Perfect pitch - Classical venue guide

Source: Student Guide
Date: 15 September 2008 (updated 1 July 2009)
Written by: David Pollock

For those looking for something a little more civilised, Edinburgh and Glasgow have a host of classical venues on offer.

One of the finest exponents of classical music in Scotland is the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which performs around the country. Catch the RSNO regularly at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow (2 Sauchiehall Street, 353 8000) and the Usher Hall, Edinburgh (Lothian Road, 228 1155), although note that the latter is closed for refurbishment until 2009. In the interim, the orchestra will be using the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (13-29 Nicolson Street, 662 1112).

Also highly recommended is the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, which regularly appears in the same venues as the RSNO and around the country. However, two of the other most prominent venues the SCO appears in are the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh (Clerk Street, 668 2019) and the City Halls, Glasgow (Candleriggs, 353 8000), which are stunning halls in their own right.

Among the smaller venues putting on classical shows are the attractive St Cecilia’s Hall, Edinburgh (Niddry Street, 650 2427), which is the oldest concert hall in Scotland and second oldest in Britain, while various cathedrals and places of worship also stage infrequent recitals. These include St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh (Royal Mile, 226 0673) and St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Glasgow (300 Great Western Road, 337 2862).

More: Music, Classical (Music), Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Student Guide, Student Guide 2008, Venues

City Halls

Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NQ