Scottish Association for Music Education
2017-09-07 09:00 - 2017-09-08 17:00 (Europe/London)
On Thursday 7th and Friday 8th September, Red Note Director of Access, Engagement and Participation, Louise Martin, presents New Music Makers at Scottish Association for Music Education.
Launched in 2013, New Music Makers (NMM) supports the development of young composers in schools across Scotland. Designed to inspire and assist composing, NMM demonstrates how a professional ensemble working in partnership with a school can create a genuine practical legacy, enabling the school to take the work forward independently. NMM is an external opportunity taken up at the discretion of the school, however supported by the relevant local authority. Both teachers and pupils have given very positive feedback:
Ali Preston (at time of her involvement with NMM was PT Music at Woodfarm High School; she is now PT Performing Arts at King’s Park Secondary School)
“I just wanted to thank you and the team so much for the delivery of the composing project over the last month at Woodfarm. The pupils have benefited so much from working with Matt and the musicians. Each one of the team had a fantastic approach towards the young people and really encouraged and motivated them in their compositions. Speaking on behalf of the staff, we all have learnt so much which we are already carrying forwards as we work with younger pupils in the classes too.”
Annon. Barrhead High School (pupils submit feedback anonymously)
“I really enjoyed taking part with Red Note. And although frustrating at times it was quite fun composing my own music. Interesting. Inspiring. Proud of my piece.”

Scottish Awards for New Music
2018-03-07 20:00 - 22:00
Our school music project New Music Makers has been shortlisted for the RCS Award for Community / Education Project of the Year, co-commission Aeolian, which premiered at last year’s hcmf// 40 with Kathy Hinde, Andreas Borregaard and Maja S.K. Ratkje, has been nominated for The ISM Award for Collaboration and the ensemble have also been nominated for the Help Musicians (UK) Award for New Music Performers of the Year.
The winners will be announced at the Scottish Awards for New Music event in Drygate Brewery in Glasgow on the 7th March at 8pm.
Full details on the awards can be found here: New Music Scotlandwww.newmusicscotland.co.uk/awards2018
For information only, not a public event.

Red Note seeks a new Chair of the Board of Directors
2020-07-30
Red Note Ensemble is Scotland’s contemporary music ensemble, performing throughout Scotland, the UK and internationally. Our Chair, Professor Celia Duffy, has decided to step down after 10 highly-successful years in the position, having guided the ensemble from its small beginnings in 2009 to its current status (since 2015) as Creative Scotland Regularly Funded Organisation.
Always forward-thinking and dynamic, the company plays a leadership role nationally and internationally in the development of new music and the engagement of new audiences through its busy, annual schedule of events, many of them cross-artform and many of them highly socially-engaged. Our current Board members have expertise and experience at a senior level in marketing, education, law, finances and arts.
For this role, we invite interest from suitably experienced individuals at a Chief Executive level and would particularly welcome those with a background in business and / or experience of a previous board membership and a genuine interest in music and the arts. The ideal candidate would contribute his/her knowledge and strong business contacts and commit to actively support the ensemble by promoting and supporting the organisation externally.
Board meetings are held quarterly, in Glasgow or Edinburgh or, in the current situation, in virtual meeting rooms. In addition, the Chair gives informal advice by phone or 1:1 meetings with the executive team as required and line-manages the CEO. The Chair is furthermore responsible for ensuring the Board works effectively, leading the Board team and meetings and overseeing decisions taken.
This is a voluntary position, and Board Members are rightly highly valued for the vital role they fulfil in providing professional guidance and governance for our ambitious and rapidly developing company. The Red Note Board, like the company, is friendly and informal, but maintains the highest possible professional standards in its business.
Both informal discussions of the role and formal expressions of interest will be welcomed by former Chair, Professor Celia Duffy, who may be contacted via email (ceelsduffy@gmail.com).
The deadline for formal expressions of interest is midnight on Friday 30th July 2020

Red Note at PLUG 2020
2020-09-28 - 2020-10-01
PLUG is the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland festival of contemporary music, all about showcasing original compositions by the students. As Contemporary Ensemble in Residence, Red Note will be playing new works by six student composers.
Unfortunately this year we are not able to share these with an audience, but we look forward to working with the RCS composers and conductors to bring them to life:
Filip Holacky Quartet for flute, violin, cello and piano
Graeme Law Thaëter Lied
Aidan Teplitzky Dalmuir Heights
Issac Philips Replace all the words “I” with “I” in one sentence
Katrin Kose Nicht/s
Tom Green Dark Times

Living Wage Gift Guide 2020
2020-12-21 08:00 - 17:00
Red Note Ensemble is part of the Living Wage movement, committed to paying our staff a wage that meets the real costs of living.
This Christmas you can support Living Wage accredited employers across the UK. Give your loved ones the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas with the Living Wage Gift Guide!
Red Note offers you a selection of the best contemporary music to enjoy at home:
Eddie McGuire Entangled Fortunes
Kuljit Bhamra Reels to Ragas
John McLeod Moments in Time
The Cellist of Sarajevo: Chamber Music by David Wilde
Lyell Cresswell Music For String Quartet
Each CD £10 plus postage costs – email admin@rednoteensemble.com with the subject “Living Wage Gift CD” detailing your order* and the delivery address (UK only), we will get back to you with PayPal payment details.
*Last orders accepted on the 21st December 5pm (GMT).

Digital Engagement Survey
2020-12-31
Since lockdown began we have embarked in an exciting digital journey, with Digital Noisy Nights and Fridays@3, which has enabled us to stay connected with our new music community at home and abroad, and even welcome new members!
We’d love to know more about your experience and your engagement with our digital content, to help us plan our way forward.
Please send us your feedback by filling in this very short survey – it only takes 5 minutes.
Thank you very much for your time.

We Are Hiring: Creative Music Maker - NOW CLOSED
2021-02-08
Red Note Ensemble is looking for a musician at an early stage of their career to join us for a fixed-term one-year, mentored role. We’re seeking someone who is a little bit obsessed about creating new music themselves, and making music with other people, to work with us on a variety of performance and community projects.
We recognise that many people haven’t been able to take up opportunities to pursue a career in creating music due to financial pressures of coming from a lower socio-economic background. For this reason, this post is designed to support the career progression of someone who has faced barriers because of their socio-economic background.
We are looking for someone who has:

2-5 years’ experience since leaving school. This may have been on e.g. an education/training course, a job, a caring or voluntary role. It doesn’t matter whether this was or wasn’t directly connected to music
Shown sustained commitment to generating their own new music
Some experience of working with music with community groups, but may have had no formal training

Contract type: Fixed term contract, 12 month contract
Hours: Part time, 21 hours per week. flexible working
Holidays: 12 days plus 5 days public holidays per annum (this equals 20 days plus 8 holidays per annum full time equivalent)
Salary: £12,600 (£21,000 per annum full time equivalent) plus 5% pension
Start Date: Monday, 29th March 2021
Location: Office based in Summerhall, Edinburgh (remote working possible) and in Methil and Easterhouse (Glasgow), travel paid
Relocation: A contribution towards relocation up to £250 is available if required
Key Dates:
Deadline for application: Monday 8th February 2021, 12 noon
Notification of interviews: Friday 19th February 2021
Interviews: Thursday 25th February 2021
Selection workshops: Between the 8th and 19th March 2021
Start date: Monday 29th March 2021
How to apply
Download the job pack and the FAQ document for full information on how to apply.
The closing date for applications is Monday 8th February 2021, 12 noon.
Contact Us
Before you make an application there is an opportunity to attend a webinar to learn more about the position, what we are looking for from the successful applicant, and discuss any questions you may have. To sign up please click on the date that suits you best:

Thursday 21st January at 10:30am
Wednesday 27th January at 3pm

If you have any additional questions not covered in the FAQ document, if you have technical difficulties or you have any access requirements that we can support you with in the application process, you can also arrange a time to speak with one of our team – Please fill in this form (CLICK HERE).

This Fellowship is supported by the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries 2020-22.

NOW CLOSED: Administration and Communication Coordinator
2021-05-28
The Arts Administration and Communication Coordinator role sits at the heart of the organisation and requires a positive attitude towards problem-solving and great attention to detail. Red Note is a small, hard-working team and we are looking for someone with a warm and supportive personality who has the initiative to work independently, is well-focused and has the energy to adapt to new situations.
The role offers insight into key areas of a cultural organisation and will give the post holder opportunities to learn and develop skills and gain experience in areas they are not yet familiar with.
Ideally the successful candidate has some experience in one or several of the key responsibilities. Relevant training will be offered alongside the full support and assistance of the Red Note team, although candidates who show initiative and pro-activity will be preferred.
Hours of work: 26 hours a week
Salary: £15,000 p.a. (£20,000 per year full time equivalent)
Period of contract: 12 months, starting between 2nd and 16th July 2021 depending on availability
Key Dates:

Deadline for application: Friday 28th May 2021, 12 noon
Notification of interviews: Thursday 10th June 2021
Interviews: Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th June 2021

How to apply
Download the JOB PACK and the FAQ document for full information on how to apply.

'New Normal' Workshops with Soundstreams
2021-11-03 - 2021-11-11
Set to premiere in 2022, New Normal is a collaboration between Soundstreams and Red Note Ensemble. A composer from each organization, Northern Irish composer Brian Irvine and Ukrainian-Canadian composer Anna Pidgorna, will work with the other’s ensemble, creating interleaved works which loosely interact with one another through a series of episodes weaved together through shared, but misinterpreted, objects and ideas. It will be a whimsical exploration of social isolation and strange world events which have occurred during the time of global pandemic.
This November, Pidgorna joins Red Note Ensemble in workshops to develop material for New Normal. This work-in-progress imagines a group of highly interdependent and immensely curious aliens exploring the English language and the empty streets of a suburban town under lockdown. Wer hoomun?
Please note, these workshops are not a public performance.
Anna Pidgorna is a Ukrainian-Canadian composer, vocalist and multi-media artist who combines sound, visual arts, writing and carpentry to create works that are dramatic and picturesque. She works extensively with Ukrainian folk singing, draws inspiration from the natural soundscape, and incorporates visual elements into some of her manuscripts. Her work has been commissioned, performed and recorded by soloists and ensembles in Canada, USA, Uruguay, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Poland, Ukraine and South Korea. She holds a PhD from Princeton University, an MMus from the University of Calgary, and a BA from Mount Allison University. She lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Qayqayt First Nation in New Westminster, BC.
Soundstreams is one of the world’s leading contemporary music companies, and the largest global presenter of new Canadian music. Founder and Artistic Director Lawrence Cherney is committed to showcasing the work of Canadian and international composers, and has commissioned over 170 new works, and programmed hundreds of unique and compelling concerts including chamber music events, multi-choir spectaculars, operas, music-theatre works, and seven highly successful international festivals.
Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, flute
William White, clarinet
Colin Scobie, violin
Robert Irvine, cello
Tom Hunter, percussion
Jessica Leary Soprano
Emma Morwood Soprano
Laura Margaret Smith Mezzo Soprano
Ian Shaw Répétiteur
New Normal is a co-production with Soundstreams.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Red Note!
2021-12-20 - 2022-01-12
Red Note wish you, your family and friends a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As the end of the year brings around some reflection, we would like to thank you for all your support over the past year as we gradually started to bring back live concerts.
With this, we had the most amazing Autumn Season, filled with workshops, concerts and AEP sessions. However, we are now setting some time aside to recharge our batteries for 2022. The office will be closed from 20th December to the 10th January. We can’t wait to reconnect with you all then!
With warmest wishes,
John, Sarah, Louise and the Red Note Team

NOW CLOSED - Arts Administration and Communications Assistant
2022-01-27 17:00
The Arts Administration and Communication Assistant role sits at the heart of the organisation and requires a positive attitude towards problem-solving and acute attention to detail. Red Note’s administration is a small, hard-working team and we are looking for someone who is supportive, well-focused and has the initiative and energy to adapt to new situations.
The role offers insight into key areas of a cultural organisation and will give the post holder
opportunities to learn and develop skills and gain experience in areas they are not yet familiar with.
The successful candidate will have experience in one or several of the key responsibilities. Relevant training will be offered alongside the full support and assistance of the Red Note team, although candidates who show initiative and pro-activity will be preferred.
Hours of work: 20 hours a week
Salary: £9.90 per hour (we are a living wage employer)
Period of contract: From 11th February 2022 depending on availability. Contract to 31st July 2022 in the first instance, to be reviewed June 2022.
Key Dates:
Deadline for application: Thursday 27th January 2022, 5pm
Notification of interviews: Monday 31st January 2022
Interviews: Friday 4th February 2022 via zoom
Start date: from 11th February 2022 depending on availability
How to Apply
Download the JOB PACK for full information on how to apply.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
All applicants must also complete an anonymous Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. This
will help Red Note Ensemble to better understand the reach and fairness of our recruitment
process.
Please CLICK HERE to download the monitoring form. Once completed please send it by
email to admin@rednoteensemble.com

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS - The Night With... Concerts
2022-03-22 16:00
Take part in a research project by attending one of our concerts on the 23rd and 24th March 2022. The 10 participants will receive a complimentary ticket to see one of our concerts organised by The Night With… in Edinburgh and Glasgow. There will be a limit of 5 participants per concert.
If you are interested to take part in this event, please contact Flore at admin@rednoteensemble.com with the concert you would like to attend and we will get in touch with you:
– 23rd March 8pm – Summerhall, Edinburgh
– 24th March 8pm – Stereo, Glasgow
As well as the concert, participants will be needed for a focus group 45 minutes before the concert and 30 minutes after the concert.
Deadline to submit interest: 22nd March 2022, 4pm
Should you have any further questions, please contact Sarah at sarah@rednoteensemble.com
More details about the event:
Dr Charlotte Gilmore, an Athenaeum Leadership Fellow at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, is leading a research project to identify and analyse the audience attending arts events. She will lead her project during two concerts with Red Note Ensemble as part of The Night With… 2022.
The Night With… is a charity based in Glasgow presenting salon style concerts of interesting music in intimate, informal venues across Scotland and further afield. Run by Matthew Whiteside, it provides development and commissioning opportunities for young and emerging composers.
Red Note returns to The Night With… with concerts in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and Aberdeen. Please refer to each individual event page for tickets at each location. Find out more here.
Rufus Isabel Elliot The way we cupped our hands (and how the water ran through our fingers and down to the sea)* (World Premiere)
Witold Lutoslawski String Quartet
George Crumb Black Angels
Caroline Shaw Valencia
Red Note Ensemble
Jackie Shave, Violin 1
Tom Hankey, Violin 2
Fiona Winning, Viola
Robert Irvine, Cello

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS - Good Company Tour, Aberdeen concert
2022-06-29 19:30 - 21:00
Announcement: Due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation or the rest of our Good Company tour. We were very excited to meet you all and come to you with an amazing programme of music and we are all very upset by this turn of events.

We are very sorry that we won’t be able to continue the tour but rest assured that we will be back in the future!

We thank you for your understanding.

—
Join us for our concert at Cowdray Hall (Aberdeen Art Gallery) on Wednesday 29th June 2022 at 7.30pm.
If you are interested to take part in this event, please contact Flore at admin@rednoteensemble.com.
As well as the concert, participants will be needed for a focus group 45 minutes before the concert and 30 minutes after the concert.
Deadline to submit interest: 27th June 2022, 12pm.
Should you have any further questions, please contact Sarah at sarah@rednoteensemble.com
More details about the event:
Red Note return in June to the highlands and isles of Scotland to celebrate the simple pleasures of making and listening to music with you, on their Good Company Tour.
Come and join us as we perform some of our favourite music, from Aileen Sweeney to Philip Glass, from John Taverner to Shostakovich. A varied programme for all tastes, from the well-known to the very new, brought to you in warm and sparkling style on a summer’s day by Red Note’s very fine musicians.
The ensemble will tour the Highlands and Islands in Scotland from Wednesday 22nd to Wednesday 29th June 2022. Find out more about the Aberdeen concert here.
Witold Lutoslawski String Quartet
Thomas Adès ‘O Albion’ from Arcadiana
Dmitri Shostakovich String Quartet No 7
Philip Glass String Quartet No 2 ‘Company’
Aileen Sweeney Ceilidh
Traditional Sønderho Bridal Trilogy
John Tavener The Lamb
Red Note Ensemble
Jackie Shave, Violin 1
Tom Hankey, Violin 2
Fiona Winning, Viola
Robert Irvine, Cello

Office closed 15th-19th August
2022-08-19
We will be back soon with a very busy Autumn season. We can’t wait to see you all soon!
With warmest wishes,
The Red Note Team

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS - Lammermuir Festival
2022-09-15 15:00 - 16:00 | The Big Shed, Goshen Farm Steading, Musselburgh, EH21 8JL
Join us for our concert at The Big Shed (Musselburgh) as part of the Lammermuir Festival, on Thursday 15th September at 3.00pm.
If you are interested to take part in this event or if you have any questions, please contact Flore at admin@rednoteensemble.com.
As well as the concert, participants will be needed for a focus group 01h00 before the concert and 30 minutes after the concert.
Deadline to submit interest: 14th September 2022, 12pm.
More details about the event:
Dr Charlotte Gilmore, an Athenaeum Leadership Fellow at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, is leading a research project to identify and analyse the audience attending arts events. She will lead her project during the concert with Red Note Ensemble as part of Lammermuir Festival 2022.
The Lammermuir Festival was born of a conviction that historic architecture and beautiful landscape together can create an ideal environment in which to experience great music-making. The Festival was established to bring the finest musicians together with local people and visitors in celebration of music in towns and villages nestling between the Lammermuir Hills and the sea.
Red Note return to Lammermuir Festival 2022 with Gavin Bryars’ hypnotic “Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet”.
Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet is based on a recorded loop of a homeless man singing. For more than 50 years its emotional impact on audiences has been extraordinarily powerful.
“…this contemporary music still resonates with diverse audiences after more than four decades.”
Limelight
Red Note Ensemble
Mark O’Keeffe, Trumpet
Andy Saunders, Horn
Tom Hunter, Percussion
Donald Grant, Violin 1
George Smith, Violin 2
Helena Rose, Violin 3
Fiona Winning, Viola
Robert Irvine, Cello 1
Duncan Strachan, Cello 2
Iain Crawford, Double Bass

Christmas Holidays Office Closure
2022-12-19 00:00 - 2023-01-09 17:00
Red Note wish you, your family and friends a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We would like to thank you for all your support over the past year as we were back with a full and busy programme of events and concert throughout the year.
We’ve had a great Autumn Season, filled with workshops, concerts and AEP sessions and are now setting some time aside to rest before taking on 2023. The office will be closed from 19th December to the 6th January. We can’t wait to reconnect with you all then!
With warmest wishes,
John, Sarah, Louise, Flore and the Red Note Team

CD Release - James Dillon: Tanz/Haus & Emblemata - Carnival
2023-07-31
Coming almost a decade and a half after the last CDs devoted to James Dillon’s music, this twinned pair of digital releases in collaboration with Delphian Records presents two major works written for and premiered by our ensemble in the last six years.
Tanz/haus: triptych 2017 is one of Dillon’s richest recent conceptions: a 45-minute meditation on dance as a form of ‘trembling’, featuring electric guitar and – as in so much of Dillon’s recent music – a prerecorded electronic track of immense mystery and power.The work secured for Dillon his fifth Royal Philharmonic Society award – an astonishing tally, unequalled by any living composer.
Listen to the album here: https://orcd.co/james-dillon-tanzhaus
Carnival, the first in a projected series of ‘emblem books’, is a compellingly sustained whole built up from a series of character pieces tailored to the imaginative as well as technical capacities of the Red Note musicians.
Listen to the album here: https://orcd.co/emblemata

REPORT - Classical Music and Train Travel in Scotland 2022-23
2023-08-31
Collated using learning and data from the 30+ members of the SCSG, the report presents the five key barriers currently preventing greater use of train travel by the Scottish classical music sector.
The findings in the report are the results of a survey distributed to all SCSG members, as well as feedback and learning from over two years of regular meetings. The report highlights the following key barriers preventing greater use of train travel:

1- Timetables
2- Ticket costs
3- Travel with large instruments
4- International connections
5- Accessibility

In order to reach government emissions reduction targets, it is vital that society as a whole finds new ways to travel. The report concludes that by addressing the above challenges, transport providers, local authorities and the government can support classical music organisations, and concurrently audiences and society more widely, to reduce their travel-related carbon emissions. The report is both a snapshot of the current situation, and a summary that can be used to influence future planning decisions.
You can read the report here: https://www.creativecarbonscotland.com/scsg-train-travel-report/

Red Note is looking for board members
2023-08-31
Red Note Ensemble is on the look out for new trustees to join its Board. As one of the UK’s most exciting and innovative makers and commissioners of new music, the role of trustee means you will become part of a vanguard developing new works for the national and international stage, supporting and developing young composers and musicians and working closely with communities.
You don’t have to love contemporary music to be part of the story, but you do need to believe that music makes a real difference to the world.
You don’t have to have experience of being on a Board, one of our core areas of focus is developing talent, and that applies to our trustees too.
You don’t need to be based in Scotland, we value expertise and insight from anywhere.
What you do need, is enthusiasm, affinity with Red Note’s ethos and some time to dedicate to quarterly meetings on Zoom, with some work in between.
In return, you’ll learn new things, stretch your thinking, and meet some genuinely lovely folk.
If you’ve never considered being on a Board but fancy a chat – get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. If you’ve got oodles of experience and have time to spare, we’d love to hear from you too.
In particular we would welcome hearing from anyone with experience in fundraising, HR, financial management or business development. But don’t let that put you off.
To find out more about why Red Note Ensemble is so exciting, and to discover more about what it means to be a Director and Trustee, please check out Red Note’s website, the Board Director handbook.
If you are interested in finding out more please contact us to arrange a call with Fiona Duncan, the Chair or one of our Board in the first instance (flduncan2011@gmail.com, 07917572043).
Alternatively please write to us explaining why you are interested in joining the Board of Red Note Ensemble (no more than an A4 page, single sided) and attach your CV. Please send this to Red Note’s General manager, Sarah Mills on sarah@rednoteensemble.com.
The deadline to submit interest is Thursday 31st August.

Recording sessions with Jane Stanley
2023-09-04 - 2023-09-05
We’re very happy to be working again with Jane Stanley in September!
We will be recording 4 works composed by Jane. We can’t wait to be back in the recording studio soon!
Photo by Joyce Martin

Northern Connection Workshop
2023-09-07 - 2023-09-08
Northern Connection is a new and innovative project that aims to connect Nordic countries and Scotland by establishing and strengthening liaisons between composers, ensembles and festivals in contemporary music.
On 7th and 8th of September, our players will meet with Norwegian composer Tine Surel Lange for a development workshop in preparation of the premiere of a new commissioned work ‘Flaskepost’ at soundfestival in October 2023.
More on this soon!

Northern Connection fully started in the beginning of 2023. Other countries will join the project in the coming years. The project is initiated and led by Music Finland.
Each country’s selected commission will be performed by one of the ensembles at a festival in at least one of the partner countries, and possibly more, during 2023 and the following years.

Northern Connection is built on the principles of sustainable development and ecological awareness, and it enables the creation of long-term cooperative relationships between contemporary music professionals in northern countries. The commissioned works will get more than one performance and the ensembles will tour in the partner festivals in an environmentally sustainable way.​
In this programme, composers will get new commissions, ensembles will get new material for their repertoire and festivals will get new programme from the neighbouring countries – which is sustainable and financially wise. New contacts, ideas and networks will strengthen co-operation and bring additional value to the contemporary art field in the northern area.

“It’s been a pleasure to plan a new type of cooperation with our northern partners. It’s especially gratifying to have Scotland with us in the project. Everyone is excited to join in and inquiries have already come in about when the project will expand and whether we can add more partners to the Northern Connection network,” says Heli Lampi, Music Finland’s Head of Communications and Promotion.

More information about the project at www.northernconnection.net
Photo credit: Tine Surel Lange

'Emblemata' shortlisted for the Gramophone Awards
2023-10-04
We are delighted that our album is one of the six shortlisted in the Contemporary category for this year’s Gramophone Awards.
‘Emblemata: Carnival’ is a series of 15 character pieces composed by James Dillon. The album was recorded by Delphian and conducted by Geoffrey Paterson.
Listen to the album here: https://orcd.co/emblemata

“(…) in Carnival, Dillon is at his most playful and puckish.”
“All gratitude to Red Note Ensemble who, in high-definition audio, perform the commissioned works with razor precision”
Excerpts from Liam Cagney’s review for Gramophone Magazine

You can read the full review in Gramophone’s special shortlist edition here.
The winners will be announced on October 4th.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS OFFICE CLOSURE
2024-01-03
As 2023 is coming to an end and we’re taking a bit of time off to celebrate the festive season, we wanted to thank you for all your support over the past year.
We’ve had a great year, with the completion of international collaborations, the development of new commissions and multi-artform projects and the expansion of our work with communities across Scotland.
Thank you all for coming to see and hear us in 2023 and we can’t wait to see you all soon!
With warmest wishes from the Red Note Team

Red Note Annual Report 2022-23
2024-02-29
We’re happy to present our Annual Report for the year 2022-23: https://www.rednoteensemble.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ANNUAL-REPORT-2022-23.pdf

An Easterhouse Children's Manifesto at the Belfast Children's Festival
2024-03-08 - 2024-03-16 | Ulster University – The Atrium, BC Building, Level 3, Belfast, BT151ED, United Kingdom
Developed over a year long process of co-creation involving composer Brian Irvine and director John McIlduff (Dumbworld) in collaboration with the children of Oakwood Primary School in Glasgow and Red Note Ensemble – An Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto is a collection of 7 musical animated video posters that explore ideas of personal autonomy, kindness and human connectivity from a child’s perspective.
The work was developed in a year long process of co-creation involving pupils, teachers, artists and musicians.
The animated posters will be displayed at The Atrium, BC Building, Level 3, Ulster University in Belfast from Friday 8th to Saturday 16th March.
The exhibition is free and not ticketed.
Watch the trailer:

Welcome to our new board members!
2024-03-19 - 2024-03-21
We’re thrilled to announce that Isla MacLeod, David Sinclair, Lynn Sweeney and Daniel Lewis have recently joined Red Note’s board and that Mareike Ohl has joined as Red Note’s first Trustee in Training role. We know that their input and respective expertise will help us deliver our programme to the highest standard.
Isla MacLeod: Isla is currently Head of Marketing at Liverpool Philharmonic where she works on a programme of over 400 events a year. A self-titled ‘audience advocate’, she is excited to be joining the Red Note board in 2024 because of a shared passion for bringing new music to new audiences.
David Sinclair: David Sinclair is an experienced fundraising and governance professional. He recently joined The National Lottery Community Fund as Head of Business Support in Scotland. David is particularly interested in the work of Red Note Ensemble supporting performers and composers in the initial stages of their careers, and in Red Note’s access, engagement and participation programme.
Lynn Sweeney: Lynn Sweeney has lived in Glasgow all her life and from an early age been involved with music. She is a volunteer Childline counsellor and a board member of Royston Youth Action. She loves how Red Note break down barriers to allow people to experience contemporary music and as a new member of the board she is looking forward to supporting them to deliver contemporary music as well as looking at new ways to reach those who otherwise may be excluded or feel unable to participate.
Daniel Lewis: Daniel currently works for PRS for Music, where he represents the interests of classical composers and publishers. Originally from Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales, Daniel is passionate about ensuring that all musicians are afforded opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic background. Daniel loves Red Note’s unflinching commitment to new music, which stretches from grassroots work in schools to commissioning major new work from Scottish composers.
Mareike Ohl (Trustee in Training): Mareike is currently completing a Master in Arts, Festival and Cultural Management at Queen Margaret University. Originally from Germany, she has been involved in the classical music scene in her younger years. She was drawn to Red Note as she feels passionate about access to new music, especially fostering curiosity. Mareike joined as a trustee in training as she wanted to expand her knowledge and experience of this important role.
“Red Note is a truly exceptional organisation, working at international, national and community level to commission and perform new music. Our new trustees complement a strong team and will help Red Note continue to achieve their ambitions in the UK and abroad. Red Note is also a training and development organisation and believes in development at all levels – as such we are delighted that Mareike has joined us in our first Trustee in Training position.”
Fiona Duncan, Chair of the Board

FLOCK - Project Pitch at Classical:NEXT 2024 in Berlin
2024-05-15 14:00 - 15:15 | Colosseum Berlin, Schönhauser Allee 123, Berlin, 10437, Germany
FLOCK has been selected for the Classical:NEXT 2024 Project Pitches. The presentation will be on Wednesday 15th May between 14:00-15:15.
https://classicalnext.com/project-pitches/flock-by-kathy-hinde-and-red-note-ensemble/
Classical:NEXT Project Pitches are targeted, fast-moving opportunities for creators and those on the lookout for new creations, a ‘seek and find’ for collaboration and inspiration. This format allows representatives from ensembles, music theatre productions and music projects to offer rapid insight into their current offerings.
More on FLOCK:
FLOCK is a 30 minute small ensemble piece with a strong visual element, created for children and families of all ages. It is centred around a suite of newly invented playful instruments that use bellows, pipes, reeds, whistles, origami combined with the more traditional instruments; flute, cello and percussion. Opening with a sonically and visually captivating performance by the musicians, the audience are gently encouraged to become more involved until, through their collective effort, a chirping flock comes into being.
FLOCK was co-commissioned by Red Note Ensemble and Sound and developed with Oakwood Primary School.

We're hiring - Administration and Marketing Coordinator
2024-07-04
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small, dynamic team, supporting Red Note’s general and project administration, as well as its marketing activities.
The Administration and Marketing Coordinator role sits at the heart of the organisation and requires a positive attitude towards problem-solving and acute attention to detail. Red Note’s administration is a small, hard-working team and we are looking for someone who is supportive, well-focused and has the initiative and energy to adapt to new situations.
The successful candidate will have at least 1 year experience, or proven ability, in several of the key responsibilities.
Hours of work: 0.8 FTE (28 hours per week) flexible as agreed. Depending on projects and concerts, occasional evening and weekend working will be required.
Salary: £20,000 (based on £25,000 per annum pro rata)
Location: Red Note Ensemble has its offices at Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Place, Edinburgh EH9 1PL. The team works flexibly with a hybrid office/home structure.
Period of contract: Fixed term contract for 1 year from Wednesday 21st August 2024 (with a possibility for extension).
The post holder must be flexible to respond during busy times, particularly from 22nd to 26th October for our participation at soundfestival in Aberdeen.
Key dates:
– Deadline for applications: Thursday 4th July, 5pm
– Interviews: Between Monday 15th July – Wednesday 17th July, to be held in Summerhall or online.
– Start Date: Wednesday 21st August 2024
How to Apply
Download the JOB PACK for full information on how to apply.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
All applicants must also complete an anonymous Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. This will help Red Note Ensemble to better understand the reach and fairness of our recruitment process.
Please CLICK HERE to access and complete the monitoring form.

OUT NOW! CD Release - Jane Stanley: Cerulean Orbits
2024-08-31
This first portrait album dedicated to the music of the Australian-born, Glasgow-based composer Jane Stanley showcases pieces composed between 2013 and 2023 for different chamber combinations. In addition to some of her favourites among her existing works, Stanley took the opportunity to develop two new pieces: one for each of the two ensembles involved, and specially adapted to their particular talents.
A song cycle for The Hermes Experiment moves Stanley’s music intriguingly towards the tonal, lyrical sound-world of that group’s two acclaimed recent Delphian albums, while sharing with the purely instrumental music of the rest of the album – performed by Red Note Ensemble, also acclaimed Delphian regulars – an audible preoccupation with gesture, intricately ornamented melodic patterning, and intertwining woven textures, balancing decoration with energetic directed motion.
Listen to a preview of the album: https://www.delphianrecords.com/collections/forthcoming/products/jane-stanley-cerulean-orbits

Red Note is looking for board members
2024-08-31
Red Note Ensemble is on the look out for new trustees to join its Board. As one of the UK’s most exciting and innovative makers and commissioners of new music, the role of trustee means you will become part of a vanguard developing new works for the national and international stage, supporting and developing young composers and musicians and working closely with communities.
You don’t have to love contemporary music to be part of the story, but you do need to believe that music makes a real difference to the world.
You don’t have to have experience of being on a Board, one of our core areas of focus is developing talent, and that applies to our trustees too.
You don’t need to be based in Scotland (or the UK), we value expertise and insight from anywhere. In fact, two of our current board members are based in Europe – one in Belgium and one in Ireland.
What you do need, is enthusiasm, affinity with Red Note’s ethos and some time to dedicate to quarterly meetings on Zoom, with some work in between.
In return, you’ll learn new things, stretch your thinking, and meet some genuinely lovely folk.
If you’ve never considered being on a Board but you would like to discuss the opportunity with any of us – get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. If you’ve got oodles of experience and have time to spare, we’d love to hear from you too.
In particular we would welcome hearing from anyone with experience in company and contract law and accountancy. But don’t let that put you off.
To find out more about why Red Note Ensemble is so exciting, and to discover more about what it means to be a Director and Trustee please check out Red Note’s website, the Board Director handbook.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Ian Smith, Chair of the Board at ian65smith@icloud.com
Alternatively, please write to us explaining why you are interested in joining the Board of Red Note Ensemble (no more than an A4 page, single sided) and attach your CV. Please send this to Red Note’s Acting General Manager, Flore Ducasse, on flore@rednoteensemble.com
The deadline to submit interest is Saturday 31st August.
