Performances of BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

From ocean mists to towering summits, plus Mozart with the legendary Elisabeth Leonskaja.

From ocean mists to towering summits, plus Mozart with the legendary Elisabeth Leonskaja.

**FULLY BOOKED** Apply below for a place at one of the sessions in Inverness. 'Tunes for Tots' is 35 minutes long and for children up to 5 years old with their parents or carers.

A fascination with nature, a love of the East and a shared passion for the endlessly subtle hues of French music: delicate and beautiful threads link the different pieces in this programme featuring soprano Claire Booth and violist Lawrence Power

A landmark of Hollywood's Golden Age lives again!

Award-winning actor Rory Kinnear (best known from his role in James Bond films) narrates Prokofiev’s playful 'Peter and the Wolf' and the phenomenal Sterling Elliott dazzles in Tchaikovsky's showpiece for cello and orchestra.

The ultimate romantic symphony follows MacMillan’s searing “Isobel Gowdie”

Isata Kanneh-Mason conquers the legendary “Everest of piano concertos” and Delyana Lazarova makes her debut as Principal Guest Conductor!

Isata Kanneh-Mason conquers the legendary “Everest of piano concertos” and Delyana Lazarova makes her debut as Principal Guest Conductor!

Grieg’s beloved concerto and a deeply moving wartime masterpiece with NYCOS

Shimmering soundscapes of impressionist magic and hidden treasures

This year, the BBC SSO offers two Christmas concerts at City Halls! Enjoy festive carols, classics, and Jamie MacDougall's sparkling performances—like a cozy mug of hot chocolate.

"Christmas Classics" is a heartwarming evening of festive carols and orchestral pieces, featuring singer Jamie MacDougall with the BBC SSO in Aberdeen. A sell-out event, it’s the perfect start to the holidays—book early!

Celebrate the festive season with the BBC SSO's magical movie music night in Glasgow! Enjoy John Williams, Disney classics & Golden Age tunes. Hosted by Jamie MacDougall. Always a sell-out—book early!

Celebrate Christmas with the BBC SSO's epic movie music concert, featuring John Williams, Disney classics & more at Usher Hall. Hosted by Jamie MacDougall, this popular festive event sells fast—book early for the best seats!

For the first time ever, the BBC's breakthrough podcast will be recorded in front of a live audience at the Old Fruitmarket, blending expert-led mindfulness techniques with its signature soothing orchestral soundscapes, performed by the BBC SSO.

In 'Beyond The Tradition', five acclaimed Scottish folk song performers—Karine Polwart, Kris Drever, Emily Smith, Fiona Hunter and Lori Watson—join the BBC SSO for newly commissioned arrangements classic Scots folk songs and ballads.

Experience Górecki’s profound and spiritual journey through loss and love, featuring soprano Francesca Chiejina (pictured) with the BBC SSO. The concert opens with the extraordinary vocalist, violinist, and composer Alice Zawadzki.

Multi-instrumental musical duo 'The Ayoub Sisters' celebrate their ten-year anniversary with a whirlwind evening of folklore and adventure. Paying homage to their Egyptian heritage, Sarah and Laura present the world premiere of their Arabic Symphony.

“Goosebumps Galactica!” in the words of a BBC SSO audience member

“Goosebumps Galactica!” in the words of a BBC SSO audience member

Rachmaninov's First Symphony is a gripping climax to this concert which also features Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No.2: an afternoon that begins in the dream-world of Debussy’s mythical Faun, and ends at the gates of the inferno.

After 60 years on stage, Dame Imogen Cooper performs Mozart's last piano concerto as part of her 'farewell tour' across Europe... don't miss her stop in Glasgow! "Mozart has a special place in her heart", she says.

After 60 years on stage, Dame Imogen Cooper performs Mozart's last piano concerto as part of her 'farewell tour' across Europe... don't miss her stop in Perth! "Mozart has a special place in her heart", she says.

Sir Donald Runnicles joins forces with Edinburgh Festival Chorus for Mahler’s epic Resurrection Symphony at the Usher Hall. A monumental musical event!

Britten's playful 'Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra' is paired with the composer's Cello Symphony. Plus, there's music inspired by the enchanting imagination of William Shakespeare.

Pulse-raising passion and a teenage prodigy’s firecracker piano concerto

Tchaikovsky's pulse-raising passion and Mozart's 'Turkish' Violin Concerto

A dreamlike tale of love and fate, wrapped in Debussy’s hypnotic harmonies.

A dreamlike tale of love and fate, wrapped in Debussy’s hypnotic harmonies.

Guest Conductor Elim Chan reveals the deadly secrets of Bartók’s thrilling work 'Bluebeard’s Castle' with the help of two world-class soloists.

Dorottya Láng & Gábor Bretz join conductor Elim Chan for Bartók’s thrilling work 'Bluebeard’s Castle' revealing deadly secrets. Plus pieces by Britten & Shostakovich in this dramatic concert!

Londoner Ayanna Witter-Johnson blends jazz & classical, teaming with Scottish pianist Fergus McCreadie & BBC SSO players at Glasgow’s SWG3. Celebrating Scottish jazz legends, their collaboration merges jazz, folk, & classical in a unique musical tribute.

Born in Minnesota, Craig Taborn is a pianist and electronic musician with over 25 years in the jazz, improvisational and creative music scene. His fearless music-making draws across genres to shape a distinct and versatile musical voice.

Hannah Kendall’s music is “searingly impactful” (The New Statesman), bridging musical cultures while both honouring and challenging contemporary traditions. Ilan Volkov conducts '...I may turn to salt', inspired by poet Lemn Sissay's 'Godsell'.

Discover the artists and music from Day 1 of Tectonics with BBC Radio 3’s Kate Molleson.

Ilan Volkov conducts the first of two evening concerts with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Saturday's concert features a world premiere and BBC Commission by Christopher Fox, plus UK premieres by Laura Bowler and Angélica Castelló.

Flutist Nicole Mitchell and pianist Craig Taborn reunite as a duo after 20 years of collaboration. Inspired by Cecil Taylor and Eric Dolphy, they create spontaneous, exploratory music blending extended piano, flute, and electronic textures.

Ilan Volkov conducts the second of two evening concerts with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Sunday's concert features two world premieres and BBC commissions by Nicole Mitchell and Martin Smolka, plus a UK premiere by Naomi Pinnock.

Glasgow accordionist Ryan Corbett performs Jay Capperauld’s electrifying concerto that was written especially for him and Emilia Hoving conducts Prokofiev’s enchanting story of star-crossed lovers.

A glorious finale to the 90th season, where voices and orchestra soar as one.

Join BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Classical Musician 2025 Grand Final on 30 May 2026 at 7pm! Three talented finalists perform with BBC SSO, conducted by Jonathan Bloxham. Judges: Helen Grime, Su a Lee, and David McGuinness. Hosted by Judith Ralston.

A mysterious princess, a remote castle, and a tense love triangle shape Debussy’s dark, dreamlike fairytale opera. Pelléas et Mélisande blends shadowy symbols with shimmering music. Rory Kinnear directs, with Ryan Wigglesworth leading a stellar cast.

A mysterious princess, a remote castle, and a tense love triangle shape Debussy’s dark, dreamlike fairytale opera. Pelléas et Mélisande blends shadowy symbols with shimmering music. Rory Kinnear directs, with Ryan Wigglesworth leading a stellar cast.

An orchestral journey of bold originality: Ogonek’s joyful, light-filled dances, Ravel’s jazz-inspired brilliance, and Wigglesworth’s time-bending concerto. Steven Osborne shines across playful Ravel and introspective Wigglesworth.

Britten at his most joyful: the upbeat Welcome Ode and the sparkling Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, a lively tour of every instrument. A spirited celebration, complete with fresh narration by Rory Kinnear.

Brass players from Scotland’s top orchestras unite with The Wallace Collection and young musicians to honour trumpeter John Wallace. The programme features his Symphony for Brass Band and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.

Greek tragedy meets modern psychology in Richard Strauss’s audacious opera, conducted by Karina Canellakis.

Seize a rare chance to hear Mahler’s cantata Das klagende Lied, performed by the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, BBC SSO and soloists under Sir Donald Runnicles.

MUSIC THAT SPEAKS TO THE HEART: Bomsori plays Beethoven's masterful Violin Concerto and two world-class vocalists shine in Zemlinsky's sumptuous Lyric Symphony

"One of Britain’s most virtuosic instrumentalists” (The Times), performs Sir James MacMillan's Saxophone Concerto. And there's a sonorous, song-like love letter to the composer's Ayrshire hometown, written for euphonium and strings.

Colin Currie is at the helm of this celebration of Steve Reich's 90th birthday. He’s joined by 'The National' guitarist Bryce Dessner (a long-time Reich champion) in a programme that includes 'Electric Counterpoint' and 'Four Sections'.

LIFE, LOVE & FAREWELL: Popular Dutch guest conductor Antony Hermus leads us to the emotional heart of Mahler’s devastatingly beautiful final musical testament.

ROCK & CLASSICAL COLLIDE: Chloë Hanslip’s electric violin meets the sparkling energy of Estonian conductor Mihhail Gerts, with music of raw emotional power by Arvo Pärt and Eduard Tubin.

Musical fireworks ignite a new season as British violinist Chloë Hanslip performs Tchaikovsky’s thrilling Violin Concerto, and Mihhail Gerts explores the raw emotional power of Arvo Pärt (the world's most performed living composer at age 90!).

The Classic Horror. The Iconic Score. Fear Performed Live.

“With desire and passion,” wrote Tchaikovsky on the score of his Fifth Symphony... and you’re about to hear why! Soprano Sophie Bevan also stars in this vibrant all-Russian programme launching the Afternoon Performance series.

“With desire and passion,” wrote Tchaikovsky on the score of his Fifth Symphony... and you’re about to hear why! Soprano Sophie Bevan also features in this vibrant all-Russian programme launching the Usher Hall Series.

Rimsky-Korsakov’s Spanish spectacular and the warm melodies of Mozart’s evergreen Clarinet Concerto bring sunshine to a likely chilly November in Glasgow, with Bartók adding a burst of colour!

Violinist Freya Goldmark is soloist in a musical tribute to the natural world, inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s extraordinary legacy in his 100th birthday year.

JOY, UNITY & HARMONY: Every performance of the Ninth Symphony is a major occasion and with conductor Delyana Lazarova, this celebration of the human spirit shines as a beacon of light in a Scottish December.

RADIANT SOUNDS, DARING SPIRIT: Brahms composed his Second Symphony while on holiday in the Austrian Alps, and that sense of sunshine and soaring vistas glows in every note.

Let the sumptuous sounds of a full symphony orchestra wrap around you like a cosy blanket, as Jamie MacDougall presents familiar carols and orchestral classics at the Music Hall. Book early as it's always a sell-out!

Let the sumptuous sounds of a full symphony orchestra wrap around you like a cosy blanket, as singer Jamie MacDougall presents familiar carols and orchestral classics at Glasgow City Halls.

A festive afternoon for all the family, packed with thrilling and nostalgic blockbuster film music, performed by a full symphony orchestra with singer Jamie MacDougall. Get your Santa hat or sparkly top at the ready!

A festive night for all the family, packed with thrilling and nostalgic blockbuster film music, performed by a full symphony orchestra with singer Jamie MacDougall. Get your Santa hat or sparkly top at the ready!

The most influential sci-fi film of all time, powered by a soundtrack as bold as its vision.

Just a few days before Burns Night, join us for a celebration of Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and rich musical heritage! The world's longest-running orchestral radio programme broadcasts live from City Halls.

NOSTALGIA. ROMANCE. ADVENTURE! Delyana Lazarova conducts a richly expressive programme of Rachmaninov, Debussy and Korngold featuring Bulgarian star Liya Petrova

Delyana Lazarova makes her Usher Hall debut alongside Bulgarian star Liya Petrova, conducting a richly expressive programme of Rachmaninov, Debussy and Korngold

RELENTLESS RHYTHMS, SOARING FLIGHT: Ilan Volkov pairs Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony with mesmerising music by Japanese visionaries, featuring violinist Akiko Suwanai and flautist Adam Walker.

Ilan Volkov pairs Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony with mesmerising music by Japanese visionaries, featuring violinist Akiko Suwanai and flautist Adam Walker.

Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth waltzes us into the silken, seductive Vienna of Strauss’s 'Der Rosenkavalier', with added enchantment from the “pure and very expressive” voice of soprano Erika Baikoff.

OUT OF THIS WORLD: Embark on a cosmic adventure as Ryan Wigglesworth conducts one of Britain’s most beloved classics. Another star, BBC Young Musician winner Laura van der Heijden, shines in Walton’s luminous Cello Concerto.

OUT OF THIS WORLD: Embark on a cosmic adventure as Ryan Wigglesworth conducts one of Britain’s most beloved classics. Another star, BBC Young Musician winner Laura van der Heijden, shines in Walton’s luminous Cello Concerto.

Cellist Raphaela Gromes is one of the defining voices of her generation, an exclusive artist with Sony Classical since 2016. She performs Elgar's much-loved Cello Concerto with popular guest conductor Michael Sanderling.

GRACE & GRANDEUR: Expect poetry and enchantment from Elisabeth Brauss in Mozart’s exquisite concerto. Plus, one of Romantic music’s most overwhelming experiences - Bruckner’s Sixth Symphony.

The BBC SSO presents a rare revival of Harrison Birtwistle’s opera 'The Second Mrs Kong', conducted by Martyn Brabbins and featuring an all-star cast alongside the BBC Singers

“Even in a day when keyboard virtuosos are thick on the ground, Kozhukhin is special.” Denis Kozhukhin returns to the BBC SSO in a programme pairing a Romantic masterpiece with Beethoven’s playful Eighth Symphony.

“Even in a day when keyboard virtuosos are thick on the ground, Kozhukhin is special.” Denis Kozhukhin returns to the BBC SSO in a programme pairing a Romantic masterpiece with Beethoven’s playful Eighth Symphony.

International phenomenon and Grammy Award‑winning composer Eric Whitacre leads an evening of choral splendour with the world-class BBC Singers and BBC SSO, conducting his own radiant music before Mozart’s powerful Requiem.

International phenomenon and Grammy Award‑winning composer Eric Whitacre leads a Sunday afternoon of choral splendour with the world-class BBC Singers and BBC SSO, conducting his own radiant music before Mozart’s powerful Requiem.

Guest conductor Emilia Hoving joins the “warm, bright” British baritone (and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist) Andrew Hamilton on a guided tour for the ears: from Respighi’s glittering panoramas of Rome, to Grace Williams’s bracing Sea Sketches.

A SEASON CLOSES... A WORLD OPENS: Illicit passion meets cosmic consequence as three of the 21st century’s finest Wagnerian singers join forces with the BBC SSO.

Back by popular demand! Under the softly glowing lights of the Old Fruitmarket, take a seat (or stretch out on the floor!) and enjoy peaceful melodies, gentle breathwork and a soothing guided meditation.