Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), Edward Gardner, Edinburgh Festival Chorus

A programme of

James MacMillan Percussion Concerto No 2
Sibelius Kullervo

For composer James MacMillan, Scottish percussionist Colin Currie’s captivating playing combines accuracy, sensitivity and a real sense of emotion – alongside a deep musicality and natural showmanship.

Currie is the dedicatee of MacMillan’s new Second Percussion Concerto, which has a special focus on the scintillating sounds of metal percussion and a provocative combination of lyricism and visceral energy. It’s a tough physical workout for Currie as soloist – and a thrilling ride for listeners.

After the interval, Edward Gardner conducts one of Sibelius’s grandest works. Kullervo tells a moving, dramatic tale of guilt and redemption from Finnish folklore, with acclaimed Swedish contralto Anna Larsson, respected Danish baritone Johan Reuter and the combined choral might of the Edinburgh Festival and RSNO Choruses.