New Season soloists

 
When the RSNO artistic and planning teams started to consider this Season, Peter’s second as Music Director, their focus was strongly on bringing new guest performers and young talent to Scottish audiences.

As a result, this year’s Season brochure features many new names, a brilliant selection of up-and-coming and first-time RSNO guest artists for you to pick from. And who knows? They could be the next must-see soloist; the next revered conductor; the next Scottish favourite; the next Benedetti, Järvi, Lill, Gergiev or Lugansky.

This weekend, Lise de la Salle is soloist for Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No1 in the first of our festive concerts, The Nutcracker. At only 25, she’s already an acclaimed recording artist and international performer, but Lise has yet to make her debut here. She performs with fellow RSNO newcomer, conductor Alexander Shelley. His father, Howard, is no stranger to the Orchestra so it will be great to continue the family connection with Alexander and recognise another father/son team – Järvis stand aside! Follow Lise on Twitter @lisedelasalle and Conductor Alexander Shelley @ShelleyConduct. 

Once upon a time, Nicola Benedetti was the new girl of classical music; now she’s Scotland's sweetheart. Playing since the age of four, Nicola has captured hearts not only in Scotland but across the world. Now, see her perform with the man who has captured hers: cellist LeonardElschenbroich. Don’t miss this brilliant musical partnership, as they share Brahms' starry-eyed Concerto for Violin and Cello. Follow Nicola on Twitter @NickyBenedetti and Leonard Elschenbroich @LElschenbroich.  

On the subject of romance – we welcome the stunning soprano Kishani Jayasinghe as soloist at next year’s Valentine’s concerts. Kashani leads a group of young, talented singers who perform with us this year – many of whom can be seen our Season Finale performing Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand, supported by many of their experienced compatriots.

Along with Nicola, we also welcome three more stellar violinists, Jack Liebeck (@Jack_Liebeck) Vilde Frang and Augustin Hadelich. Since Jack last performed with us his star has continued to rise, becoming one of the most sought after soloists of his generation, while Vilde and Augustin make their debuts performing the rarely performed Britten and Adès Violin Concerto – expect a serious musical education from both musicians. 

We couldn’t complete this without mentioning two brilliant talents, Igor Levit (@igorpianist) and Anoushka Shankar (@ShankarAnoushka). BBC New Generations Artist Igor Levit makes first appearances with the RSNO in April performing Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the late Ravi Shankar, has made a serious name for herself, following in her brilliant father’s footsteps. She joins us to perform his Second Sitar Concerto Raga-Mala.

See all of our forthcoming concerts on the RSNO website, here.