West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra – Directed by James Lowe

Ayr Town Hall
Sunday 14th June 2026, 7pm
Tickets: £8-£14

Description:
The West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra is a leading youth orchestra offering professional‑level training and performance opportunities to talented young musicians from across the west and central regions of Scotland. Established in 1996 and directed by James Lowe, the orchestra performs a wide range of orchestral repertoire at prominent venues throughout the year.

About the Programme

Nikolai Rimsky‑Korsakov – Scheherazade
Composed in 1888, Scheherazade is a vivid symphonic suite inspired by One Thousand and One Nights (The Arabian Nights). Its rich orchestration, recurring violin solos, and evocative themes depict Scheherazade as she tells stories night after night to postpone her execution, creating a magical atmosphere filled with fantasy and Eastern‑influenced colours. It remains one of Rimsky‑Korsakov’s most admired and frequently performed works.

Aileen Sweeney – Glisk
Aileen Sweeney is an award‑winning Scottish composer and accordionist from Glasgow. Her music blends classical writing with the energy, ornamentation, and colours of the Scottish folk traditions she grew up with. Her work has been performed widely across the UK, and she has received commissions from major festivals and ensembles including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, who premiered Glisk as part of their centenary celebrations.