About the Orchestra

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is one of Scotland’s five National Performing Arts Companies, and is internationally recognised as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world. Formed in 1974 with a commitment to serve the Scottish community, it is also one of Scotland’s foremost cultural ambassadors.

The Orchestra performs throughout Scotland, including annual tours of the Scottish Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland, and appears regularly at the Edinburgh, East Neuk, St Magnus and Aldeburgh Festivals and the BBC Proms. Its busy touring schedule has recently included many European countries as well as India and the USA. The Orchestra’s international touring receives support from the Scottish Government.

The Orchestra appointed young British conductor Robin Ticciati to the post of Principal Conductor from the 2009/10 Season. In February 2010, they gave their first overseas concert together at Lingotto, Turin and, in August 2010, Ticciati made his Edinburgh International Festival debut with the Orchestra. Ticciati has recently extended his contract as Principal Conductor with the Orchestra for a further three years to 2015, and he and the SCO made their debut recording together in October.

The SCO’s long-standing relationship with its Conductor Laureate, the late Sir Charles Mackerras, resulted in many exceptional performances and recordings, including two multi award-winning discs of Mozart symphonies (Linn Records). The SCO has strong relationships with many eminent guest conductors including Conductor Emeritus Joseph Swensen, Olari Elts, Andrew Manze, Richard Egarr, John Storgårds, Thierry Fischer, Louis Langrée, Oliver Knussen and Nicholas McGegan; regular soloist/directors include Christian Zacharias and Piotr Anderszewski. The Orchestra enjoys close relationships with many leading composers and has commissioned more than a hundred new works, including pieces by Composer Laureate Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Judith Weir, Sally Beamish, Karin Rehnqvist, Lyell Cresswell, Hafliði Hallgrímsson, Einojuhani Rautavaara, Stuart MacRae and the late Edward Harper.

The SCO has led the way in music education with a unique programme of projects. SCO Connect provides workshops for children and adults across Scotland and has attracted interest and invitations from overseas.

The Orchestra broadcasts regularly and has a discography now exceeding 150 recordings available by calling 0131 557 6802 or online at shop.sco.org.uk.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra receives funding from the Scottish Government.

Orchestra