Upcoming Events in the Scottish Borders

Few composers convey youthful energy like Schubert and Mendelssohn, and in this concert we hear some of their sunniest works.

The great 19th century violinist Joseph Joachim called Mendelssohn’s violin concerto the heart’s jewel of German violin concertos. Brought to life by violinist/director Vivian Hagner, it’s tender, lyrical and full of good tunes.

The programme is bookended by Schubert: his delightful Overture in the Italian Style sets the scene, and his Symphony No 5, by turns sprightly and intimate, is summer distilled into music.

Carmen, a fiery, magnetic seductress, draws the soldier Don Jose into a turbulent love affair. As their relationship unfolds, Carmen’s free-spirit clashes with Don José’s dutiful sense of honor, leading them along a perilous path into a life of crime and eventual disaster.

Bizet’s much-loved, timeless music takes center stage in this intimate community opera production, which gives a platform to singers from the UK and beyond.

Directed by Jacob Zualski, this production is inspired by ‘poor theatre’, which seeks to strip down performances and highlight the actors’ physicality and direct connection with the audience.