The Scottish Chamber Orchestra brings a programme of summer classics by Rossini, Weber and Prokofiev, to Strathpeffer Pavilion and Ullapool Village Hall on 10 and 11 June.

The Orchestra, which is now in its 33^rd year of touring to the Highlands and Islands, is reunited with popular guest artist Alexander Janiczek, who directs from the violin in these performances. The opens the concerts with Rossini’s Sonata No 3 in C, written when the composer was just twelve years old.

SCO Principals Peter Whelan (bassoon) and Alec Frank-Gemmill (horn) each take on a wind concerto by Carl Maria von Weber. The Bassoon Concerto is one of the two most significant works in the instrument’s repertoire (the other being that of Mozart) and the Concertino for Horn and Orchestra is a work which demands extreme virtuosity from the soloist. Prokofiev’s uplifting Symphony No 1 ‘Classical’ closes the concerts.

Peter Whelan said, “Playing in the Highlands is one of the perks of working with the SCO, not least because of the enthusiastic audiences you come across. Weber’s Bassoon Concerto is a very operatic and over the top piece and I am hoping to share the fun with our Highland audiences.”

Alec Frank-Gemmill, who performs as soloist with the SCO for the first time in these concerts, added, “It goes without saying that I’m really excited to be performing as a soloist with the SCO.  Besides being a great honour for me, it’s also an opportunity to do justice to Weber’s Concertino which can often be let down by a heavy and lacklustre accompaniment from the orchestra.  I have always enjoyed working with Alexander Janiczek and it’s great to collaborate with him on a solo piece.  The Concertino for Horn is an absolutely crazy virtuoso show-piece and we’re hoping to bring out lots of the finer details besides the massive adrenaline!”

In September, the Orchestra will record the Weber concertos for Linn Records, with the SCO Principals as soloists.

Alexander Janiczek has established a close relationship with the SCO, regularly collaborating as a player/director, both at home and abroad. He last directed the Orchestra in Ullapool in 2009.

These concerts will also be performed in Inverurie Town Hall on Thursday 9 June.

Source: Scottish Chamber Orchestra