicianship and artistic integrity, he established an orchestra with a distinct character and tradition, later renamed the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Few orchestras can rival the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for its extraordinary range of repertoire and activity. Its innovative approach to the classics, with special projects under Chief Conductor Ilan Volkov, with performances of major works have generated enthusiastic new audiences and critical acclaim. Its ability to play contemporary music with real commitment and energy have made it an orchestra that can startle a composer with the skill and instinctive understanding it brings to even the first reading of a difficult new score.

"No other British symphony orchestra knows the colours, densities, textures and tonal networks of modern music better than the BBC SSO, or can bring them more explosively to life than these players are able to do" - Conrad Wilson, The Herald

One of five full time BBC orchestras, the BBC SSO is first and foremost a broadcasting and recording orchestra. This means that almost all of its performances, whether in the studio or around the country, are broadcast on the BBC's networks, primarily Radio 3 and Radio Scotland. On CD the orchestra has been specially praised for its work in new music, winning one of its two Gramophone Awards in the contemporary music category. It has a close relationship with Hyperion, recording several premiere recordings of Scottish romantic music for them, and for BIS it has recorded a Nielsen symphony cycle with former Chief Conductor Osmo Vänskä.

Education | Classical

SSO Learning Strategy : Tailor-made creative and performance workshops; providing young and aspiring performers, composers and conductors access to a world class orchestra; helping marginalised groups gain a better understanding of, and an increased access to, classical music through composing, performing and exploring; looking for new and innovative ways of presenting music to our audiences.