Red Note

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

Go Compose! Course 2023
2023-10-02
Go Compose! is a composition course for young composers aged 13-18 and in full time education.
It’s a unique opportunity to work with professional composers and our musicians during a 3-day course ran in partnership with sound.

Over 3 days you will create your own, original piece of music which will be performed at the end of the course.
We are looking for young people with creative potential and commitment to the course. If you are enthusiastic about writing your own, original music and keen to try out new musical ideas then this is the course for you!
The course in 2023 will take place at Woodend Barn, Banchory Sunday 15 October – Tuesday 17 October. Go Compose! will be led by professional contemporary composers Bekah Simms and Elise Haller-Shannon. Bekah and Elise will be joined by our musicians Ruth Morley (flute), Fiona Winning (viola), Tom Hunter (percussion). They are all very creative and open about the kinds of music they play!
Timetable
– Sun 15 October 2-8pm
– Mon 16 October 10am-5pm
– Tue 17 October 10am-6pm plus performance @ 5pm.
Application deadline is Monday 2 October. Places are limited so apply now.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/1ta3SkHuJuqt…
Go Compose! costs £60 for the whole course. You will also need money for lunches and evening meals. If this is too expensive for you, please contact us to discuss this as some grants are available. You can attend the performance free of charge. You can invite your family and friends to attend the final performance. Tickets for this cost £5.
If you will be travelling from a distance and would like the option to stay overnight, we are able to organise supervised accommodation for you at an additional cost of £40. Please contact us directly for more information.

We will let everyone know if they have been selected to participate by 4th October. You will then be asked to confirm attendance and to pay the course fee of £60.
Feedback from previous years:

“The best thing about Go Compose was hearing my piece being played by professional musicians!”
“Hearing my piece was like a dream come true.”
“One of the best experiences I have ever had.”
“A very interesting and informative course that I strongly recommend to others. I would love to come back again next year.”

'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.

Soundfestival 2023 - Northern Connection
2023-10-25 18:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT
For the opening day of soundfestival 2023, Red Note is premiering ‘Flaskepost‘ a new work by Norwegian composer and interdisciplinary artist Tine Surel Lange. This new work is part of Northern Connection, 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.

Flaskepost — message in a bottle — is inspired by the ocean connecting Scotland and Norway. Based on field recordings made in the Lofoten archipelago in Northern Norway (where Tine is based) the piece is diving into the depths of the ocean, exploring the musical potential of the ocean itself as well as imagining the creatures and other things you can encounter in the depths. The piece also reflects on the ocean as pathway, both for human travel throughout the times but also for enormous amounts of plastic waste that with the Gulf Stream end up in Lofoten from all over the world.

We will also perform ‘Light and Matter’, an homage to composer Kaija Saariaho, who sadly passed away earlier this year, and ‘metamold’ by Canadian composer Bekah Simms.

Tine Surel Lange Flaskepost (World Premiere)
Bekah Simms metamold
Kaija Saariaho Light and Matter

Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, flute (bass, c, alto)/ solo flute
Tim Lines, clarinet/bass clarinet
Tom Hunter, percussion
Simon Smith, piano
Jackie Shave, violin
Christian Elliott, cello
Matthew Swan, electronics
Geoffrey Paterson, conductor

Northern Connection is a partnership project between Music Finland, Musica nova Helsinki and defunensemble (Finland), Music Norway, Ultima Festival and Ensemble Temporum (Norway), Scottish Music Centre, soundfestival and Red Note Ensemble (Scotland)

Soundfestival 2023 - Spotlight gig
2023-10-26 15:00 - 15:30 | The Big Sky Studio, Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB10 1QS, United Kingdom
Mark O’Keeffe and Sasha Savaloni perform 5 new works written for trumpet and guitar by Scottish composers Mingdu Li, Reese Carly Manglicmot, Kate Sagovsky, Max Syedtollan, and Stephen Chase, resulting from a 3-month composer development opportunity supported by composer Karen Power.
The event is free but ticketed
Mingdu Li Barren
Reese Carly Manglicmot Candle
Kate Sagovsky Glean
Max Syedtollan Quartet for trumpet, guitar and two conductors
Stephen Chase Bagatelles

Red Note Ensemble
Mark O’Keeffe, trumpet
Sasha Savaloni, guitar

This development opportunity is part of the soundcreators programme which focuses on nurturing creative talent, and is organised in partnership with sound and Red Note.

Soundfestival 2023 - FLOCK
2023-10-27 10:00 - 2023-10-28 12:15 | Anatomy Rooms, Shoe Lane, Aberdeen, AB10 1AL
We’re delighted to premiere FLOCK, a show for children aged 4 to 8, that we co-commissioned along sound.

FLOCK is a show created for children aged 4 to 8.Opening with a sonically and visually captivating performance by the musicians, the children are then gently encouraged to become part of the piece until, through their collective efforts, a chirruping, chattering musical flock comes into being.

Recommended for children aged 4-8.

There will be 4 performances:
– Fri 27 Oct, 1o:00-10:45
– Fri 27 Oct, 11:30-12:15
– Sat 28 Oct, 1o:00-10:45
– Sat 28 Oct, 11:30-12:15

Kathy Hinde, Artist

Matt Addicott, Dramaturg

Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, Flute
Duncan Strachan, Cello
Tom Hunter, Percussion

Elle Taylor, Production Manager

FLOCK is co-commissioned by sound and Red Note Ensemble

Soundfestival 2023 - Go Compose!
2023-10-27 15:30 - 16:00 | The Big Sky Studio, Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB10 1QS, United Kingdom
Our players, Ruth, Fiona and Tom perform new works developed for them by young composers from North-East secondary schools as part of the Go Compose! course earlier in October.
The event is free but ticketed.
Go Compose! is a composition course for young composers aged 13-18 and in full time education and is a unique opportunity to work with professional composers and our musicians during a 3-day course ran in partnership with sound.

Over 3 days you the participants create their own, original piece of music with the help of professional contemporary composers Bekah Simms and Elise Haller-Shannon.

Ria Parmar Downfall Fury
Finn Moan à travers le brouillard
Dfa Aldaioub A Gardenia’s Lullaby
Solomon McMillan Brain Itch
Jonathan Turner Meander in Four

Ruby Kidd Emotions of the Sky
Violet Harus Enigma – Rondo Revolution
Murray Nicholl Fallen Leaves
Thomas Ramsay Allegro for Flute, Viola & Vibraphone

Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, flute
Fiona Winning, viola
Tom Hunter, percussion

FLOCK in Methil
2023-11-04 11:30 - 14:45 | Wellesley Church Centre, Wellesley Rd, Methil, KY8 3PE, United Kingdom
We’re bringing our new show FLOCK to Methil!
Saturday 4 November at Wellesley Church Centre, Methil. The event is FREE and there will be free post-show snacks provided for the children.
FLOCK is a show created by Kathy Hinde for children aged 4 to 8.Opening with a sonically and visually captivating performance by the musicians, the children are then gently encouraged to become part of the piece until through their collective efforts, a chirruping, chattering musical flock comes into being.
Video Preview: https://youtu.be/h4-L7EYBacg?feature=shared

There will be 2 performances:
– 11:30-12:15
– 14:00-14:45

Booking: the event is free but seating is limited. To guarantee your place contact sarah@rednoteensemble.com or turn up on the day (limited seating – first come-first served).

Kathy Hinde, Artist

Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, Flute
Duncan Strachan, Cello
Tom Hunter, Percussion

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 at RCS: Ligeti Piano Concerto
2024-01-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Stevenson Hall, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 3DB, United Kingdom
Following Ligeti’s centenary year in 2023, we will perform the composer’s extraordinary Piano Concerto with RCS Doctor of Performing Arts student, Marianna Abrahamyan. This performance will be the culmination of Marianna’s studies, exploring the work of one of the most innovative, influential, and distinctive composers of the 20th century.
György Ligeti, Piano Concerto
Students new works:
Kassia Bailey, Twice Upon
Kate Sagovsky, On G
Kaiwen Liu, Wind is tonight’s answer
Red Note Ensemble
Eliza Marshall, flute
Katherine Bryer, oboe
Tim Lines, clarinet
Cerys Ambrose, bassoon
Andy Saunders, horn
Simon Bird, trumpet
Simon Johnson, trombone
Tom Hunter, percussion 1
Patrick Nolan, percussion 2
Jackie Shave, violin 1
Tom Hankey, violin 2
Fiona Winning, viola
Lionel Handy, cello
Iain Crawford, double bass
Ryan McAdams, Conductor
Marianna Abrahamyan, Piano

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

An Easterhouse Children's Manifesto at the Library at The Bridge
2024-03-26 10:00 - 2024-04-13 17:00 | Library at The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Rd, Easterhouse, G34 9JW, 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 Easterhouse 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 Library at The Bridge in Easterhouse from Tuesday 26th March to Saturday 13th April (closed during the Easter weekend).
Join us Tuesday 26th March at 11am for the exhibition launch! Tea and coffee will be provided.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Closed on Sunday
The exhibition is free and not ticketed.
Watch the trailer:

RCS & Red Note present 5 new works performed by Mark O'Keeffe
2024-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Scottish Music Centre, 100 Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NQ, United Kingdom
We’re happy to present our new partnership with RCS, combining a performance and recording of new works for solo trumpet created by 5 RCS students composers.
This project is a collaboration between Red Note and composers from the RCS, who have been working with Mark O’Keeffe over the last few months, to develop new pieces for solo trumpet. These new works will also be recorded as part of the project, allowing the composers to reflect on this creative process, as they develop their skills in writing for the instrument.
Join us on Tuesday 7 May at 1pm at the Scottish Music Centre in Glasgow for an informal sharing of these new works.
The concert is FREE and not ticketed.
Andrew Keddie Dawn
Ella Cookson Wandering
Hiro Kyo Sauce
Katy Babenko Trumpet Solo 01.02
Nancy Johnstone flibbertigibbet

Red Note Ensemble
Mark O’Keeffe, Trumpet
Please note that one of the piece includes food that will be distributed to the audience. For any questions regarding allergies please contact admin@rednoteensemble.com

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.

Development opportunity for Scotland-based composers
2024-06-10
Five composers will have the opportunity to develop short works for viola and percussion working alongside our players Fiona Winning (viola) and Tom Hunter (percussion) with Deirdre McKay as composer mentor. The new works will be performed during 2024 soundfestival.
Opportunity description

Five emerging Scottish composers will have the opportunity to develop short works of around 5 min for Fiona Winning (viola) and Tom Hunter (percussion) with mentoring support from Deirdre McKay.
This will take place over a period of 4 months with a mixture of online and live sessions (see key dates below).
The new works will then be performed as part of the soundfestival on Saturday 26th October 2024.
Key dates
The successful candidates should be available to attend the following sessions:

Online introductory session: Tuesday 2nd July evening
1-to-1 mentoring sessions with Deirdre McKay and/or musicians (mid-August, dates and times tbc)
Workshop session with Fiona and Tom: 21st September in Glasgow
Performance on Saturday 26th October 2024 at 12pm in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Aberdeen.

This requirement is kept flexible for those living with disability, or those for whom such participation might be tricky due to any other reason related to their underrepresented characteristic. You will be able to discuss this with us upon successful application and we will help find a solution.
Please note, we offer this flexibility in order to open our opportunities for those with access requirements and for whom participation is difficult due to their underrepresented characteristic. If you are not able to attend those days, and your reason is not related to the above, please consider applying to a different opportunity.
Candidates
The successful candidates will be Scottish-based ‘emerging’ composers. They will need to be able to articulate their development needs and how the opportunity would benefit them as this point in their career:

by emerging we mean composers who are able to demonstrate a number of years of compositional experience, but who don’t consider themselves mid-career, or established. They can be of any age and background, including those who have had to take a substantial career break due to maternity leave or other reasons, or those who practised composition as amateurs in previous years and have now started to take steps into the professional world. They might also be those who had a career in another field of music and are only now identifying as composers, or those who have just graduated etc. It is up to you to define yourself as emerging according to your own personal circumstance.
by Scottish-based composers we mean composers of any nationality, who have been resident in Scotland for at least 18 months. Scottish-raised composers who are studying elsewhere in the UK for a limited amount of time may also apply, but will be expected to pay for any travel to get to Scotland.

We are committed to working with and supporting composers from under-represented groups. Female, trans, gender-diverse, and global majority and Gypsy/Traveller composers, composers from a low-income background, and/or composers with a disability are encouraged to apply. By global majority we mean people from all ethnic groups except white British and other white groups, including white minorities.
Expenses
A stipend of £250 will be available for each successful candidate who completes the opportunity.
Second-class travel within Scotland will be reimbursed, as will accommodation. See the next paragraph (accessibility) for additional access costs.
Accessibility
Access costs will be covered for those who require it. You will be asked about your accessibility needs upon successful application, this will be discussed with you individually, and the programme and schedule (where possible and required) will be tailored towards your needs.
If you need any accessibility assistance in applying for this opportunity, please contact Kadri on info@sound-scotland.co.uk.
How to apply
To apply for the opportunity please complete this form: https://neartail.com/sm/jg81uRXTy
Text, video or audio applications are accepted.
In the application form you will be asked:

Your name, email, age, pronouns, postcode, and to confirm you are Scottish/resident in Scotland, and to identify your underrepresented characteristic if you wish so
Why are you interested in this opportunity and how will it help your development as composer? (text, or upload video or audio)
Biography or CV (text only)
Small portfolio of your work: two PDF scores (notated, graphic, or description) and, ideally – recordings/midi of the same pieces.
You will also be asked to fill in an equalities monitoring form.

There will be an online information session for all our current composer development opportunities on Monday 27th May from 12.30-1.30pm for those who need further advice or information. Here’s the link to register for the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcuCtqTMpE9zlY1qHPcp2KN2OFGsjBfrI
If you have any other questions, you can email Kadri on info@sound-scotland.co.uk.
Deadline for applications: Monday 10th June 2024
We offer a 2-day “grace period” until the end of day on Wednesday 12th June for applicants who can’t reach the deadline due to health challenges, having to care for family members, or other reasonable and/or unexpected circumstances. Please state your reason in the application form.
Selection process
As mentioned above, sound is committed to working with and supporting composers from under-represented sections of the population. To enable this, there is a two-stage application process: an initial selection is made, and then this is narrowed down in a second stage selection process. If you are a female, gender-minority, global majority or Gypsy/Traveller composer, disabled and/or from a low-income background, you can choose to self-select automatically to the second round.
The selection panel will be made up of composer Deirdre McKay and a representatives of sound and Red Note Ensemble.
We will inform you whether you are successful or not on the Friday 25th June. We may alternatively offer you a reserve place in case one of the successful candidates can’t take up the opportunity or needs to pull out at an early stage.
NOTES TO COMPOSERS APPLYING
What to expect

Your creative process should start at the initial date of this project, and continue throughout, punctuated by online or live sessions with the composer mentor and/or musicians.
You will be working mostly individually, using any medium of your choice during the creative process to help you generate ideas.
Any mentoring sessions will be aimed at helping you shape your ideas into a suitable composition.
For the mid-project live session, you will be expected to present a draft notated score and parts in advance for the musicians (you can use graphic or semi-graphic notation, and/or text instructions, if that is how you normally work). The deadlines for this will be given to you at the introductory meeting.
After this you will be required to prepare a final fully notated score and parts for a date to be agreed with the musicians.
In between sessions, it is up to you how exactly you would like to manage your process.

If you have any further questions or personal requirements in regards to this, you will be able to discuss them with the manager and/or mentor of the project upon the successful application.
What NOT to expect

Tutoring – your mentor is your sounding board and advisor, but you are expected to work as a professional, and will be making your own decisions based on your experience.
Time management and preparation guidance – while we will provide you with a schedule, we will expect you to manage your own creative flow, and make autonomous decisions on any creative preparations for meeting with musicians, etc. You will always be able to discuss any logistical questions (equipment, access, timeline, etc.) with our manager.
Please note that this is a development opportunity leading to a live performance of your work in the soundfestival. It may be possible to make an audio and/or video recording of the performance which, provided the players are happy with the performance, will be available to you for personal, non-public use only, including submission to competitions and as part of educational assignments.

Selection
Selection for new music opportunities is inherently subjective and the criteria used can differ from project to project. We are frequently over-subscribed and often the quality of applications is extremely high from a wide range of composers, which usually means making difficult decisions.
Reasons for selecting one composer over another are not always to do with skill level or experience.. Usually we choose the composers that will benefit the most from a particular opportunity. We may also take into consideration whether we feel composers are the right fit to work a particular ensemble. For development opportunities that happen in a group setting, it may be that we need to take into consideration the coherence of that group e.g. we may prefer to have composers of a similar experience-level. We thus sometimes end up turning down composers with more experience or skills, or giving opportunities to composers who we feel would benefit most from a particular opportunity at that stage in their career. Faced with difficult choices we may sometimes turn down composers who have already benefited from a number of opportunities in the past.
We would however encourage composers to apply for any opportunities that interest them and for which they fit the specification, and not be discouraged if they are not selected for a particular opportunity, as it does not mean that they are not “good” enough. Please do continue to apply for any opportunity that interests you!
This opportunity is part of sound’s soundcreators programme focusing on nurturing creative talent which is currently funded by Creative Scotland, PRS for Music Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation, and Aberdeen City Council.

Spring Community Tour
2024-06-12 - 2024-06-13
We’re always delighted to perform in communities part of our 5 Places programme and we’ll be back in Easterhouse and Methil in June for our annual spring community tour!
Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, flute
Fiona Winning, viola
Allan Neave, guitar
*Please note: these performances are not on sale to the general public. If you happen to be part of the groups we are visiting, we would love to see you there!

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.

Go Compose! 2024
2024-09-23
Go Compose! is a composition course for young composers aged 13-18 and in full time education.
It’s a unique opportunity to work with professional composers and our musicians during a 3-day course ran in partnership with sound.
Over three days you will create your own, original piece of music which will be performed at the end of the course.
We are looking for young people with creative potential and commitment to the course. If you are enthusiastic about writing your own, original music and keen to try out new musical ideas then this is the course for you!

The course in 2024 will take place at the Phoenix Centre, Newton Dee, Bieldside from Monday 14 October – Wednesday 16 October. Go Compose! will be led by professional contemporary composers Aileen Sweeney and Kevin Leomo. Aileen and Kevin will be joined by our musicians Ruth Morley (flute), Jackie Shave (violin) and Luis Eisen (bassoon). They are very creative and open about the kinds of music they play!
Timetable

Monday 14 October 2-8pm
Tuesday 15 October 10am-5pm
Wednesday 16 October 10am-6pm with performance of final pieces @ 5pm

Apply
To apply for a place on Go Compose! please complete the online registration form here: https://neartail.com/sm/ZYxOdfGiz
The deadline for applying is Monday 23rd September.
Go Compose! costs £60 for the whole course. You will also need money for lunches and evening meals. If this is too expensive for you, please contact us to discuss this as some grants are available. You can attend the performance free of charge. You can also invite your family and friends to attend the final performance. Tickets for this cost £5.
If you will be travelling from a distance and would like the option to stay overnight, we are able to organise supervised accommodation for you at an additional cost of £40 per night including breakfast. Please contact us directly for more information.
We will let everyone know if they have been selected to participate by 3rd October. You will then be asked to confirm attendance and to pay the course fee of £60.
To find out more information/ask any questions please contact: anna@sound-scotland.co.uk

Feedback from previous years:
“Hearing my piece was like a dream come true.”
“One of the best experiences I have ever had.”
“A very interesting and informative course that I strongly recommend to others. I would love to come back again next year.”

Go Compose! is part of Get Creative, which is generously supported by Aberdeen City Council, UK Government, Creative Scotland, Aberdeen Endowments Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Educational Institute of Scotland and David and June Gordon Memorial Trust and The William Syson Foundation.

Apply now for Red Note Factory Weekend
2024-10-01 | Maryhill Burgh Halls, 10-24 Gairbraid Avenue, Glasgow, G20 8YE
Factory Weekend is an exciting new opportunity for instrumentalists aged 18-28 with an interest in contemporary music, and who want to explore their creative music making skills in a fun and supportive environment.
The two-day workshop will be led John Harris along with our musicians Ruth Morley (flute), Fiona Winning (viola) and Tom Hunter (percussion). While primarily aimed at music students and recent graduates aiming at careers as performers, we also welcome applications from people who are not studying music but play their instrument to a high level.
No previous contemporary music experience is required and the workshops are open to players of any orchestral instrument, plus guitar and saxophone.
What to expect during the weekend
Factory Weekend is all about creative music making and will include: working on improvisation and new compositions, playing alongside Red Note musicians, and putting together a performance of Nick Roth’s open score piece Flocking.
There will be rhythm skills games, and you will get the chance to try sketching out your own piece. We will also have discussions and advice sessions on working with composers and building your own projects.
This is a chance for you to gain experience in playing new music, to meet some of the Red Note team, and to explore some new skills. We’re always on the lookout for the new generation of talent, so it is also a chance for us to meet some potential future Red Note musicians as well!
When and where
Factory Weekend will take place in Glasgow at Maryhill Burgh Halls on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October. Lunch, tea/coffee and pastries will be provided.
Places are fully funded but strictly limited, and you will need to be available for both days.
How to apply
To apply, fill out the application form via this link before Tuesday 1st October 2024.
If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact us at admin@rednoteensemble.com.

Red Note is funded by Creative Scotland and is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner.

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.

Jane Stanley 'Cerulean Orbits' CD Launch & 'Coursera' Preview
2024-10-18 20:00 - 21:00 | Glasgow University Concert Hall, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
Released in July, Cerulean Orbits showcases pieces composed by Jane between 2013 and 2023 for different chamber combinations, and we will be performing some excerpts from her acclaimed work at the University of Glasgow Concert Hall on Friday 18th October.
As part of the evening, Jane will also be sharing a preview of a new self-paced online course to be hosted by Coursera. The 12-week course provides a range of skills and knowledge to learners who have some prior music training to develop their technique and individual identity as composers. It will cover the journey from starting a piece to developing material, through to preparing scores and parts for performance. Woven through the course will be regular appearances by Red Note Ensemble performing illustrative musical examples and sharing insights into topics including composer-performer collaboration, notation, playing techniques, and ensemble communication.
The event is free but you will need to register to attend via Eventbrite.
Jane Stanley

Helix Reflection
Suite (*selected excerpts)
Firefly Reflections
Tracing, Entangling
Oneiroi (*selected excerpts)
Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, flute
Will White, clarinet
Jackie Shave, violin
Christian Elliott, cello
Rolf Hind, piano
Photo credit: foxbrush

SOUNDFESTIVAL 2024 - DECONSTRUCTING PIERROT (WORLD PREMIERE)
2024-10-25 18:00 - 19:00 | The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT
A musical demolition and a dramaturgical interrogation, Laura Bowler’s Deconstructing Pierrot takes Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire and looks at the work through a contemporary queer lens. A new interpretation of Albert Giraud’s poems that repurposes musical material from Schoenberg’s work in a subversive act of defiance of the great master.
Laura Bowler Deconstructing Pierrot (World Premiere)*
Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, Flute
Tim Lines, Clarinet
Jackie Shave, Violin
Robert Irvine, Cello
Siwan Rhys, Piano
Tom Hunter, Percussion
Laura Bowler, Voice
Matthew Swan, Electronics

Deconstructing Pierrot is co-commissioned by Red Note Ensemble, Music on Main
and Ensemble Offspring.

SOUNDFESTIVAL 2024 - SPOTLIGHT GIG
2024-10-26 12:00 - 12:45 | St Andrew’s Cathedral, Aberdeen, 28 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AX, United Kingdom
Join us for the world premiere of new works by Scottish-based composers Lucy Callen, Kristain Rasmussen, Craig Morrison, Naomi McGillivray and Vishak Ramaprasad, resulting from a three-month composer development opportunity supported by composer Deirdre McKay.
Red Note Ensemble
Fiona Winning, Viola
Tom Hunter, Percussion

This development opportunity is part of the soundcreators programme which focuses on nurturing creative talent, and is organised in partnership with sound and Red Note.

SOUNDFESTIVAL 2024 - NORTHERN CONNECTION
2024-10-26 18:00 - 19:00 | The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT
We are delighted to perform Tine Surel Lange’s Flaskepost again at soundfestival after premiering it in 2023.
Flaskepost – meaning message in a bottle – is inspired by the ocean connecting Scotland and Norway. Based on field recordings made in the Lofoten archipelago in Northern Norway (where Tine is based), the piece is diving into the depths of the ocean, exploring the musical potential of the ocean itself as well as imagining the creatures and other things you can encounter in the depths. The piece also reflects on the ocean as pathway, both for human travel throughout the times but also for enormous amounts of plastic waste that with the Gulf Stream end up in Lofoten from all over the world.
We will be joined by defunensemble, Finland and Ensemble Temporum, Norway who will perform Lauri Supponen North and Lisa Robertson am fàsach.
Tine Surel Lange Flaskepost
Lauri Supponen North (UK Premiere)*
Lisa Robertson am fàsach (UK Premiere)*

Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, Flute
Tim Lines, Clarinet
Siwan Rhys, Piano
Robert Irvine, Cello
Matthew Swan, Electronics

Northern Connection is a partnership project between Music Finland, Musica nova Helsinki and defunensemble (Finland), Music Norway, Ultima Festival and Ensemble Temporum (Norway), Scottish Music Centre, soundfestival and Red Note Ensemble (Scotland).
