Want to get married at Edinburgh Castle?

Edinburgh Castle to host Wedding Open Weekend

Are you searching for the ultimate romantic venue to hold your wedding? Then look no further, as Edinburgh Castle is hosting a wedding open weekend on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February from 11:00 to 4:00 pm.

Couples are asked to register in advance on hs.weddings@scotland.gsi.gov.uk indicating which day they would like to attend.

There will be discount booking offers and incentives on the day and our on-site event managers will be on hand to answer any questions.

When couples arrive they will register in the Gatehouse Suite and will be given a map to follow with the suggested route around the various venues. The Gatehouse Suite will be the first stop on the tour and its main room will be set for a ceremony. All the areas where ceremonies and receptions take place will be set up so people can see exactly what the different venues would look like on the day.

Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle said:

“With its fascinating history, unique setting and panoramic views across the city, Edinburgh Castle is the ultimate romantic and memorable setting for your special day.

“If you are looking for the perfect place to propose, our Proposal Package offers you exclusive access to the historic Argyle Tower, the upper part of the Portcullis Gate within Edinburgh Castle, with its beautiful window alcoves and views over the city and beyond.”

St Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest venue, dating back to the 12th century. It is the oldest building in Edinburgh and is available for small, intimate, religious wedding ceremonies. It has a capacity for 25 guests.

The 19th century Gatehouse Suite, offers an ideal venue for small wedding ceremonies, whilst the adjoining Ante Room is perfect for drinks and canapés. Access is also available to a private terrace. It has a capacity for 40 guests.

The recently refurbished Queen Anne Room is set in the heart of Edinburgh Castle in Crown Square. It has a capacity for 120 guests (seated) and up to 170 guests for dancing. There will also be a photographer and florist here to advise you. A private viewing of Scotland’s Crown Jewels can also be included.

If you are interested in the Proposal Package you can either purchase your entry tickets on-line in advance from the Edinburgh Castle website or in person on the day from the ticket office.

Historic Scotland who run the castle will then work closely with you in the run up to the day itself to formulate the all important plan, and confirm the exact timings etc for the use of the Tower during your visit. You can also order champagne and flowers from our menu to be waiting for you there. The historic Argyle Tower, the upper part of the Portcullis Gate will be closed for your private use for a period of 30 minutes.

 

Ah har, Me Lads & Lasses! It’s Swallows & Amazons Time

Outside The Festival Theatre yesterday, a chilly February frost soon melted to the warming chirps and trills of excited pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School, Penicuik.

Eager eyes sparkling in brilliant sunshine were looking forward to a midweek matinee performance of  the Bristol Old  Vic’s musical stage adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s age of innocence, ‘messing about in boats’ childhood adventure, ‘Swallows And Amazons’.

And a pre-performance treat was also on offer with a hands-on workshop led by Staff Director, Cressida Brown. Pupils were able to share interpretations of storm-tossed ships in group soundscapes and mimes beneath the very proscenium arch where the show was soon to commence.

Speaking to The Edinburgh Reporter shortly before the performance, Headteacher and visit organiser, Mary Durkacz, praised both The Festival Theatre and Bristol Vic’s determination to make this an unforgettable day for pupils and staff (all on their very best behaviour of course! ER).

And Headteacher’s final report? ‘This was a charming, imaginative and refreshing production. It held the children completely spellbound and brought many adults fond reminiscences of lakeside summers they have only had in their imaginations. Full praise then to Tom Morris’ deft direction of Helen Edmunson’s sympathetic and evocative adaptation.’

The show runs until February 4th and is a delightfully witty celebration of a magical story enhanced  by  ingenious mechanical effects and mind-boggling mime. All aboard me hearties!

More tickets for pandas on sale now

Edinburgh Zoo has now released giant panda viewing tickets for sale up to 18 March 2012.

Over 70,000 people have seen Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine) since they went on public display just before Christmas, with Edinburgh Zoo seeing almost a 200% increase in visitor numbers compared with the same period 12 months earlier.  On average this is a three to four times increase in people through the door, however over the Christmas period some days saw an amazing surge of almost eight times the figures.

Almost a staggering 9,000 cuddly toy pandas ranging from £3 to £40 have been bought by visitors as mementos of their visit over the last seven weeks. That’s over 1,000 cuddly toys per week!

Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Zoo, said:

“We’re delighted to announce that tickets to see our giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang have now gone on sale until the 18^th March.  Advance bookings have started flooding in already.  We’ve been fully booked almost every day so far and expect the popularity of Tian Tian and Yang Guang to continue.

“Visitors’ faces have been amazing, both young and old.  For the vast majority of people this is the first chance they’ve had in their lifetime to cast their eyes on a giant panda.  As well as being incredibly endangered and rarely seen outside China, they are an extremely cute and anthropomorphic animal.  People are often amazed to see for themselves that pandas are quite happy to make eye contact and our visitors can learn lots of interesting facts from our panda patrols – like pandas eat a third of their body weight in food every day and the male pandas do their own version of a hand stand to scent mark their territory.  It’s all very exciting stuff and the RZSS is honoured to be able to bring and share giant pandas with the people of Scotland, the UK and beyond.”

A great way to spend the mid-term holidays, book panda tickets now online at www.edinburghzoo.org.uk to avoid disappointment.

Ten things to do in Edinburgh in 2012

These are only suggestions. Edinburgh is full of things to do, clubs to join and places to go. We cannot possibly know them all, so if you have a really good suggestion, then please feel free to add to the conversation below.

Our first suggestion is to register now for the Speed of Light. You can run around on Arthur’s Seat this summer with self-powered light suits on for photographers to take lovely images of you!

“NVA’s Speed of Light is a tremendous fusion of sport and innovative culture. It is one of Scotland’s official artistic contributions to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bringing people together from all over the UK, the programme will climax with an extraordinary mass-participation event on Arthur’s Seat, as part of Edinburgh International Festival.

For three weeks next August, Edinburgh’s iconic mountain will be brought to life through sporting endeavour and performative visual art. Runners will activate specially designed light suits at night, illuminating the hillside.”

Get along to the Edinburgh International Science Festival. It starts on 30 March 2012 and runs to 15 April.  The programme will be available in February. There are some jobs on offer there too if you apply now.

Various events throughout the year at Hopetoun House for all members of the family, including Bluebell Walks, Wedding Fayres, Cookery demonstrations, plays, Horse Trials and a fungi walk in the autumn.

Get out cycling. There is nowhere better than Edinburgh to get out and about on a bike. The InnerTube Cycle Map shows you some of the cycle paths which criss-cross the city. The Reporter likes going through the Innocent Railway tunnel…one way is better than the other though! And if you have an old bike then you could always donate it to the Bike Station for spares, or even for refurbishment.

This year The Reporter plans to actually get to the Camera Obscura on the High Street, rather than just talking about it. Fantastic views of Edinburgh on five floors. Do you have somewhere that you have always meant to go but have not quite got there yet? Then tell us below!

If you are motivated to do so then you could run 5K. The Reporter did the first one last year so is very keen on doing more this year. The Edinburgh Marathon also has a section for those who only want to run 5K or 10K as well as the hardy 26 milers. It takes place on 26 & 27 May.

Vote in the upcoming Local Government election on 3 May 2012. The City of Edinburgh Council is currently run by a coalition of SNP and LibDems. Some councillors are standing down, and others will be continuing in their posts, but whatever your politics why not try getting to know who your local candidates are so that when the election day arrives you are ready to do your bit?

You might start blogging. There are a load of Edinburgh bloggers who cover an endless variety of subjects all writing away in their garrets. You could write articles for us. We accept all submissions on any subject as long as it relates to our capital city. If you want to get started as a blogger in your own right, but don’t know how, then do let us know, as help is at hand….. If you need to know how to start a blog, if you are teetering on the edge of learning to Tweet or need to know how to set up a Facebook page for your business, then get in touch by email on theedinburghreporter@gmail.com or phone us on 07791406498 and we will help.

In an effort to eat more healthily you could start shopping at the local Farmers’ Markets which take place around the city.

Balerno Farmers’ Market

e: info@balernovt.org.uk  w: www.balernovt.org.uk   t: 0131 449 4545

2nd Saturday of each month, 9am-1pm, Main Street.

Balerno Farmers’ Market is owned by the Balerno Village Trust, and supported by a craft fair, coffee mornings and other community events.

Edinburgh Farmers’ Market

w: www.edinburghfarmersmarket.com  t: 0131 652 5940

Every Saturday of the month; 9am-2pm; Castle Terrace.

Visit the award-winning Edinburgh Farmers’ Market. This one takes place at Castle Terrace under the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Over 60 specialist producers currently attend the market.

“The majority of stallholders are primary producers, growing what they sell. A quarter offer meat products, including specialities such as venison and water buffalo. Organic beef, chicken, lamb and pork are also available. Other types of produce include fish (lobster in season), free-range eggs (including duck eggs), cheese, seasonal fruit & vegetables, honey, chillies and plants. In addition you’ll find producers who bake and prepare their own farm products. Guest producers provide specialities including organic beer, liqueurs, bread, chocolates and chutneys.”

Juniper Green Farmers’ Market

4th Saturday of the month; 9am-1pm, Kinleith Arms car park, Lanark Road, Juniper Green

“A brand new farmers’ market launches in the car park of the Kinleith Arms, Lanark Road, Juniper Green, by Edinburgh. The local Community Council have developed the plans to site a new farmers’ market in the village offering a wonderful opportunity to shoppers to take advantage of a range of superb local produce direct from the growers, bakers and producers. Stalls include goods such as hand reared pork, game, vegetables in season, cup cakes, beef, fresh pies ready to bake, soaps, poultry, sausages, quiches and breads. The Kinleith Arms is also offering refreshments for the day, and local restaurants and shops are offering ‘Market Deals’ too. There’s plenty of FREE parking adjacent, and with a choice of gifts, staple foods, treats and speciality items, all the ingredients are there for a great tasting meal.”

Stockbridge Market has a wide variety of food on offer every Sunday at Jubilee Gardens.  Any queries from potential traders or customers – contact Beth on 0131 551 5633

And as an alternative to all of the above, you might like a new job. For example, Lothian and Borders Police are recruiting from 1 February 2012 for police constables. If you are going to do this, you will have to be physically fit, so get out your gym gear straight away!

Otherwise if it is the occupation you want and not really a salary, then there are many opportunities to volunteer. This could suit you if you are at the beginning or the end of a career. All the career advisers we have spoken to say that work experience is useful on your CV if you are starting out, but volunteering can also be a great way to keep active if you have your working days behind you.

The Volunteer Centre Edinburgh shows a variety of videos on this page which may inspire you to act.

So tell us what you are going to do in Edinburgh this year!

 

 

 

Ten things to do in Edinburgh in February 2012

On 1 February 2012 The Traverse is staging Polaris, a story of waiting for help that never arrives. It is part of the Manipulate Visual Theatre Festival taking place this month.

manipulate Visual Theatre Festival 2012 from PuppetAnimationScotland on Vimeo.

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On 2 February 2012 House Concerts @42 will host the wonderful Shetland fiddler Kevin Henderson.  To get tickets you have to subscribe on the website.

Kevin Henderson + Mattias Pérez with Dean Owens
Awesome Shetland fiddler returns to the house with Swedish guitarist Mattias Pérez. The duo will be showcasing tunes from Kevin’s latest album release Fin da Laand Ageen. Also appearing is house favourite Dean Owens who will be playing a solo set.

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There are two International rugby fixtures to be played at Murrayfield Stadium this month. The first on 4 February 2012 is Scotland v England playing for the Calcutta Cup, and the second is between Scotland and France on 26 February. Try the Scotland website for tickets first, but then you might have to beg borrow or steal some, particularly for the England fixture….

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Hopetoun Farm Shop are running a class on 8 February 2012 to show you how to cook the perfect Valentine dinner.

“Why not come along to our Valentines Day Dinner master class with award winning chef Wendy Barrie.

On the evening Wendy will prepare a three course menu using fresh local produce from our VisitScotland five star Farm Shop.

With a focus on stimulating the senses the menu for the evening is:

Summer Isles Smoked Salmon Pockets with Dill Sauce and Caviar

Valentine Hopetoun Lamb with a Pink Peppercorn Sauce

Meringue Nests with Cranachan and Raspberry Gin Fizz. 
This three-course meal will be cooked in store with tastings, full instructions and recipes provided for all.
Valentines Master Class tickets cost just £5 each and can be bought in advance at the Farm Shop or you can call 01506 830716 to book a place.”

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Join the Book Club at Eteaket! The nice people at Eteaket tell us:-”We’ve managed to arrange for bestselling Edinburgh author Sara Sheridan to come along to our next meeting to chat about her new book Secret of the Sands. The meeting is now on Wednesday 8 February from 5.30pm to 7pm but from then on we’ll meet on the 1^st Wednesday of every other month!

Here’s a wee summary of the book: “Set against the backdrop of the British abolition of the Slave Trade in 1833 Secret of the Sands is based on the travels of Indian Navy Lieutenant, James Raymond Wellsted, who crossed the Arabian Peninsula. Wellsted was a celebrity in his day – particularly noted for being open-minded. A precursor of Burton, Lawrence and Thesiger, the auther wanted to evoke the danger this dashing naval officer faced, both from his native travelling companions and the hostile terrain. Of course, the story would not have been complete without the character of Zena, the Abyssinian slave girl with whom he falls hopelessly in love.” http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Sands-Sara-Sheridan/dp/1847561993/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326124977&sr=1-2

Should be a fun meeting with plenty of tea and nibbles.”

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Something for your other senses might be to start appreciating some art in the various galleries in the city. We have a list of at least some of the various art galleries in the city here. (If you know of any others that should be on the list then please let us know!

One exhibition you might go and see is not in an actual gallery though….

How the Land Lies is a new film, photography and glass work by Alastair Cook and runs from 10 February – 24 February 2012, Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG

www.outoftheblue.org.uk
How the Land Lies is an exhibition of Alastair Cook’s recent film, analogue photography and glass work: it draws together work from his solo show Analogue Decay, exhibited at The Howden in April 2011, alongside the Five Seascapes Commission and most recently the Kilned Collodion work, a technique pioneered by Alastair while on residency at North Lands Creative Glass in Lybster, delicately combining wet plate Collodion photography and kiln-forming. At the opening event, Alastair will present screenings from his Filmpoem project with readings from the poets, accompanied by Italian composer Luca Nasciuti.
Alastair works predominantly with lens-based media as an analogue photographer concentrating on antique photographic technologies and as a filmmaker using 8mm and 16mm film, combining these with digital technology to great effect. His award winning film and photography is driven by his knowledge, skill and experience as a conservation architect: this mercurial work is rooted in place and the intrinsic connections between people, land and the sea.

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24 February 2012

Ceilidh for Childline at the Counting House 36 West Nicolson Street with ceilidh band Whisky Kiss. Tickets £10 each from NSPCC Scotland. scotlandevents@nspcc.org.uk or phone 0844 8920212

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One for the girls (or indeed those who are getting in touch with their feminine side) among you.  Until 31^st March enjoy a Shellac mini manicure at Chamomile Sanctuary for just £19.  A saving of almost fifty percent.  With more than 24 colours to choose from, why not book a few treatments and brighten up the dull winter months.

Visit www.chamomilesanctuary.com or call 0131-220 1000 to book.

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Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment and there is an Edinburgh branch.

Slow Food Edinburgh: Meals on Reels, a celluloid celebration of Scottish food and drink

Fright night at the Lyceum

NSPCC Scotland is inviting people in Edinburgh to a spooky theatrical evening at the Lyceum Theatre.

The children’s charity has teamed up with the Lyceum to put on a fundraising fright night that will feature spooky tales, strange occurrences and thrilling séances.

The hair-raising event takes place on Friday 3 February 2012 and will raise vital funds for NSPCC Scotland services for vulnerable children and families.

Brave guests will enjoy The Infamous Brothers Davenport, a play that tells the story – inspired by true events – of Willy and Ira Davenport and their séances and dramatic demonstrations. After the play, those daring enough will take part in a Victorian séance led by Sara Wearden of ‘Wearde Paranormal’.

Susie Barron, NSPCC Scotland community fundraising manager said: “The fright night is a theatrical treat that is not for the faint hearted! Both the play and Victorian séance will make for a frightfully fun evening. The setting in the Lyceum Theatre, which is itself rumoured to be haunted, will top off this spooky event.

“Money raised by fright night will go towards NSPCC Scotland services that help some of the most at risk children and families in the country. These include the ChildLine helpline, as well as new services that will help us to address the significant child protection problems facing children in Scotland.”

Fright Night takes place on Friday 3 February 2012 from 7:45pm to midnight. Tickets cost £40 per person and are available by contacting scotlandevents@nspcc.org.uk or calling 0844 892 0212.

A pre-theatre meal at Zucca is also available upon booking for £14.95 per person.

People can find out more about NSPCC Scotland by visiting www.nspcc.org.uk/scotland

Review: The Infamous Brothers Davenport/Royal Lyceum Theatre (****)

Can we really communicate with the dead? And why do we need to believe in the possibility that we can? These are the profound human questions behind the Lyceum’s thrilling yet thoughtful new play, a visually arresting co-production with Glasgow-based theatre company Vox Motus, written by leading Scottish playwright Peter Arnott.

Based on the story of real Davenport siblings, travelling peddlars of hokum in the late 19th century, it tells of a séance sponsored by Edinburgh socialite Lady Noyes-Woodhull (a huffy Anita Vettesse), who, although a woman of reason and science, is desperate to locate her doctor husband, missing and presumed dead in Africa.

Enter the youthful Davenports, along with their verbose stage manager Mr Fay (given a suitably plummy delivery by Gavin Mitchell), who claim to be able to converse with spirits on the other side. Although their stage trickery proves highly entertaining to the Lyceum’s modern-day audience, it only serves to frustrate the increasingly bewildered Noyes-Woodhull. But as the brothers’ shockingly violent family background is slowly revealed, there’s the never-resolved question that for all their chicanery, their abilities might actually be real.

Real-life brothers Ryan and Scott Fletcher are compelling as the damaged Davenports, hiding their volatile mischievousness behind butter-wouldn’t-melt exteriors, yet prone to sudden eruptions that betray an intense inner anger. Scott Fletcher in particular gives a touchingly fragile performance as the younger Willie Davenport, and even at the end we’re left wondering whether his conversations with his deceased sister are real, or simply projections of his own wounded mind.

In Jamie Harrison’s highly effective staging, high on faded grandeur, the Davenports’ experiments take place within a cabinet suspended centre-stage, with audience members even invited on stage and decked out in period costumes to observe it from close quarters. The macabre box also opens and closes to reveal (and conceal) the brothers’ terrible history, the ‘magic’ of their illusions being mirrored in the cabinet’s miraculous transformations from hovel to street to graveyard. The elegance of Harrison’s design lies in just how neatly it echoes the themes of the play itself.

Yet by Arnott’s shocking yet boldly nihilistic conclusion, it’s as if the tables have been turned on us. As the séance’s sordid artifice is crudely exposed, we’re forced to ask why we ever wanted to believe in the first place. Perhaps, as the fawning Mr Fay says, it’s our minds that can change worlds and create realities – certainly an attractive option for the shattered lives portrayed on the stage. From a frothy recreation of Victorian subterfuge, Arnott and the Lyceum and Vox Motus teams have created a profoundly resonant and deeply human play.

The Infamous Brothers Davenport is on at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until 11 February, and then tours to the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow (14-18 February) and Eden Court, Inverness (22-25 February).

Concert review: Kirsteen Davidson-Kelly (****)

Tuesday’s lunchtime concert at the Reid Concert Hall – just one of the series of free weekly concerts organised by the University of Edinburgh that runs throughout its term time – showed just how far the minimalism of composers such as Steve Reich and (especially) Philip Glass has reached. Kirsteen Davidson-Kelly’s immaculately performed piano recital included music by just two composers, yet the spectres of the US minimalist masters were never far away.

Davidson-Kelly was one of the founder members of experimental multi-keyboard ensemble Piano Circus, as was composer Max Richter, so it was no surprise that she had a natural affinity for his restrained, glowing music. The three short Richter pieces that Davidson-Kelly played seemed to strip music down to its bare essentials: not a note was wasted. And likewise, in her finely nuanced readings, Davidson-Kelly made every melody sing, and every chord chime with precisely the right weighting. These were unfussy, modest performances, but her suppleness and precision spoke volumes.

The pieces by German-born and Edinburgh-based composer, Vroni Holzmann, were more expansive, more ambitious, yet similarly reflective and resonant. The opening ‘Wandelung – Preface’, evoking a frozen winter scene, made do with widely spaced chords and gently rippling arpeggios, yet the effect was magical. Bittersweet melodies surfaced in Holzmann’s ‘Zwei Welten’ and ‘Wandelung’, turning over and over, and seeming to view the same material from different angles.

There were sudden explosions of wilder, stormier music in ‘Wandelung’, yet in the end the music sank back into contemplation. If the pieces occasionally seemed to outstay their welcome, Davidson-Kelly’s elegant, graceful playing ensured that the listeners were captivated throughout.

More of Vroni Holzmann’s music is performed at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians in Belford Road on 18 February 2012.

The Reid Concert Hall’s lunchtime concerts continue with an organ recital by John Keys on 27 January, and a concert given by soprano Rachel Wheatley on 31 January 2012.

Edinburgh Lectures 2012 announce starry line up

The Edinburgh Lectures 2012 series has announced one of its best ever line-ups to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of this long running lecture programme.

Ten things to do in Edinburgh this month

9 January 2012

One of Edinburgh’s largest colleges is set to give the women of Edinburgh some R and R after the busy Christmas period by holding a charity pamper day at its campus.

Students at Edinburgh’s Telford College have organized a day of pampering for the public on Thursday January 12 in order to raise funds for cancer charity Maggie’s Centre.

With tickets at £10 guests can expect to receive an exclusive pamper package which has been prepared and will be performed by Telford’s very own hair and beauty students.

The package includes treats such as intensive hair conditioning treatments, styling and dressing and also mini manicures. Also included with the ticket are appetizers and a complimentary glass of wine.

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12 January 2012

Nigel Kennedy, yes Nigel Kennedy, is appearing at the Usher Hall. And yes he is still playing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons….

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Still time to catch the Beholder exhibition at the Talbot Rice Gallery before it ends in February.

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Lyon & Turnbull are holding a general antiques auction on 21 January starting at 12 so you could always try and pick up a bargain piece of furniture there if you have missed the sofa of your choice in the sales.

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Hopetoun’s New Year Hike, Saturday 21st January 10am – 1pm

Witness stunning views of Hopetoun House, the Forth Bridges, Abercorn Church, Staney Hill Tower and Blackness Castle and learn about the natural history of this special landscape. This walk is suitable for the whole family (including dogs) and booking is essential.  To book, or for more information, contact the Ranger Service at ranger@hopetoun.co.uk or call 0131 319 3956. Tickets cost £4.25 for adults and £2.50 for children (includes grounds entrance charge). Complimentary tea and coffee at the end of walk.

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You could celebrate Burns Night on 25 January 2012 at the Whiski Rooms with a Burns Supper accompanied by music from Muckle Flugga. Two sittings with a set menu including haggis of course!

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You could go to a meeting about Community Councils on 26 January 2012…and perhaps even participate in the discussion…

Community councils are at the heart of citizen participation processes across Scotland. They often include some of the most active members of their communities: they organise a range of grassroots activities, occupy seats in advisory committees, and are a statutory body in some consultation processes. Nonetheless, some of their critics argue that community councils are not always capable of fulfilling their potential as a mechanism for direct citizen participation at local level.

This event being held at the Conference Room at the David Hume Tower, George Square seeks to stimulate an open dialogue about the challenges currently faced by community councils, and the ways in which those challenges may be overcome. The encounter, organised by the Citizen Participation Network, seeks to provide a safe informal space for practice-based conversations that bring together a range of experiences and views.

Jenny Mackenzie (journalist and community councillor in Leith), Vincent Waters (Chair of the Association of Scottish Community Councils), and Lillian Pryde (Democratic Services Officer at East Lothian Council) will get the conversation started by briefly sharing their perspectives.

There will be coffee, tea and muffins. Everyone welcome.

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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra are appearing  at the Usher Hall on 26 January 2012 when the great French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard performs Brahms’ mighty Second Piano Concerto, which the composer teasingly described as “quite a little piano concerto”.  It follows a performance of Ligeti’s Chamber Concerto for 13 instruments, each movement of which has a contrasting sound world and explores a range of different compositional techniques.  Its finale is a technical tour-de-force for the players, so much so that it was not attempted at the work’s UK premiere.

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The Filmhouse are offering you 25% off your next visit when you go to see a film this January. The discount applies to up to four tickets bought at the same time! The Filmhouse is showing all manner of goodies as always, including The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Hugo, Shame and Tatsumi….which is a series of five animated stories for adults.

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