'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 (Europe/London) | 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.

Join the Red Note Ensemble Board
2024-10-13
Red Note Ensemble is on the look out for a chartered accountant and a lawyer with experience in contract and IP law 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.
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.
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, and 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 Sunday 13th October.

Nordic Music Days Conference 2024
2024-10-29 13:30 - 15:00 | University of Glasgow Advanced Research Centre, 11 Chapel Lane Glasgow, Glasgow, G11 6EW
Presented in collaboration between Nordic Music Days Festival and the Music subject area within the College of Arts & Humanities University of Glasgow, the Nordic Music Days Conference will be two days of exchange and discussion on current musical practices across the Nordic region and Scotland.
The conference will focus on three main areas:

music education and community practice
instruments, sounds and technologies
impacts of innovation and experimentation

As part of the Tuesday session on community, education, and co-creation, Red Note’s Director of Working with Communities Louise Martin and Dr Jill Morgan (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) will be talking about the success and impact of An Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto – or Listen to your dog! What 200 primary school collaborators taught us about artistic honesty, joy, and what the world should look like.
As well as Louise’s presentation, there will an Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto installation at the Centre for Contemporary Arts Courtyard from Wednesday 30 September to Saturday 2 November.
Tickets for the Nordic Music Days Conference are free and available now via Eventbrite.
Nordic Music Days 2024 is a Nordic Composers Council project, managed on their behalf by the Danish Composers Society in collaboration with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

International travel survey for musicians
2024-10-31
International touring is a key part of the music industry. It’s great at creating cultural exchange. But it’s also one of the industry’s biggest sources of carbon emissions.
How do we balance these things? We want to hear from musicians directly – how often you travel internationally, what works for you, and what doesn’t. What do you want international touring to look like in future? It’ll only take 10 minutes.
The Scottish Classical Sustainability Group is made up of 30+ classical music organisations, but we’re also interested in the experiences of musicians working in other fields – i.e. folk, jazz, pop and more.
This survey will help us gauge current attitudes to international travel and better understand the challenges preventing the sector from lowering its international travel emissions.
Tell us your thoughts here: https://forms.gle/EFjSdQ38pBG4WRBRA
Using the responses, the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group will publish a report reflecting the current state of international touring. This will be shared across the industry and with funders. We want to inform how we can maintain international cultural exchange whilst taking better care of the planet.

Ivor Novello Nomination Announcement!
2024-11-12
Born from Red Note’s 5 Places Programme, this is a unique collaboration that gives voice to the children of Easterhouse, Glasgow, allowing them to create a manifesto through music and words, challenging the status quo and exploring what kind of world they want to live in.
The Ivor Novello Awards, presented by The Ivors Academy, celebrate exceptional composition by British, Irish, or UK resident composers of new classical music and sound art.
What incredible recognition for this very special project! The winner will be announced at the ceremony on Tuesday, 12th November at BFI Southbank, London.
Composed by Brian Irvine
Libretto by John McIlduff
Co-created by the children of Oakwood Primary School, Scotland commissioned by Dumbworld and Red Note Ensemble
Performed by Red Note Ensemble and the children of Oakwood Primary
Red Note is funded by Creative Scotland and is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner.

An Easterhouse Children's Manifesto wins at the Ivor Novellos!
2024-12-18
Brian Irvine’s “An Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto” (“A Children’s Guide to Anarchy”), written for ensemble and singers, was named Best Community and Participation Composition.
The project was developed throughout 2022 as part of Red Note’s 5 Places Programme, which targets locations across central Scotland. The result is a collection of seven musical animated video posters, exploring ideas of personal autonomy, kindness and human connectivity from a child’s perspective. Co-created with the children of Oakwood Primary School with libretto by John McIlduff, it was performed by Red Note Ensemble and Oakwood Primary School.
In deciding the award, the judges felt the project to be “a truly immersive experience for the young participants, beautifully integrating contemporary music” and that “the authentic voices of the children shone throughout, both in the creation and the performance, making their contributions feel genuine and integral”.
John Harris, Red Note Ensemble CEO & Artistic Director said:
“We are truly thrilled for Brian, and also for the children of Oakwood Primary and the wider Oakwood community. This project has not only created something that is beautifully simple and profound, it has demonstrated the wisdom of children and its power to teach us something in return.”
“Thank you so much to The Ivors Academy for recognising this unique project for the very special work that it is, and for giving the wonderful children of Oakwood Primary such a memorable moment.”
Vanessa Thomson, Head Teacher of Oakwood Primary School said the award is a huge thrill for the entire school community.
“Being awarded the prestigious Ivor Novello Award is such an honour. Our whole school community is thrilled and delighted. I’m sure you could have heard the screams of excitement from Glasgow to London! We have a long and wonderful partnership with all at Red Note and Dumbworld. All our children have revelled in all the experiences we have benefited from by working with professional musicians, artists which have developed our creativity and connections to the world around us. This particular project meant that children co-created songs which allowed them to show autonomy and views about how to make the world a better place from their perspective.”
“Bringing the EMC (An Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto) to a wider stage has meant that all the pupils at Oakwood Primary in Easterhouse, Glasgow have a spotlight on them and their views, putting Oakwood pupils voice centre stage. Being recognised in this way is a huge boost to every child’s self-esteem, to their belief in the power of words and children’s voice. The fact that this was achieved in partnership with professionals who share their skills, craft and time so generously with us has given Oakwood a truly unique insight into the power of the Creative Arts, supporting ambition and achievement beyond the classroom walls. We are truly grateful for this opportunity.”
Dumbworld, Creative Production Company said:
“This award is a testament to the incredible children of Oakwood Primary School who have shared their wisdom, joy, and creativity. Their authenticity and insight have been at the heart of this project, reminding us of the simple yet profound truths that often get lost in the noise of the world. We are deeply grateful to have had the privilege to collaborate with these young voices and witness their boundless talent shine. Congratulations to Brian and all involved.”
Clare Hewitt, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said:
“An Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto is a brilliant example of the creativity that shines through young people in communities throughout Scotland. Together with composer Brian Irvine, librettist John McIlduff and the musicians of Red Note Ensemble, the children of Oakwood Primary School have brought their vision of a joyful, connected and inclusive future to life in an incredibly vibrant way. Their work deserves to be celebrated through this prestigious award.”
An installation of “An Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto” was recently displayed at the Glasgow CCA as part of the Nordic Music Days Festival. Both the installation and the award are dedicated to the memory of Dominic Rossa, an Oakwood Primary School pupil involved in the project.
Read Our Creative Voice’s case study of “An Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto” and its impact here.
Red Note Ensemble is supported by Creative Scotland and is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner supported by PPL. Their support has helped fund this project.

Christmas Holidays Office Closure
2025-01-05
And that’s a wrap for 2024!
A huge thank you from everyone at Red Note for all your support this past year, and for coming to see and hear us over the last 12 months.
It’s been an incredible year, with concerts, workshops, continuing with our Working with Communities projects, successful firsts with Factory Weekend and the RCS Solo Recording, and of course the celebration and recognition of “A Children’s Guide to Anarchy” at the Ivor Novellos.
We’re now taking a short break to celebrate the festive season and enjoy time with friends and family. The office will be closed from Monday 23 December 2024 until Monday 6 January 2025.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year – we look forward to seeing you in 2025!
Photo credit: Sean Purser

Welcome to our newest board members!
2025-01-10
We’re delighted to announce Danae and Peter have both recently joined the Red Note board, bringing with them fresh insights and expertise to help us deliver our programme to the highest standard.
Danae Eggen (she/her): Canadian-born Danae’s musical career started as a professional horn player for ensembles such as the London Sinfonietta, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Sinfonia Cymru, Band of HM Coldstream Guards, RAF Central Band, and progressive rock group Big Big Train. She is an associate artist manager and is also a member of Future Talent’s advisory board, supporting young, gifted musicians from low income families all over the UK. Danae is thrilled to be working with Red Note Ensemble’s board of trustees for future concerts, projects, and commissions.
Peter Nicholson: Peter Nicholson is a cellist, improviser, composer, and educator. As a passionate educator advocating for inclusion, Peter has extensive experience in music education, most recently serving as Director of Music at Sistema Scotland. Often working collaboratively, he has created music for theatre, dance and film, including projects with National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Dance Theatre. In 2023, Peter founded New String Collective, an improvising string orchestra.

Red Note Annual Report 2023-24
2025-02-28
Covering the period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024, you can read or download a copy of our Annual Report here.

New research on challenges for Scottish emerging composers
2025-03-31
Entitled “Career challenges: an exploration into potential barriers faced by Scottish emerging composers“, the article explores the potential barriers for emerging composers to constructing and maintaining a career in the field of composition in Scotland, as viewed through the lens of both those early in their careers and the experience of others who have worked professionally for many years.

Thirty-nine composers responded to a survey that highlighted the role of educational mentoring, the need for monetary stability and the challenges faced by female and older emerging composers.

This research was funded by Red Note Ensemble and New Music Scotland, explore, inform and provide suggestions for future consideration. You can read a copy of Dr Morgan’s article here.

Music Composition Course
2025-04-30
Back in Autumn 2023, we had the privilege to work with Jane Stanley on the recording of an online course on Music Composition.
The course is now available on the Coursera platform: https://www.coursera.org/learn/music-composition-starting-a-piece
This course shares insights into the process of composing music, all with the aim of developing skills and confidence as a composer wether you are a musician looking to take your composition skills to the next level, or a teacher in a secondary school searching for new techniques to share with your own students.

We're hiring - Marketing Coordinator
2025-05-26
The Marketing Coordinator is a key role, coordinating Red Note’s marketing activities and working with the General Manager to implement a new communications strategy that reflects the ensemble’s vision and values.
It is a very exciting time to join the team as we are undergoing a rebrand including a new design for our website. We are looking for a passionate and creative arts marketer with strong design and content creation skills and ideally experience with branding and website design.
The successful candidate will have at least 3 years of experience working in marketing in a similar context. They will have a passion for the arts, and a strong interest in music. This role sits at the heart of the organisation and requires a creative mind as well as a keen eye for detail to produce visually engaging content. 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.
Duties: Coordination of Red Note’s communications activities
Hours of work: 0.6 FTE (21 hours per week) flexible as agreed. Depending on projects and concerts, occasional evening and weekend working will be required.
The post holder must be flexible to respond during busy times, particularly during the autumn (September – November) which is the busiest season for us. The postholder must also be available to travel occasionally outside the Central Belt.
Salary: £17,400 (based on £29,000 per annum pro rata)
Annual Leave entitlement: 15 days plus bank holidays (based on 25 days pro rata)
Office: Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Place, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Remote working: We operate a hybrid office/home working structure with a requirement of at least 2 days per week in the office (pro rata for part time employees – minimum 1 day per week in the office is required)
Period of contract: Fixed term contract for 1 year (with a possibility for extension)
Responsible and reports to: General Manager
How to Apply
Download the JOB PACK for the full job description and information on how to apply.
Deadline Monday 26th May, 23:59

We're hiring - Administrator
2025-05-26
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small, dynamic team, supporting Red Note’s general and project administration through its three strands of work.
The Administrator role sits at the heart of the organisation and requires a positive attitude toward problem-solving and acute attention to detail, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 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 of experience in a similar environment in the arts, or proven ability in several of the key responsibilities. They will have a passion for the arts, and an interest in music.
Duties: General administration of the company and its programme of activities
Hours of work: 0.6 FTE (21 hours per week) flexible as agreed.
Depending on projects and concerts, occasional evening and weekend working will be required. The post holder must be flexible to respond during busy times, particularly during the autumn (September – November) which is the busiest season for us. The postholder must also be available to travel occasionally outside the Central Belt.
Salary: £15,600 (based on £26,000 per annum pro rata)
Annual Leave entitlement: 15 days plus bank holidays (based on 25 days pro rata)
Office: Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Place, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Remote working: We operate a hybrid office/home working structure with a requirement of at least 2 days per week in the office (pro rata for part time employees – minimum 1 day per week in the office is required)
Period of contract: Fixed term contract for 1 year (with a possibility for extension)
Responsible and reports to: General Manager
How to Apply
Download the JOB PACK for the full job description and information on how to apply.
Deadline Monday 26th May, 23:59

Join the Red Note Ensemble Board
2025-11-02
Be part of something amazing – Scotland’s new music ensemble is looking for a new Chair of the Board along with a new trustee with legal expertise and a new Trustee in Training.
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.
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. Our current Board members have expertise and experience at a senior level in arts, marketing, education, finance, and community work.
See details for each role and how to apply below.

——————————
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
For this role, we invite interest from suitably experienced individuals at a Chief Executive level and would particularly welcome those with a background in the UK public sector and/or experience of a previous board membership and a genuine interest in music and the arts. The ideal candidate would contribute their knowledge and strong industry contacts and commit to actively support the ensemble by promoting and supporting the organisation externally.
Candidates should share our values, have experience in leadership or governance and have time to invest in supporting Red Note’s work and strategy. Previous Chair experience is not required but a plus, though we do require strong leadership experience in a public sector setting.
Board meetings are held quarterly online, and the Board meet once a year in person in Glasgow or Edinburgh for the annual Board Away Day.
The Chair is responsible for ensuring the Board works effectively, leading the Board team and meetings and overseeing decisions taken.
In addition, the Chair gives informal advice by phone or 1:1 meeting with the executive team as required and line-manages the CEO.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the current Chair of the Board, Ian Smith, you can get in touch with him via email at ian65smith@icloud.com or call +353 87 442 2654
Alternatively, please write to us explaining why you are interested in becoming Red Note’s Chair of the Board (no more than an A4 page, single sided) and attach your CV.
Please send this to Red Note’s General Manager, Flore Ducasse, on flore@rednoteensemble.com.
The deadline to submit interest is Sunday 2nd November 2025.
If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, if you have technical difficulties or have any access requirements, we can support you with the application process. Please contact Ian Smith, Chair of the Board at ian65smith@icloud.com with your question and he will reply to you with the required information.
If there is another format that would support you to do your best application then please get in touch via flore@rednoteensemble.com and we will work with you to try and make it possible.
——————————
TRUSTEE WITH LEGAL EXPERTISE
For this role, we invite interest from candidates with experience in the legal sector, and a genuine interest in music and the arts.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in contract or IP law.
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 life and provides significant access to participation at every level.
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 wherever you are based.
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 and to attend our annual Board Away Day in person in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Before each board meeting, papers are circulated for the board to read in advance. Board meetings are usually on a Monday evening between 6-8pm UK time.
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.
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, and 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 General Manager, Flore Ducasse, on flore@rednoteensemble.com.
The deadline to submit interest is Sunday 2nd November 2025.
If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, if you have technical difficulties or have any access requirements, we can support you with the application process. Please contact Ian Smith, Chair of the Board at ian65smith@icloud.com
with your question and he will reply to you with the required information.
If there is another format that would support you to do your best application then please get in touch via flore@rednoteensemble.com and we will work with you to try and make it possible.
——————————
TRUSTEE IN TRAINING
This is an opportunity for a student or emerging professional aged 18-28 to take part in a 2-year board trustee in training role. This opportunity will allow a student or emerging professional to get first-hand experience sitting on a board and develop their skills.
Please note this is a voluntary role.
What To Expect
You don’t have to have experience of being on a Board. This role is specifically catered towards developing talent and potential. Learning in this role is expected. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to shadow other board members, as well as a one-to-one mentor with a current Red Note trustee.
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 and to attend our annual Board Away Day in person in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Before each board meeting, papers are circulated for the board to read in advance. Board meetings are usually on a Monday evening between 6-8pm UK time.
The board aims to have one in person meeting or training day each year. Travel expenses will be covered by Red Note for this.
This traineeship is for 2 years. We would like to hear from applicants that can commit to this tenure. You don’t need to be based in Scotland, we value insight from anywhere. Red Note currently has 2 board members who are based in Europe.
Benefits
In return, you’ll learn new things, stretch your thinking, and meet some genuinely lovely folk.
The role of a trustee is an incredible experience that will boost your career and give the opportunity to develop a range of skills:

Develop skills
Grow your network
Learn about governance and understand how the arts sector works
Make a difference

It is also worth noting that our former Trustee in Training; Mareike Ohl has now been elected to serve as a full Red Note Ensemble trustee demonstrating the significant benefit of this initiative to the successful applicant.
Contact
If you’ve never considered being on a Board but fancy a chat – get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
For an informal chat with the Chair, CEO or any of the Board, contact Ian Smith, Chair of the Board at ian65smith@icloud.com or call +353 87 442 2654
How To Apply
Please write to us explaining why you are interested in becoming Red Note’s next Trustee in Training (no more than an A4 page, single sided) and attach your CV. Please send this to Red Note’s General Manager, Flore Ducasse, on flore@rednoteensemble.com.
The deadline to submit interest is Sunday 2nd November 2025.
If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, if you have technical difficulties or have any access requirements, we can support you with the application process. Please contact Ian Smith, Chair of the Board at ian65smith@icloud.com
with your question and he will reply to you with the required information.
If there is another format that would support you to do your best application then please get in touch via flore@rednoteensemble.com and we will work with you to try and make it possible.

Chair Of The Board
2026-01-04
Be part of something amazing – Scotland’s new music ensemble is looking for a new Chair of the 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.
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. Our current Board members have expertise and experience at a senior level in arts, marketing, education, finance, and community work.
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
For this role, we invite interest from suitably experienced individuals at a Chief Executive level and would particularly welcome those with a background in the UK public sector and/or experience of a previous board membership and a genuine interest in music and the arts. The ideal candidate would contribute their knowledge and strong industry contacts and commit to actively support the ensemble by promoting and supporting the organisation externally.
Candidates should share our values, have experience in leadership or governance and have time to invest in supporting Red Note’s work and strategy. Previous Chair experience is not required but a plus, though we do require strong leadership experience in a public sector setting.
Board meetings are held quarterly online, and the Board meet once a year in person in Glasgow or Edinburgh for the annual Board Away Day.
The Chair is responsible for ensuring the Board works effectively, leading the Board team and meetings and overseeing decisions taken.
In addition, the Chair gives informal advice by phone or 1:1 meeting with the executive team as required and line-manages the CEO.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the current Chair of the Board, Ian Smith, you can get in touch with him via email at ian65smith@icloud.com or call +353 87 442 2654
Alternatively, please write to us explaining why you are interested in becoming Red Note’s Chair of the Board (no more than an A4 page, single sided) and attach your CV.
Please send this to Red Note’s General Manager, Flore Ducasse, on flore@rednoteensemble.com.
The deadline to apply is Sunday 4th January 2026.
If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, if you have technical difficulties or have any access requirements, we can support you with the application process. Please contact Ian Smith, Chair of the Board at ian65smith@icloud.com with your question and he will reply to you with the required information.
