17 May

Violin Duos

Join us for an afternoon of captivating violin music at Rannoch Church of Scotland, featuring an exciting programme spanning three centuries — from the expressive Baroque fantasias of Matteis Jr. and Vilsmayr, through Marin Marais' charming Sonate à la Maresienne, to the elegant wit of Mozart and the vibrant energy of Bartók.

Programme

Matteis Jr. — Alia Fantasia for Solo Violin in A Minor

Marais — Sonate à la Maresienne

Vilsmayr — Partita for Solo Violin No. 1 in A Major

Mozart — Duo in G Major K. 423

Bartók — Duos (Selection)

Hector Scott, Violin

Hector Scott was born in Edinburgh in 1969 and undertook his undergraduate studies at the RSAMD in Glasgow, where he won all the string prizes before going to Switzerland on a Caird Travelling Scholarship to study with Max Rostal and then to the New England Conservatory, Boston, USA, where he won the Concerto Club of Boston Prize, the Margaret Spanel Prize and played in the NEC Honors Quartet.

Hector was Head of Instrumental Studies at George Watson’s College and Clifton Hall School, Edinburgh before being appointed Head of Strings at Marlborough College.

While in Scotland, he taught at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Junior Academy. A passionate advocate of chamber music, Hector led the Saltire Quartet which was Resident Quartet at the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, and the Chrysanth Trio. As a performer, he played at Music Clubs and concert venues throughout Scotland and was a frequent guest on Television and BBC Radio. He freelanced with all the professional orchestras in Scotland, was a member of the BT Scottish Ensemble and is a trained Suzuki method violin teacher. Hector serves on the Music Advisory Committee for the Sir James Caird Travelling Scholarships Trust.

His recordings are: “300 Years of Music from Scotland” (commissioned by the Bank of Scotland to celebrate its Tercentenary); “GOMA”; “Working Through”; “Donkey’s Ears”; “Breath of June”; “Under the Hammer”; and “Sound Asleep” for Adults, Seniors and Babies, of which “Sound Asleep for Babies” won the Classical Music Magazine’s Record of the Year award in 1993.

George Weir, Violin

George Weir is a Scottish violinist who recently completed his Bachelor’s degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland studying under Hector Scott.

A passionate chamber musician, George regularly performs in duo and quartet setting. A member of the Gossamer String Quartet, he has enjoyed performing with them throughout Scotland.

During his time at RCS, he enjoyed masterclasses from Anthony Marwood, Liza Ferschtman and Rachel Podger as well as performances with Dunedin Consort and opportunities at festivals including Edinburgh International, St Magnus Orkney and Cantilena and Celtic Connections. George is also an ambassador for the Benedetti Foundation teaching children in cities and towns across the UK.

In September, George will embark on a masters degree at the Royal Academy of Music. He is very grateful for the Academy for their support of a scholarship.

George plays on a violin by Francesco Maurizi c. 1830.