Beethoven, Strauss and James MacMillan

From darkness to light – three musical journeys undertaken by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra with their principal conductor Maxim Emelyanychev.

Few can be left unmoved by the pity of Richard Strauss’s deeply cathartic Metamorphosen, a profoundly poignant reflection on the destruction of World War Two. From its famously gripping opening Beethoven’s best-loved Symphony, the Fifth, forges a path from compelling conflict to the blazing radiance of triumph. And in between percussionist Colin Currie joins the orchestra as the central protagonist in Sir James MacMillan’s theatrical, visionary percussion concerto Veni, Veni Emmanuel – a dazzling celebration of new life and new hope.

Recorded at City Halls, Glasgow on October 3, 2025.
Presented by John Toal

Richard Strauss: Metamorphosen
James MacMillan: Veni, Veni, Emmanuel
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No 5 in C minor

Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor)
Colin Currie (percussion)

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