Development opportunity for Scotland-based composers
2024-06-10 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 (Europe/London) | 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).

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.

NORDIC MUSIC DAYS: AN EASTERHOUSE CHILDREN'S MANIFESTO INSTALLATION
2024-10-30 - 2024-11-02 | Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD, United Kingdom
Inspired by the 1931 publication ‘La Anarquia Explicada a Los Niños’ – an instructional manual for children published during the Spanish Civil War explaining the ideas and practises of anarchy – composer Brian Irvine and director John McIlduff worked with the children of Oakwood Primary School in Glasgow and Red Note Ensemble. The result was An Easterhouse Children’s Manifesto, a collection of seven musical animated video posters that explore key elements of “anarchical” thinking such as autonomy, kindness and human connectivity from a child’s perspective.
Born from Red Note’s 5 Places programme, which targets five locations across central Scotland, this Easterhouse collaboration is based on the ideas and voices of Oakwood Primary School’s pupils and their partnered groups from the wider community.
We’re thrilled to have these video posters on public display as an installation in the Glasgow CCA Courtyard from Wednesday 30 October until Saturday 2 November, as part of Nordic Music Days 2024.
Nordic Music Days 2024 is a Council of Nordic Composers project, managed on their behalf by the Danish Composers Society in partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

International travel survey for musicians
2024-10-31 | Highland
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.

NORDIC MUSIC DAYS: J. DILLON 'TANZ/HAUS' and NORTHERN CONNECTION
2024-11-02 22:00 - 23:00 | Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD, United Kingdom
For Nordic Music Days 2024 Red Note brings a programme that celebrates the ensemble’s links with the Nordic countries alongside one of its most significant recent Scottish commissions – the award-winning Tanz/haus by James Dillon.
Tine Surel Lange’s Flaskepost was premiered at soundfestival 2023 in Aberdeen as part of Northern Connection, a new and innovative project to connect Nordic countries and Scotland by establishing and strengthening liaisons between composers, ensembles and festivals in contemporary music
James Dillon’s Tanz/haus opened Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival’s 40th edition as a world premiere – and to great acclaim. Dillon’s work was awarded the RPS composition prize and nominated for the BASCA British Composer Awards 2018, and a recording by Red Note is available on Delphian Records.
Tine Surel Lange Flaskepost (Northern Connection commission)
James Dillon Tanz/haus
Red Note Ensemble
Jackie Shave, Violin
Lionel Handy, Cello
Iain Crawford, Double Bass
Ruth Morley, Flute
Will White, Clarinet
Sjors van der Mark, Electric Guitar
Djordje Gajic, Accordion
Tom Hunter, Percussion
Simon Smith, Piano / Electronic Keyboard
Matthew Swan, Electronics
Simon Proust, Conductor
Nordic Music Days 2024 is a Council of Nordic Composers project, managed on their behalf by the Danish Composers Society in partnership with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Ivor Novello Nomination Announcement!
2024-11-12 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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.

RCS & Red Note present 5 new works performed by Cerys Ambrose Evans
2025-04-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Scottish Music Centre, 100 Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NQ, United Kingdom
Continuing our partnership with RCS Composition, we’re combining a performance and recording of new works for solo bassoon created by 5 RCS students composers.
This project is a collaboration between Red Note and composers from the RCS, who have been working with Cerys Ambrose Evans over the last few months, to develop new pieces for solo bassoon. 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 Friday 25th April at 1pm at the Scottish Music Centre in Glasgow for an informal sharing of these new works.
The concert is FREE and not ticketed.
Red Note Ensemble
Cerys Ambrose Evans, Bassoon

Music Composition Course
2025-04-30 | Highland
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 | Highland
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 | Highland
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

Development opportunity for Scotland-based composers
2025-05-30 | Highland
Five composers will have the opportunity to develop short works for oboe and bassoon working alongside our players Katherine Bryer (oboe) and Cerys Ambrose Evans (bassoon) with Anna Appleby as composer mentor. The new works will be performed during soundfestival 2025.

Opportunity description

Five emerging Scottish composers will have the opportunity to develop short works of around 5 min for Katherine Bryer (oboe) and Cerys Ambrose Evans (bassoon) with mentoring support from Anna Appleby.
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 1st November 2025.

Key dates
The successful candidates should be available to attend the following sessions:

Online introductory session: week beginning 7th July (exact date tbc), Zoom.
1-to-1 mentoring sessions: Early/Mid August, Zoom
Workshop session with Katherine and Cerys: 13th September, Edinburgh or Glasgow
Additional rehearsal session: Early/Mid October
Performance on on 1st November, 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.
The deadline to apply is Friday 30th May. For more information on the call and how to apply please visit: https://sound-scotland.co.uk/news/development-opportunities-for-scottish-composers

This opportunity is part of soundcreators programme focusing on nurturing creative talent. They are currently funded by the Creative Scotland, PRS Foundation Talent Development Network supported by PPL, Aberdeen City Council and UK Goverment, The Pear Tree Fund for Music, Hugh Fraser Foundation, The Leche Trust, Hope Scott Trust and the Hinrichsen Foundation.

NOISY NIGHTS AT DRYGATE, GLASGOW – CALL FOR SCORES
2025-08-22 17:00 | Highland
The Noisy Nights concert will take place on Wednesday 24th September at Drygate in Glasgow – deadline for submissions: Friday 22nd August, 5pm.
Noisy Nights are informal new music nights that provide an outlet to hear emerging new musical ideas and voices. Three Red Note musicians will perform up to 8 short new 5-minute works selected from the open call (details below).
The concert will be held at Drygate in Glasgow, on Wednesday 24th September 19:30.

CALL FOR SCORES
Are you interested in writing a piece of music 3-5min long for Red Note, Scotland’s contemporary music ensemble? Then this call is for you.
• Maximum length: 5 minutes
• Instrumentation: Flute, Viola and Percussion [Marimba (4.3 octave), Large China Cymbal, Hi-hat, Woodblock, Shaker]*
• Only new works composed for this call will be accepted
• Deadline: Friday 22nd August (5pm – UK time)
Please note the scores should not include electronics or any pre-recorded parts, and when writing please consider that these concerts are rehearsed in a short time frame.
(*Note: if you’ve got any questions regarding the percussion list, please email flore@rednoteensemble.com).

HOW TO APPLY: Full score and parts in PDF format to be submitted to Dawn Coulshed at admin@rednoteensemble.com by 5pm (UK time) on Friday 22nd August. Please include full name and contact in your submission email and use the subject “Noisy Nights Glasgow – Application”. Late submissions will not be accepted.
A maximum of 8 pieces will be selected by a panel of musicians and composers from Red Note. Selected composers will be notified by Friday 29th August and the rehearsal and concert will be held on the Wednesday 24th September.
We encourage those local to the area to apply. There are limited options to apply for a travel bursary if you are selected and based outside of Glasgow, and reside within the UK.
Support: We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to take part in our call. If there are barriers to your participation which we can help to alleviate through one of our limited support bursaries, please do get in touch with Red Note’s General manager, Flore Ducasse at flore@rednoteensemble.com
If you have any questions or access requirements, please contact Flore Ducasse at flore@rednoteensemble.com
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 selection process.
Please CLICK HERE to complete the monitoring form.

Red Note is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner supported by PPL

FLOCK - Lammermuir Festival
2025-09-11 16:00 - 17:30 | St Peter’s Church, 1 High St, Musselburgh, EH21 7AD, United Kingdom
Family-friendly concert
Location: St Peter’s Church, Musselburgh
Times: 4 & 5.30pm
Duration: Approx 30mins
Tickets: £6 | Under 18 free
FLOCK is a 30 minute small ensemble piece with a strong visual element, created for children and families of all ages.
FLOCK is centred around a suite of newly invented playful instruments combined with 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 evolves from explorations of the songs and calls of birds, the sounds of a woodland and the weather. Origami birds slowly flap their paper wings overhead, music boxes tinkle, automated swanee whistles twitch and flutter, accordion reeds and pipes resonate… creating an evocative and intriguing setting that builds towards the impression of a lively flock of birds tweeting and chattering together.
Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, Flute
Martin Storey, Cello
Tom Hunter, Percussion
Kathy Hinde, Artist
FLOCK was created by artist and composer Kathy Hinde and co-commissioned by Red Note Ensemble and sound.

FLOCK - Lammermuir Festival
2025-09-12 10:30 - 14:00 | St Peter’s Church, 1 High St, Musselburgh, EH21 7AD, United Kingdom
Family-friendly concert
Location: St Peter’s Church, Musselburgh
Times: 10.30am, 12pm & 2pm
Duration: Approx 30mins
Tickets: £6 | Under 18 free
FLOCK is a 30 minute small ensemble piece with a strong visual element, created for children and families of all ages.
FLOCK is centred around a suite of newly invented playful instruments combined with 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 evolves from explorations of the songs and calls of birds, the sounds of a woodland and the weather. Origami birds slowly flap their paper wings overhead, music boxes tinkle, automated swanee whistles twitch and flutter, accordion reeds and pipes resonate… creating an evocative and intriguing setting that builds towards the impression of a lively flock of birds tweeting and chattering together.
Red Note Ensemble
Ruth Morley, Flute
Martin Storey, Cello
Tom Hunter, Percussion
Kathy Hinde, Artist
FLOCK was created by artist and composer Kathy Hinde and co-commissioned by Red Note Ensemble and sound.
