German Pianist Christian Zacharias directs Scottish Chamber Orchestra from the keyboard

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Following his acclaimed appearance with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra last Season, German pianist Christian Zacharias returns to direct the Orchestra, both from the keyboard and the podium, in four concerts in Edinburgh (Thursday, 30 April), Glasgow (Friday, 1 May), Aberdeen (Saturday 2 May) and Inverness (Sunday 3 May).

The concerts open with Stravinsky’s jolly Danses Concertantes, the first performance of which was conducted by the composer himself in 1942. Written for a chamber orchestra of just 24 players, all movements are played without a break. Zacharias is then joined by SCO Principals Robin Williams (oboe), Peter Whelan (bassoon), Ruth Crouch (violin) and David Watkin (cello), in Haydn’s spirited Sinfonia Concertante, before he takes on the dual role of soloist and director in Weber’s Konzertstück in F minor Op 79. Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, the movements of which are dedicated to a friend of Ravel who died in the Great War, brings these concerts to a close. Zacharias has performed with and directed some of the world’s leading orchestras. He is currently Principal Conductor of the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, Principal Guest Conductor of the Göteborg Symphony Orchestra and next season takes up the role of Artistic Partner of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. SCO Principal Cello, David Watkin, will give a pre-concert talk at the Inverness concert at 7.15pm. This event is free to ticket holders.

Zacharias Directs
STRAVINSKY – Danses Concertantes
HAYDN – Sinfonia Concertante in B flat major Hob I: 105
WEBER – Konzertstück in F minor Op 79
RAVEL – Le Tombeau de Couperin

Christian Zacharias, piano/conductor
Robin Williams, oboe
Peter Whelan, bassoon
Ruth Crouch, violin
David Watkin, cello

Tickets
Edinburgh (£8-£26, concessions available)
Queen’s Hall Box Office 0131 668 2019

Glasgow (£11-£24, concessions available)
Glasgow ’s Concert Halls Box Office 0141 353 8000

Aberdeen (£8.50 - £19, concessions available)
Music Hall Box Office 01224 641122

Inverness (£18 - £25, concessions available)
Eden Court Theatre Box Office 01463 234234

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