The award-winning Nevis Ensemble is Scotland’s one and only Street Orchestra. Since giving its first performance in July 2018, the ensemble has to date given 200 fun, engaging and meaningful performances across Scotland.
Join a chamber ensemble from Nevis’ ranks for a performance of music spanning centuries and genres, including a new commission from Lisa Robertson as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.
Doors Open 1.30pm
Concert Starts 2.00pm
Finishes (approx.) 3.00pm
FREE ENTRY - DONATIONS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED
The organisation also runs a number of participatory projects working in communities, often with the most vulnerable in our society, including looked after children, those experiencing homelessness, women seeking refuge from domestic violence, and older people living with dementia.
“Redefining what it means to engage audiences.” Classical Music Magazine
Artistically led by Holly Mathieson and Jon Hargreaves, the Nevis mission is to take music to everyone, everywhere, and to make sure that performances are where people are and when they are there. The orchestra is different, and there is nothing else like it in Scotland. Nevis has garnered critical and public acclaim for its innovative and unconventional approach to performance. Concerts are free, inclusive and instantly approachable. The rituals of the concert hall have been stripped away, with audience engagement and enjoyment having full parity with musical excellence.
“If there is one exciting new thing about Scotland of which they [the influential and useful people] should be spreading the news, it is the Nevis Ensemble.” The Herald
The ensemble has quickly built a strong and enviable record for producing engaging and high-quality performances for all in our community. Strong community partnerships have been nurtured with a number voluntary and third-sector organisations and with commercial organisations that can help support and facilitate the work. Tours have taken the orchestra to the most unlikely of places, from beaches on the Isle of Berneray to HM Prison Edinburgh, and from a supermarket in Maryhill to the summit of Ben Nevis itself. Nevis performances take place in community settings and public spaces, with all performances free-of-charge and tailored to each audience. Venues include homeless shelters, schools, shopping centres, parks and hospitals and in 2019 the orchestra embarked on the biggest ever tour of the Outer Hebrides by and orchestra and the first visit ever to St Kilda.