The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev are shocked and appalled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The SCO also stands with the people of Russia who find themselves brought unwillingly into this terrible conflict.

Maxim Emelyanychev said:

“I am an artist, I am not a politically active person, and I live for the creation of music and art, but now I cannot stay silent. I am against the war in Ukraine and find it so distressing to witness the scenes that we are all seeing every day. I am deeply committed to my position at the SCO and would like to thank the Orchestra, its players and audiences for their support during this terrible crisis. I wish for a peaceful resolution for everyone as soon as possible.”

Like many orchestras, the SCO frequently programmes Russian repertoire and over the years the Orchestra has shared the stage with many Russian artists including, of course, our much-loved Principal Conductor. Our concert plans with Maxim for the coming months remain unchanged.

This week we welcome François Leleux for two concerts at The Queen’s Hall (3 Mar) and City Halls Glasgow (4 Mar). The SCO will demonstrate its support of the Ukrainian people by playing the ‘A Prayer for Ukraine’ at each of these concerts.