THE Scottish Chamber Orchestra make a welcome return to the beautiful setting of Stirling Castle on Thursday, July 27.

The concert, conducted by acclaimed American conductor Karina Canellakis, showcases the SCO’s unique mix of passion, technical ability and energy through a dynamic programme of classical and romantic music.

Winner of the 2016 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, Karina Canellakis, makes her SCO debut with performances of Beethoven’s sunny Symphony No 4, Mendelssohn’s much-loved Violin Concerto performed by SCO leader Stephanie Gonley and Stravinsky’s zesty, Bachinspired ‘Dumbarton Oaks’ Concerto.

Stephanie Gonley, one of the UK’s finest violinists, shares the position of SCO leader with Benjamin Marquise Gilmore.

She brings a wealth of chamber music-making experience to the role and has led the orchestra with great fervour and acclaim in recent performances across Scotland and beyond.

She is also leader of the English Chamber Orchestra and performs a wide range of chamber music with such ensembles as the Nash Ensemble.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is made up of a unique collection of talented musicians who are committed to bringing high quality music to communities across the length and breadth of Scotland.

These concerts are part of the SCO’s extensive summer touring programme, which runs until September, showcasing the talents of SCO principal players as soloists.