Masterworks 2010

SCO Connect's flagship project for standard and higher grade students reaches over 30 secondary schools and tours to six Scottish regions every year. Since its inception in 1998 this highly popular and adventurous programme has put established classics and contemporary music under the microscope.

"Many of my pupils had never been to a classical concert, seen many instruments or appreciated the work that produces classical performers. Always fantastic to see an Orchestra live!" (PT Music, South Ayrshire)

2010

In Autumn 2010 Masterworks focuses on the concept of Minimalism. Participating schools receive the following:

Teacher CPD session in each participating Local Authority
Resource pack for all teachers
A visit to all schools by SCO players
Tickets for the Masterwoks schools concert performance
Tickets for the linked concert New Romantics

Training

The Teacher CPD sessions and SCO player training is led by Paul Rissmann. Teachers have a great time playing instruments, learning about the music and leave full of ideas to take to the classroom!

"Pupils had the opportunity beforehand to become familiar with the piece through activities provided which were given in CPD Session. Teachers had time to become familiar with Resource Pack beforehand. Paul Rissman's analysis in the concert was excellent, as was the CPD session which I thoroughly enjoyed."(Teacher, Aberdeenshire)

School visits

For two weeks in September teams of SCO musicians visit pupils from over 30 schools to deliver a 2-hour workshop featuring instrument introductions and practical music-making based on music featuring in the Masterworks concert.

School Performances

At the end of the project everyone involved joins the full forces of the SCO for a special concert. Experienced animateur Paul Rissmann guides the audience through the work with a visual presentation followed by a full performance of the pieces.

'...in the SCO's rigorous analysis and performance of the work in its Masterworks [2009] series on Monday night in Edinburgh, the core of Tryst was laid bare in an astounding analysis of the work by Paul Rissmann, with the SCO conducted by James Lowe, demonstrating and exemplifying its elements. As for Paul Rissmann, I knew he was good - but this good? This was a tour de force of intellectual, musical and educational navigation. Masterworks indeed, in more ways than one. A nomination for an award from someone, please.' (The Herald, September 2009)

Film

In 2009 over 900 pupils took part in Masterworks, and a film was made about the project. Click here or follow the link below to watch a film about the project.

Funding

The SCO gratefully acknowledges generous financial support for Masterworks 2010 from:
The Radcliffe Trust
J R Gibb Charitable Trust
The Hugh Fraser Foundation
Fife Youth Music Activities Charitable Trust
Tayfield Foundation

and would like to thank the following:
The City of Edinburgh Council
Fife Council
Arts and Theatres Trust Fife Ltd
South Ayrshire Council
East Ayrshire Council
Highland Council