Vibrant. Inventive. Collaborative.
These are just a few words that can describe Scotland’s classical scene, which thrives on experimentation and connection.
Discover the sounds being created here – listen to these playlists, curated by Rufus Isabel Elliot, Ear to the Ground and Matthew Whiteside.
They have been commissioned by Creative Scotland and the Scottish Music Centre, and aim to give a flavour of Scotland’s classical music as “part of a web of creativity across the country,” as Rufus Isabel Elliot puts it, with inspiration passing between composers and players from different musical backgrounds.
Ear to the Ground’s playlist showcases a variety of genres and themes, with pieces drawing inspiration from topics including climate change, constellations, derelict Scottish islands and porcelain.
Matthew Whiteside’s playlist imagines an “impossible concert that attempts to show some of the breadth of music in Scotland.”
Want to know more about classical music in Scotland?
Download our pack, read the curators’ introductions to their playlists, and explore the rich sounds of the scene.
Classical:NEXT is the world’s biggest contemporary classical showcase and expo.
Every year, a delegation attends from across Scotland’s rich and varied offering of classical artists, composers, organisations and festivals. In 2022, the event took place in Hannover, Germany, from 17 – 20 May.
Find out more about the 2022 delegation over on the Scottish Music Centre’s website.
