Staff and pupils of The Music School of Douglas Academy are delighted to invite you to join them at the inaugural Concerto Concert for Emerging Soloists which will take place on Tuesday June 27th at 7.30pm at Douglas Academy.
Three young musicians, selected from audition earlier this year by Professor David Watkin (Head of Strings at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, cello soloist and conductor) and Kirsteen Davidson Kelly (CEO of National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, pianist), will perform an exciting programme of concertos to showcase the breadth of talent and opportunity available to all via the Scottish Government funded Centres of Excellence state school programme.
Tickets for this very special performance cost £8 (£4 for child/concession) and are available from the school by emailing: musicschool@douglas.e-dunbarton.sch.uk
Convener of East Dunbartonshire’s Education Committee, Councillor Lynda Williamson, is hoping the showcase event will be a sell-out success.
She said,
The depth of talent at the Music School of Douglas Academy is astounding. The school consistently attracts the highest calibre of students who then flourish under the tuition of a hard working and committed team of teachers and tutors. We are very fortunate to be able to enjoy the work of these very dedicated and gifted young musicians and I know it is bound to be a night to remember.
Scottish Ballet and RSNO Guest Conductor Robert Baxter will conduct Music School soloists Johnny Gray (cello), Gina Wright (viola) and Euan Kemp (saxophone) in a programme which includes concertos by Elgar and Hoffmeister and John Williams’ Escapades for solo saxophone, vibes and bass.
Speaking about this opportunity, Robert Baxter said, “I am delighted to conduct the orchestra for this collaborative project. It’s going to be a wonderful concert - young musicians sitting alongside experienced and dedicated professional musicians of the highest calibre, highlighting three brilliant young soloists who represent the high level of musical achievement that this school attains from all its students.”
The soloists will be accompanied by a professionally mentored orchestra of current students and alumni from both the Music School and across East Dunbartonshire, players from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Junior Conservatoire, Music School specialist instrumental teachers and musicians from McOpera.
The performance will be introduced by Music School alumnus, Scottish tenor and BBC presenter Jamie MacDougall.
Councillor Williamson added, “Do join us and see for yourself what is on offer to any young musician across Scotland. Fully funded places for young musicians are open every year and this is an excellent opportunity to see what current students have achieved.”
