As the Festival season draws to a close this year, Edinburgh will still play host to some of Scotland’s emerging talent throughout the winter as a new programme of Sound Check events is announced.
Following a celebrated series of concerts last year, the groundbreaking ‘Emerging Artists’ scheme returns for a second successive year.
Featuring a selection of Scotland’s young professional talent, the series gives artists a unique opportunity to perform live in the Usher Hall, on Lothian Road, and gives audiences a chance to hear tomorrow’s stars today.
In partnership with Live Music Now, a charity set up by Yehudi Menuhin in 1977, the initiative not only makes high quality live music accessible, it also supports young musicians at the outset of their careers.
Councillor Deidre Brock, Culture Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s great to welcome this series back with a new programme and a new set of talented young performers, who I’m certain will be inspired by the fantastic setting of Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
“Some of Scotland’s best young musicians will have the opportunity to play on the stage where such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, the Flaming Lips and classical star Nicola Benedetti have performed.”
A range of genres will be on offer, from singer/song writer talent Jo Mango to Hebridean-originals Skerryvore.
All the concerts will take place from 11.00-11.45am, with school pupils, children and students admitted for free. All other tickets are £2.
Members of the audience have the opportunity to chat with the artists afterwards in the Usher Hall Café Bar. You can book online or call the box office.
Tuesday 6 September | Amici Winds
Go on a musical journey with this talented wind quintet (clarinet, oboe and flute), starting in Scotland with musical interludes via Holland, Austria, France, Spain and Ireland performing a varied selection from Sea Shanties and Scottish dances to a bit of Strauss, Debussy and much more.
Tuesday 13 September | Duende!
Yvonne Paterson (flute) and Andrew Robinson (guitar) have an extensive repertoire that spans many genres across classical, Latin and South American, and are renowned for bringing flamenco flair to some familiar favourites, such as The Jet Whistle by Villa Lobos and their own inimitable version of the Queen hit, Bohemian Rhapsody.
Tuesday 20 September | Jo Mango
Nu-folk singer-songwriter Jo Mango writes exquisite and highly unusual pop songs, delicately incorporating folk instruments from around the world with stunning, half-whispered vocals. Here she will perform a mix of songs taken from her acclaimed new album that weave imaginative tales into a deeply moving and unique musical experience.
Tuesday 6 December | Pure Brass
In anticipation of Christmas, this popular and dynamic young brass quintet are back with some seasonal favourites and some more unusual pieces, involving, amongst other things, influences from Norwegian folk music and finishing off with Peter Maxwell Davies’ Farewell to Stromness.
Tuesday 10 January | Flutes en Route
Pushing the boundaries of the flute quartet, Flutes en Route will present an exciting programme including Fl(ut)ing by Scottish composer Rory Boyle. Alongside this brilliant new work, be prepared to hear some familiar music in ways you have never imagined before.
Tuesday 17 January | Emma Versteeg
Soprano Emma Versteeg is accompanied by pianist Sam Hutchings on an international tour of song, inspired by folk poetry and music from around the world, featuring pieces by Haydn, Britten, Ravel, a selection from Wolf Italienisches Liederbuch and Copland American Songs.
Tuesday 24 January | Skerryvore: Burns Day Celebration
From their traditional Hebridean roots, Skerryvore have developed a unique fusion between traditional music and songs with urban sounds of rock and funk. They perform to great acclaim, locally and internationally, and here they will showcase their new album and play some old popular favourites to mark this special Scottish celebration.
