Launching the tour, the SCO Strings take audiences in Kinlochleven (8 June), Findhorn (9 June) and Montrose (10 June) on a European musical adventure. Director and cellist Philip Higham leads the Orchestra in a story of Europe at night, from Boccherini’s evocation of the streets of Madrid, to Mozart’s powerful Fantasia and much-loved Eine kleine Nachtmusik.

At the same time the SCO Winds visit Braemar (7 June), Fort Augustus (8 June), Oban (9 June) and Birnam (10 June) with a programme of folk melodies and traditional Bohemian dances in a programme exploring the lively and evocative music of Dvořák and Janáček.

There’s a welcome return for director and violinist Isabelle van Keulen who joins the SCO for a tour across the South of Scotland, with a programme in which she leads the Orchestra and takes on the solo role in Vaughan Williams’ enduringly popular The Lark Ascending in Largs (28 June), Lanark (29 June) and Duns (30 June). Van Keulen also leads the SCO in its annual performance at the East Neuk Festival (2 July).

SCO Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev leads the Orchestra on a tour of the Highlands, with a concert full of Italian flair and Mediterranean summer sunshine. Visiting Stirling (19 July), Elgin (20 July) and Forfar (21 July), the SCO’s Summer in Italy programme presents the musical drama of Rossini alongside energetic works by Bottesini showcasing the outstanding virtuosity of two SCO Principals: clarinettist Maximiliano Martin and double bassist Nikita Naumov.

A residency in Aberdeenshire includes a full orchestral programme conducted by Andrei Feher with soloist André Cebrián in Aboyne (3 August), Turiff (4 August) and Inverurie (5 August) which includes the UK premiere of Márquez’s Flute Concerto ‘Son’ – inspired by the folk music of Mexico and Spanish, African and indigenous influences stretching as far back as the 18^th century.

Also part of the residency is the fabulously fun family concert, The Chimpanzees of Happytown, which visits Stonehaven (4 August) and Daviot (5 August). Presenter Ailing O’Dea brings to life the story of Chutney the Chimp in an inclusive performance designed with a relaxed and supportive approach to noise and movement within the auditorium. Ideal for four- to eight-year-olds.

Bringing the Orchestra’s summer touring to a close, conductor Jonathon Heyward presents a concert of folktales and legends in Troon (14 September) and Cumbernauld (15 September). Featuring music by Mendelssohn and Beethoven and with soloists Maximiliano Martin and Cerys Ambrose Evans in Strauss’s Duet Concertino, where the clarinet and bassoon are cast in Beauty and the Beast-like roles.