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Maxim conducts the Orchestra

From Darkness to Light

2025/26 Season Opener Featuring Beethoven's Fifth

Programme

  • STRAUSS

    Metamorphosen

  • MACMILLAN

    Veni, Veni Emmanuel

  • BEETHOVEN

    Symphony No.5

Maxim Emelyanychev conductor
Colin Currie percussion

To launch our vibrant new Season, join the SCO and our dynamic Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev on an unforgettable journey from darkness to light – culminating in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, fresh from its five-star (The Times) triumph at the BBC Proms.

Few can be left unmoved by the pity of Richard Strauss’ deeply cathartic Metamorphosen, a profoundly poignant reflection on the destruction of World War Two.

From its famously gripping opening, however, Beethoven’s best-loved Symphony - the Fifth - forges a path from compelling conflict to the blazing radiance of triumph.

In between, superstar Scottish percussionist Colin Currie makes the first of his appearances this Season as central protagonist in Sir James MacMillan’s joyful, theatrical, visionary percussion concerto Veni, Veni Emmanuel – a dazzling celebration of new life and new hope.

Kindly supported by Donald and Louise MacDonald in memory of Euan MacDonald

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(The Times - Beethoven's Fifth at BBC Proms 2025)

A stunning performance, masterfully conducted by Emelyanychev. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Broadway World - BBC Proms 2025)

Programme Notes

Young people drinking and reading programme

Our printed programme notes are available for purchase at each concert, or you can read them for free online, available the day before the first performance.

Digital Programmes

The percussion concerto

Our examination of the concerto turns to percussion. Expect the unexpected!

Available to read from 8 September

Symphonies and their nicknames

Beethoven's Fifth has a nickname?! Well, it does according to some people ...

Available to read from 8 September

Artists

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