A celebration of all things Scottish, its nature, music and people. Felix Mendelssohn visited Scotland in 1829, and despite sea-sickness, a boat trip to Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa made a great impression on him, and inspired this overture. His Scottish Symphony was a decade longer in its development than the Overture, and it is hard not to imagine the wild Romantic landscapes of the north; as may also be said of McCunn’s well-loved piece. Music of a very different ilk comprises the music of Malcolm Arnold and Peter Maxwell Davies, with sometimes riotous dances, and ending with the sound of the bagpipe. There’s a reason for this concert – but you’ll have to come along for Jonathan Small to explain it to you!