Timeline: 90 Years of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
For nine decades, the red 'on-air' light has shone brightly over the BBC SSO since its first live broadcast on 3 December 1935.
Travel back in time and discover some of the pivotal moments that have shaped the orchestra's identity.
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1935
First rehearsal & broadcast
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1937
Edinburgh to Glasgow
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1947
The EIF is founded
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1961
Stockhausen’s Gruppen
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1962
Debut at the BBC Proms
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1967
Now with added 'Symphony'
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1977
Hong Kong & Simon Rattle
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1980
Musicians’ Union strike
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1984
First tour of Poland
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1990
City of Culture
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1993
Brabbins & Glennie, Soundbites
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1995
War Requiem at the Shipyard
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1997
The Sibelius Experience
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2000
First tour of China
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2001
USA tour & Runnicles' debut
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2003
Wagner at EIF
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2004
BBC Young Musician
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2006
Studio One to City Halls
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2007
Candide at EIF
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2008
Holland & China
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2009
Donald Runnicles
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2013
Tectonics Festival
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2014
Tour of India
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2015
Dausgaard: A new Chief
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2019
Lucy Drever
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2022
Ryan Wigglesworth
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2025
Delyana Lazarova
