Macmillan clan chief keeps the wheels turning

In the impressive grounds of Finlaystone House, Port Glasgow, stands an ancient Yew tree, known as the John Knox Tree. The tree, which survived a shell exploding on the lawn during the Second World War, provided the canopy under which Knox gave his first communion in the west of Scotland in 1556. Today, George MacMillan,…

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The perfect intro to ballet for the little ones

Scottish Ballet is set to present a specially adapted wee version of a big ballet. Wee Hansel & Gretel will open at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from 1 –3 November; a family favourite aimed at 3-8-year-olds, and a perfect production for young people to discover the magic of ballet. Join Hansel & Gretel as…

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Still time to make a Scottish Ballet wish

For 50 years, Scottish Ballet has been crafted by Scotland – by the people, the tradition, the sense of humour, the generosity and the spirit. As a way of saying thank you to the whole country, Scottish Ballet is inviting people to make a wish – and in 2019, five of those wishes will come…

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The light fantastic gets off to a great start

This year’s Kirkcudbright Festival of Light has got off to a busy start. The first weekend attracted visitors to a range of events and attractions including workshops to make lanterns for next Saturday’s parade and fireworks. The coming days promise activities and entertainments of all kinds, leading up to Sunday’s finale which will be a…

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Talented seven join Scottish Opera for 2018/19 season

Scottish Opera has welcomed a talented new group of emerging artists to their fold for the 2018/19 season. The Scottish Opera Emerging Artists programme offers young artists a period of full-time work with the company to help them launch their careers. Initially set up to nurture outstanding young singers, the programme now also includes positions…

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Forget the Wicker Man – see the Wicker Horse

An illuminated 18-foot wicker horse, a lantern parade, artworks, classical music and beautiful designs beamed onto historic buildings – all will feature in the Kirkcudbright Festival of Light. The south-west Scottish town – known as Scotland’s artists’ town – is making the final preparations for a 10-day celebration of the remarkable quality of its light,…

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Swan Lake and Giselle come direct from Siberia

The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia are bringing some cold comfort to Scotland. Performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia and accompanied by The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet will perform Giselle and Swan Lake when they play at the Edinburgh Playhouse. On 7 March next year, they will perform Giselle…

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A night of Russian music coming to Scotland

The Russian State Symphony Orchestra is coming to Scotland as part of mighty all-Russian programme. On Sunday, 14 October, they will performed at 3pm at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, when they will perform the Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite, Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2, and Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2. The opening new of the Usher Hall’s new Sunday…

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Let there be light at Kirkcudbright festival

International soprano Emma Morwood yesterday sang in what could be the world’s smallest opera house for the programme launch of next month’s Kirkcudbright Festival of Light. The 10-day event, from 5-14 October, is a celebration of the remarkable quality of light in the southern Scottish town which has attracted and inspired generations of artists. The…

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Olivier Award winner is new arts academy patron

An Olivier Award-winner has become the first patron of a Scottish academy of performing arts. The Edinburgh-based MGA Academy of Performing Arts has announced world-famous performer Peter Schaufuss has taken on the role, with the goal of continuing the trend of having coached some of the UK’s prominent young performers. The Olivier Award-winning ballet dancer,…

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