Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of our Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland’s young string players.

Delivered in partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, each year a group of RCS string students are selected to take part in a week-long side-by-side project with Scottish Ensemble musicians.

The week sees mentorship meet music-making in its most dynamic form, with the group working on a broad range of string repertoire, extended playing techniques, programme curation and how to communicate with audiences.

This year the development week will culminate in Musical Encounters, an electrifying collaborative performance that sees the young RCS players bring fresh energy to the stage alongside Scottish Ensemble, for afternoon concerts in Glasgow (RCS, 16 January) and Edinburgh’s Queens Hall (17 January). 

Following the project two young musicians will be selected to be Scottish Ensemble’s Young Artists for 2026. They will benefit from a year-long programme of paid opportunities and development experiences designed to broaden their skills as professional musicians.

This will include joining the Ensemble for tours and performances as well as Music for Wellbeing workshops in schools and at Scotland’s Maggie’s Centres, alongside office days with the management team to gain insights into programming, fundraising, and marketing.

James Hardie, Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said: “At Scottish Ensemble, we are always looking to the future of our artform, and nurturing the next generation of musicians is central to that mission.

“Our annual Young Artists week at the RCS is a highlight of the year, giving us the chance to work with a new cohort of passionate, energetic young string players.”

Listings Information

Friday 16 January, 1pm

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow

Tickets £5 – £13

Booking: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/whats-on/fridays-at-one-scottish-ensemble-side-by-side-with-rcs-strings/book/598806/

Saturday 17 January, 3pm

The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh

Tickets £13, Free for Under-16s

Booking: https://www.thequeenshall.net/book/266801

Musical Encounters programme

Jessie Montgomery Starburst

Henryk Górecki  Three Pieces in Old Style

Witold Lutosławski  Five Folk Melodies (No.2 and No.3)

Elizabeth Maconchy  Music for Strings (Mvmt II: Scherzo)

Tōru Takemitsu  Music of Training and Rest, from José Torres

Caroline Shaw Plan & Elevation (Mvmt V: The Beech Tree)

Hans Abrahamson 10 Preludes (No.2)

Thomas Ades Arcadiana (O Albion)

Philip Glass 1957. Award Montage from String Quartet no3 ‘Mishima’

Olli Mustonen Nonet II