BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1935, the Glasgow-based BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra has long-championed new music, forming a reputation for performances of Sibelius's music (acknowledged by the composer himself) as early as the 30s. The Sibelius connection, which continues to this day, was enhanced by an acclaimed series of concerts and recordings made with Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä, Chief Conductor 1996-2002.

The BBC SSO continues to nurture close relationships with living composers and one of its most important relationships was with Jonathan Harvey who was the orchestra's Composer in Association for three years from 2005. The BBC SSO has also been at the heart of Tectonics, Glasgow's annual cutting-edge new music festival, begun by its Chief Conductor from 2003-2009, Ilan Volkov.

Introduced by Hannah French.

Sibelius: Wood Nymph, Op. 15
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Osmo Vänskä (conductor)

Helen Grime: Snow (Two Eardley Pictures)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Dausgaard (conductor)

Hanna Tuulikki: Voice of the Bird (excerpt)
Hanna Tuulikki - Singer
Anna Sheard - Singer
Judith Williams - Singer
Julia Taudevin - Singer
Lucy Duncombe - Singer
Mischa Macpherson - Singer
Nerea Bello - Singer
Nichola Scrutton - Singer
Mairi Morrison - Singer
Geoff Sample - Main Artist (field recordings)

Jonathan Harvey:...towards a Pure Land (BBC commission)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Ilan Volkov (conductor)

Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 in E flat major
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Osmo Vänskä (conductor)