We’re inviting tubists, along with players of sousaphone, euphonium, baritone, Wagner tuba and tenor horn, to join us for this extraordinary large-scale performance.
Written by pioneering American composer Anthony Braxton, Composition No. 19 (For 100 Tubas) is a bold and immersive work that transforms the tuba into a vast collective instrument. With layers of sustained sound, shifting textures and powerful spatial effects, the piece creates an experience that is as much about atmosphere and resonance as it is about performance.
Written in the 1970s, the score was lost for many years before eventually being rediscovered and receiving its first performance in New York in 2006. This September, Red Note Ensemble brings this remarkable work to Lammermuir Festival in a special outdoor performance at Amisfield Walled Garden.
Braxton’s score is written for four marching tuba bands of 25 players, each with its own conductor, moving through the space as the performance unfolds. Surrounded by the garden walls and the open evening sky, audiences and performers will experience a constantly shifting landscape of sound as tubas of every shape and size — from euphoniums to sousaphones — create rich, resonant textures across the site.
The work is very rarely presented, making this a special opportunity to take part in one of Braxton’s most ambitious ensemble pieces alongside brass players from across Scotland and beyond.
It’s a joyful, collaborative piece: immersive, surprising and unlike anything else.
Most importantly, it’s open to players of all experience levels. The music is approachable, and Red Note will provide all the materials and support you need in advance.
If you play tuba — or euphonium, baritone, tenor horn, Wagner tuba or sousaphone — we’d love you to join us for this unique performance.
Come and be part of an unforgettable evening of music as twilight falls over one of East Lothian’s most beautiful spaces.
The performance will take place in the beautiful Amisfield Walled Garden, around 30 minutes from Edinburgh, on Saturday 19 September 2026, as part of this year’s festival.
Join us for a unique afternoon and evening of music in an unforgettable setting.
We are looking for people who are:
- Tuba, Sousaphone, Euphonium, Baritone, Wagner tuba or Tenor horn players
- At any level of experience (amateur, student or professional)
- Aged 16 or over
- Available on Saturday 19 September 2026 from 13:00 until 19:30 for the rehearsal and performance.
We’d love to have you with us.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 2ND AUGUST
