Gavin Reid is to lead Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) from August, with Roy McEwan calling it a day after almost a quarter of a century in charge. Scotsman Reid is currently director of BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and was principal trumpet at Manchester Camerata from 1989-2001.
SCO is known for its long-term partnerships with artists like Richard Egarr and John Storgårds, and in recent years has developed a Creative Learning programme that brings arts education to Scottish communities.
‘I am particularly excited by the crucial and influential role that the SCO plays within Scotland,’ said Reid. ‘I look forward to working closely with players, staff, artists and all of the SCO’s supporters to build on the fantastic achievements of recent years.’
McEwan added that Reid: ‘is joining a wonderful orchestra full of talented and committed musicians and staff and I wish him well in taking them forward.’ McEwan was awarded an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2011 for services to music.
McEwan’s final concert as chief executive is a performance of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto conducted by principal guest conductor Emmanuel Krivine in Glasgow on 13 May. Reid will continue at the BBC until the end of August, when Donald Runnicles performs his final concert as principal conductor.
Highlights for the rest of 2016 include SCO dates throughout Scotland over the summer, two performances of Berlioz’s L’Enfance du Christ in October and two of Bruckner’s Symphony no 4 in November.
