Aberdeen Sinfonietta

Aberdeen Sinfonietta was formed originally as a small group of strings and harpsichord which played regularly in Aberdeen and also toured throughout Scotland. In 1997, at a time when the group was beginning to feel the need to extend its musical repertoire, it was given the exciting opportunity to expand considerably in order to perform as a chamber orchestra in the Music Hall with the Russian pianist Mikhail Kazakevich.

Aberdeen Sinfonietta, which brings together many of the best professional, semi-professional and amateur players in the north-east, has established itself as one of the foremost contributors to music-making in the area. The orchestra prides itself on the flexibility of its makeup, and consequently the wide range of its repertoire, including contemporary works by Scottish composers.

Many of the orchestra's members are instrumental teachers, and an important aspect of the orchestra's work is the encouragement of younger players. A number of its distinguished guest soloists, including Moray Welsh, Mikhail Kazakevich, Alexander Janiczek and Ralph Kirshbaum, have given very successful master classes for talented young instrumentalists.