Young Ambassadors Survey: Natalie Brayshaw

One of the Highlands' Young Ambassadors, Natalie Brayshaw, describes the results of a survey she created for pupils at her school analysing their opinions on classical music.

I’ve recently been given back the completed surveys which were given out to a group of first year pupils, and the results are certainly very interesting!

Firstly, It was shocking to discover that over half of the pupils had never been to a classical music concert or been involved in a workshop, and that only five (of the twenty-eight who completed the survey) had been in the last six months.

These findings go hand in hand with the fact that only four pupils had a definite interest in classical music. Interestingly, almost all of the people who said they had an active interest in and enjoyed it play instrument themselves. This suggests that the opportunities are there, but it is not always easy to expose everybody to them. A few pupils even said that they weren’t entirely sure what constituted as classical music.

So could the general disinterest of the young in classical music be down to a lack of experience of it? This ties in with the question about workshops or concerts: sixteen pupils said they had never been involved in either of these, though when pupils were asked how they thought we could encourage more young people to be involved in classical music, workshops were the most common suggestion.

Other suggestions included using music from films – which we have already discussed – and having older members of the school perform, for example at assemblies, to inspire the younger pupils. A few also suggested that teachers play classical music in class, though this would be a little impractical.

We’re fairly restricted as to what we can actually do within classes - the teachers obviously have to stick to the curriculum - but what can we do in ensuring that there are more ways to introduce young people to classical music? It would be highly difficult and impractical to bring the RSNO directly to each individual school and areas but are there other ways in which we can run workshops?

There are ongoing discussions within the RSNO Young Ambassadors on this topic, with ideas such as working with local musical groups external to the school, and starting informal groups in which pupils with no prior experience in classical music can learn and broaden their minds as to what it actually is – an idea already being put into action by one of the Ambassadors. The suggestion from one of the pupils about using the senior students in the school to help change the image of music as something 'boring' or 'uncool' is also a very good one, which I hope to be able to work on. I also hope to be able to use the fact that the RSNO’s current Engage project is based in the Highlands - the area in which I live - to encourage the involvement of more young people in the orchestra.

Natalie Brayshaw

Natalie is part of the RSNO's Young Ambassador scheme, arranged by the Learning and Engagement Department. All views expressed by Young Ambassadors belong to those of the individual and are not representative of the organisation. For more information, visit the RSNO website.

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Young Ambassadors Forum #2: Seona Glen

Stirling's Young Ambassador, Seona Glen, describes the second Young Ambassadors Forum and Oundjian Conducts Walton, Thu 6th Feb at Perth Concert Hall. 

On Thursday 6th February the second RSNO Young Ambassadors forum took place at Perth Concert Hall, one of five locations across Scotland in which the Young Ambassadors will meet this year, so as to reflect the National aspect of the RSNO and indeed the Young Ambassadors Scheme. For many of us, Perth Concert Hall was a relatively unfamiliar venue, and it was great to see the RSNO in action outside of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

To kick off the evening, we were very lucky to have Peter Oundjian, Music Director of the RSNO, come to talk to us about our role as Young Ambassadors. He listened attentively as we explained our ideas as to how we can promote classical music to a younger audience, and offered some of his own ideas which we have taken on board.

When Peter had to run off to prepare for that evening's concert, Manus Carey, Executive Producer of the RSNO, kindly came to speak with us. Manus was interested in hearing our views about the programming of concerts, and asked what we liked and perhaps didn't like about the programming, which sparked some interesting discussion about what type of experience appeals to a younger audience, and also the controversial issue of 'concert etiquette'. A view which was raised was that we should perhaps try to advertise concerts as being not only about the music, but also about enjoying a wider experience, with a vast number of people in one room who have a shared appreciation for the music and the orchestra.

After our discussion with Manus, we sat down with Neil Cullen, Digital Projects Coordinator, who runs the Young Ambassadors Scheme, to discuss the concert in June, which the Young Ambassadors will be planning and aiming at under 25s. This will include choosing the venue, ensemble and repertoire, and promoting the concert. Thursday's discussion was largely an exchange of ideas, and there seemed to be a mutual feeling that in order to best attract young people, the concert should be different to a 'normal' concert. We took this idea into account when considering possible venues.

Following the forum, the Young Ambassadors were invited to attend the evening's concert, Oundjian Conducts Walton. The concert opened with a very moving performance of Wagner's beautiful Overture to Tannhäuser, which captivated the audience from the opening calming melodies right through to the tremendous climax, where the strings seemed to cry out against the strong chords in the brass.

The next piece was entirely different in character, and quite refreshing between two more rich and powerful pieces. Richard Goode, the phenomenal American pianist, took to the stage for an exquisite rendition of Mozart's Piano Concerto No17. His elegant playing balanced the orchestra perfectly, and the orchestra's crisp articulation mirrored his. For me, however, the highlight of the evening was still to come.

In the second half, the RSNO returned to perform Walton's First Symphony, a piece which I had never heard before. However, by the third movement I had completely fallen in love with it. It's not all that often that I really enjoy a piece the first time I hear it, because it usually takes a few listens to be able to really 'listen properly'. So, the fact that the piece won me over on the first listen is testament to the expressive and open playing of the RSNO. I left the concert hall with that great feeling of having discovered a new piece, and even without the rest of the concert, I would have been happy to leave with that alone.

Seona Glen

Seona is part of the RSNO's Young Ambassador scheme, arranged by the Learning and Engagement Department. All views expressed by Young Ambassadors belong to those of the individual and are not representative of the organisation. For more information, visit the RSNO website.

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Romantic Valentine’s Classics

From Piano Legends to Operatic Superstars; internationally renowned Soprano, Kishani Jayasinghe will be joining the RSNO this weekend for a very special Romantic Valentine’s Classics Concert.

After starting her career in Opera later than most, Kishani made history in 2006 when she became the first Sri Lankan to perform on the main stage of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

With her beautifully rich vocals and striking stage presence, Kishani has given many a memorable performance in roles such as Chloe in Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades, Rosina in The Ghost of Versailles and Don Giovanni’s Donna Elvira. In 2010 she made her European debut as Mimi in Puccini’s La bohème, a role which she had “always dreamed of” and one that she will relive with the RSNO and conductor Jean-Claude Picard, as she performs the well-known aria Si, Mi chiamano Mimi.

Kishani will also share the romantic duet O soave fancuilla from La bohème, with Scotland’s very own Nicky Spence who has been hailed by the Daily Telegraph as “a voice of real distinction.” Having performed with the likes of Metropolitan Opera, Scottish Opera, Grange Park Opera and New Zealand Opera; Nicky has just finished his role as Števa Buryja in Janacek’s Jenufa at La Monnaie in Brussels and is fast becoming one of today’s finest young artists.

Set in 19th Century Paris, La bohème tells the tragic and timeless love story of penniless poet, Rodolfo and Mimi, an unassuming seamstress whose ill fate denies the couple their utmost desire to be together. A story of love and loss that reflects on everyday life, Puccini’s most celebrated opera is undoubtedly one of the greatest love stories ever told and one that is adored by many.

Such love and heart-break continues in our Valentine’s programme with excerpts from Verdi’s La traviata, a tear-jerking tale of compassion and self-sacrifice and Tchaikovsky’s dramatically turbulent Eugene Onegin, which includes Tatiana’s famous Letter Scene - arguably one of the most powerful arias ever written for Soprano.

Music from the much-loved musical My Fair Lady, along with Strauss’ Overture from Die Fledermaus and selections from some of Franz Lehár’s operettas, adds to this jam-packed programme of Romantic Classics, which coupled with the dazzling charm and sublime vocals of both soloists makes for the perfect Valentine’s evening.

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Fri 14 Feb – EDN

Sat 15 Feb – GLW

Piano Legends

After Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky’s explosive and highly-acclaimed performance of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto back in November, we're looking forward to yet more legendary piano playing with the greatly anticipated John Lill and Richard Goode both taking to the stage over the next two weeks. Don’t miss this chance to see back-to-back performances from two of the world’s most experienced and inspirational pianists with Scotland’s national orchestra.

Considered to be a leading interpreter of Classical and Romantic music, American pianist Richard Goode rarely performs in Scotland, last sharing the stage with the RSNO in 1995 and so it is with great excitement that we welcome him back this year, to perform Mozart’s wonderful Piano Concerto No.17. Richard is admired worldwide for displaying great depth and power in his performances, whilst remaining incredibly modest and unassuming, placing the composer and his work at the forefront - a magical touch he is sure to bring to Mozart’s playful piano concerto. Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser and William Walton’s fiery First Symphony complete the programme and ensure this is a concert not to be missed!

Before that, however, legendary British pianist, John Lill, joins us this week to celebrate his 70th Birthday with Brahms’ strikingly passionate First Piano Concerto. John began performing with the RSNO in the mid-1960s and has maintained a close relationship with the Orchestra ever since. In a recent interview with The Scotsman, he looks forward to his upcoming performance, describing this particular concerto as a “truly glorious work… spontaneous, passionate and spring-like”. It is this infectious enthusiasm, along with his impulsive and honest playing, that makes John Lill such an inspiring performer. We’ll be sure to make his 70th Birthday one to remember!  

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John Lill’s 70th

ABERDEEN - Thu 30 Jan

EDINBURGH - Fri 31 Jan

GLASGOW - Sat 1 Feb  

Oundjian Conducts Walton

PERTH - Thu 6 Feb

EDINBURGH - Fri 7 Feb

GLASGOW - Sat 8 Feb

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.