Working For The Magic Of A Flute

Composer Martin Suckling’s new work is due its première.

- Garry Fraser

IF composer Martin Suckling was ever to have a work commissioned by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra,it had to be for principal flautist Katherine Bryan.

His flute concerto premières in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on February 3 – but you’d be excused for wondering why it’s taken so long for Martin and Katherine to combine.

“I’ve known her since we were 15, and I’ve always wanted to write her a concerto,” says Martin. “When she got the job at the RSNO, the opportunity to do that arose. I guess this being the 150th anniversary year of the orchestra and the fact that I’m a little bit more established as a composer made it easier for it to happen.”

Martin has already had works premièred by two other Scottish musical institutions, the Scottish Ensemble and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and he’s looking forward to working with the RSNO.