usher hall winter season guide

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DEC 2011 • JAN 2012

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USHER HALL INTRODUCTION

Christmas and New Year at the Usher Hall

Whether you enjoy a classic Yuletide ringing with the delights of carols by candlelight, a classical feast of favourites or simply music that waltzes you down memory lane, the Usher Hall has it all this festive season.

Step back in time to Las Vegas and enjoy seasonal favourites styled in The Rat Pack way with their Christmas Show, or see one of the best tribute acts around, The Bootleg Beatles. Far from Fleetwood Mac, Lindsay Buckingham alights here on his first solo tour in years; folk sensation Kate Rusby sings wonderful arrangements of traditional songs from her native Yorkshire, and fresh from an amazing BBC Proms performance, John Wilson and his orchestra play classic show tunes celebrating the golden era of Hollywood film musicals.

There is a great array of shows performed in traditional costume from Carols by Candlelight to actor/comedian Alistair McGowan in very entertaining version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance.

Our resident orchestras have some superb seasonal concerts, the RSNO presenting, amongst other classics, Prokofiev’s The Nutcracker and the SCO a wintry New Year in Vienna. Lastly in the new year one of the greatest violinists of his generation, Nigel Kennedy plays Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and pieces from his latest composition album Four Elements.

With great acoustics and an unbeatable atmosphere, a night out at the Usher Hall makes for an unforgettable evening spent in Scotland’s only five star concert hall, the first to receive this prestigious accolade which was recently awarded by Visit Scotland.

So book a concert as a festive treat, enjoy it as a night out with colleagues or gift a ticket as a present and join us for a truly fabulous festive season.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Karl ChapmanGeneral ManagerUsher Hall

Councillor Deidre BrockConvener of Culture and LeisureThe City of Edinburgh Council

USHER HALL CONTENTS

4-6 Highlights KateRusbyAtChristmas JohnWilson&TheJohnWilsonOrchestra TheBootlegBeatles AnEveningWithLindseyBuckingham ChristmasWithTheRatPack NigelKennedyPlaysVivaldi

7 Get Organised

8–9 Raymond Gubbay’s Christmas Festival

10-13 Classical RoyalScottishNationalOrchestra Children’sClassicConcerts ScottishChamberOrchestra

14-15 Festive Shows OriginScotland’sChristmasConcert DollarAcademyChristmasConcert CLICSargentCarolConcert ScottishFiddleOrchestra EdinburghRoyalChoralUnion EdinburghNSPCCWinterConcert

16 Emerging Artists: Sound Check Series

19 Usher Hall Information

20 Season at a Glance

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USHER HALL HIGHLIGHTS

THE BOOTLEG BEATLESCHRISTMAS SHOW Sunday 11 December 7.30pm

Adam Hastings (John Lennon): guitar, vocals, keyboards David Catlin-Birch (Paul McCartney): bass, vocals André Barreau (George Harrison): guitar, vocals Hugo Degenhardt (Ringo Starr): drums, vocals

It has been 45 years since The Beatles’ last concert, yet the demand to hear their music remains as high as ever. There are no better performers of those incredible songs than the world’s foremost tribute band, The Bootleg Beatles. It is the stunning authenticity of the Bootleg’s shows, coupled with their musical credibility, which has seen them breakthrough to a new contemporary audience and play in major venues, like Wembley Stadium, appearing with the likes of Rod Stewart and Elton John and share the bill with David Bowie and Iggy Pop.

£25 + £2.50 booking fee

AN EVENING WITH LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM Monday 12 December 7.30pm

Lindsey Buckingham is the legendary producer, songwriter, singer and guitarist of Fleetwood Mac. His latest tour comes in support of his sixth solo album Seeds We Sow, which is a showcase for his distinctive guitar picking style and instantly recognisable voice. It covers a broad spectrum from the simple guitar and vocals of the opening title track through the rockier style of That’s the Way Love Goes to the more complex arrangement and harmonies of When She Comes Down. His signature talent is all over the album of which this tour is a unique opportunity to hear him live.

£42.50 + £4 booking fee

KATE RUSBY AT CHRISTMAS Monday 5 December 7.30 pm

With her expressive vocals steeped in emotional depth, Kate Rusby is the defining voice of contemporary folk music. Her exquisite interpretations of traditional songs and finely wrought self-penned tunes have won her an audience that reaches far beyond the genre. Kate is influenced by her local traditions and tonight she showcases carols and songs learnt through childhood in her native South Yorkshire.

Enjoy a warm and exhilarating evening with new variations of familiar carols.

£21.50 (concessions available)

JOHN WILSON & THE JOHN WILSON ORCHESTRAHOORAY FOR HOLLYWOODWednesday 7 December 7.30pm

Special guests: Annalene BeecheyKim CriswellMatthew Ford

As seen on the BBC Proms this year, the sensational John Wilson Orchestra performs a celebration of the golden age of Hollywood film musicals with a great cast of guest singers. This new show celebrates the golden era of Hollywood film musicals, guiding us through the dawn of the talkies to the birth of the movie musical, through to the 60s, featuring show-stopping sequences from many favourites such as 42nd Street, On The Town, Ziegfeld Follies and A Star is Born.

‘[John Wilson is] the man whose keen ears have reconstructed orchestrations thought lost to us for good and whose amazing orchestra has been custom made to deliver the kind of playing that takes you way beyond make-believe.’ Independent

£41/£36/£31/£27.50/£22.50 + £3 booking fee


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GET ORGANISED WITH JOHN KITCHEN

Tuesday 6 December Tuesday 10 January Tuesday 17 January Tuesday 24 January

John Kitchen’s Christmas Organ recital is one of Edinburgh’s much loved and regular festive hot tickets! Get Organised and get in the mood with a bellowing and beautiful selection of favourite Christmas pieces, as well as some of his own arrangements, complete with the stunning voices of the Edinburgh University Singers. More organ recitals continue into the New Year so put these dates in your new diary now!

All concerts begin at 1.10pm

6 December concert £4 10, 17 and 24 January concerts £3

CHRISTMAS WITH THE RAT PACK LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS Saturday 17 December 7.30pm

Beat the winter blues with a special festive version of this hit show. After many critically acclaimed national tours over the last two decades and four years in London’s West End, Christmas with the Rat Pack really is the coolest party in town!

Take a trip back in time to the glamorous, glitzy, nights of Las Vegas in the late 50s and early 60s, in the company and sounds of some of the world’s most popular entertainers. Enjoy the fabulous Burrelli Sisters and The Rat Pack Big Band, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin, as they perform hit after hit, as they did at the world-famous Sands hotel.

£27.50/£25.50/£23.50 + £2.50 booking fee (limited concessions)

NIGEL KENNEDY PLAYS VIVALDI FOUR SEASONS Thursday 12 January 7.30pm

The unique tour de force of Nigel Kennedy is in Edinburgh, bringing his unique brand of performance to play the popular Four Seasons, and pieces from his latest composition album Four Elements, with his band and the Orchestra of Life. This is a wonderful interpretation and re-imagining of the original Vivaldi repertoire, a body of work that has become synonymous with his name.

£45/£39.50/£36 + £3.50 booking fee

0131 228 1155 usherhall.co.uk USHER HALL HIGHLIGHTS USHER HALL GET ORGANISED

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USHER HALL RAYMOND GUBBAY PRESENTS

RAYMOND GUBBAY

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2011 A FABULOUS FEAST OF FESTIVE AND NEW YEAR SHOWS!

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Tuesday 20 December 7.30pm

Mozart Festival OrchestraThe Consort of Voices

Anna Devin: SopranoStuart Stratford: Conductor

Usher in Christmas with this joyous concert of carols and seasonal classics performed in full 18th century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting. The joyful line-up includes the following, Bach’s Air on the G String and a selection of Handel including a sequence from Messiah. Then there is the wonderful ‘Carols for All’ part of the evening, including Hark! The Herald angels sing, The First Nowell and O come, all ye faithful.

£32.50/£29.50/£26.50/£24.50/£19.50/£14.50 (limited concessions)

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Wednesday 28 December 3.00pm

Edinburgh Grand Opera ChorusScottish Concert Orchestra Richard Balcombe: Conductor

An all-star cast of Savoyards led by Alistair McGowan perform a semi-staged concert performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious masterpiece complete with orphaned pirates, flat footed policemen and a bevy of blushing maidens – the ingredients that make this a much loved masterpiece, that overflows with brilliant wit and memorable music.


GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Thursday 29 December 3.00pm

Legendary bandleader Ray McVay swings into Edinburgh to direct the UK’s most renowned big band for a nostalgic journey back to the 40s with chart topping wartime hits plus classic Glenn Miller favourites, including Rhapsody in Blue, Dambusters, music from Carmen, Moonlight Serenade and In the Mood.

With Catherine Sykes, Colin Anthony, The Uptown Hill Gang, The Moonlight Serenaders and special guests, The Jiving Lindy Hoppers.


JOHANN STRAUSS GALA Sunday 8 January 3.00pm

The stage is set for the magic of their Viennese Ball that includes the ubiquitous Tritsch Tratsch Polka, The Blue Danube Waltz, Radetzky March, Die Fledermaus Overture, Wiener Blut, Voices of Spring, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Pizzicato Polka, Perpetuum Mobile and more.

Featuring the Johann Strauss Orchestra directed from the violin in the traditional Viennese manner by David Juritz, with Sparkling Soprano Amy Freston and the Johann Strauss Dancers in glorious costumes of the period.

£30/£27.50/£25/£22/£17.50 (limited concessions)


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USHER HALL CLASSICAL

ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRAOSBORNE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH Friday 2 December 7.30pm

Debussy: PrintempsShostakovich: Concerto for Piano, Trumpet & StringsDebussy: JeuxShostakovich: Piano Concerto No 2

Stéphane Denève: ConductorSteven Osborne: Piano John Gracie: Trumpet

Shostakovich’s piano concertos are quite simply some of the 20th century’s most deliciously tuneful music, and dazzling Scottish virtuoso Steven Osborne is the perfect guide. From the quick-fire comedy of the First, featuring beloved RSNO Principal Trumpet John Gracie, to the wit and lyricism of the Second, you will realise why they regularly feature in ‘favourite classics’ polls.

Pre-concert talk (6.45pm): Steven Osborne in conversation with William Chandler (RSNO Associate Leader)

£34/£25/£18.50/£14/£11 (limited concessions)

ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRAA RUSSIAN WINTER: THE SNOW MAIDEN AND THE NUTCRACKERFriday 9 December 7.30pm

Rimsky-Korsakov: Suite from The Snow MaidenRachmaninov: Piano Concerto No 2Tchaikovsky: Act II from The Nutcracker

Christian Kluxen: ConductorOlga Scheps: Piano

Everyone loves Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, and tonight Christian Kluxen whirls us through the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Waltz of the Flowers and every mouth-watering moment. First, we visit another fairytale kingdom – the glittering world of Rimsky-Korsakov’s lovesick Snow Maiden – and enjoy much more than a brief encounter with Rachmaninov’s most romantic piano concerto.

Pre-concert talk (6.45pm): Peter Hunt (RSNO Cello)


ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRATHE RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERTSunday 18 December 3.00pm

Christopher Bell: ConductorRSNO Chorus

Conducted and presented by the irrepressible Christopher Bell, this concert is packed full of your favourite festive melodies and traditional sing-a-long carols. Don’t miss the magical film The Snowman shown on the big screen, accompanied by Howard Blake’s timeless music and narrated by a special star guest. Join the RSNO for a family celebration this Christmas.

£34/£26/£22/£16/£12.50 (limited concessions)

ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRAVIENNESE NEW YEAR GALA Friday 6 January 7.30pm

David Danzmayr: ConductorEmma Matthews: Soprano

Celebrate New Year in the traditional Viennese style. Soprano Emma Matthews joins conductor David Danzmayr with a selection of charming Strauss favourites including Overture to Die Fledermaus, Tales from the Vienna Woods and On the Beautiful Blue Danube.

£34/£26/£22/£16/£12.50 (limited concessions)

ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRANORRINGTON CONDUCTS BRAHMS Friday 13 January 7.30pm

Rameau: Suite from Les BoréadesHaydn: Symphony No 85 La ReineBrahms: Symphony No 2

Sir Roger Norrington: Conductor

Sir Roger Norrington is a living legend – the man whose groundbreaking Beethoven recordings shot a blast of fresh air through the world of classical music. And at the age of 77, his performances are still raising eyebrows and electrifying audiences. Tonight, he powers the RSNO through two centuries of masterpieces – from Rameau’s sensational baroque dances, through Marie Antoinette’s favourite bit of Haydn, to Brahms’ mellowest symphony, he’ll make you hear with new ears.

Pre-concert talk (6.45pm): David Chivers (RSNO Assistant Principal Violin)


ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRAHILARY HAHN PLAYS PROKOFIEV Friday 27 January 7.30pm

Debussy: NocturnesProkofiev: Violin Concerto No 1Roussel: Bacchus et Ariane

Stéphane Denève: ConductorHilary Hahn: ViolinLadies of the RSNO Chorus

Gods, lovers and sheer drunken frenzy – when Stéphane Denève and the RSNO recorded Roussel’s jazz-age ballet Bacchus et Ariane, one critic described the result as ‘breathtaking’. It’s even more thrilling live – so this rare complete performance should be one to remember. Add world-famous violinist Hilary Hahn, and the ladies of the RSNO Chorus in Debussy’s Nocturnes, and tonight promises to be a real highlight of Stéphane’s last Season in Scotland.

Pre-concert talk (6.45pm): Ursula Heidecker (RSNO Violin)



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USHER HALL CLASSICAL

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA NEW YEAR IN VIENNASunday 1 January 7.00pm

J Strauss: Overture, Die FledermausJ Strauss II: Künstlerleben (Artists’ Life) WaltzLehár: Gold and Silver WaltzJ Strauss II: Champagne Polka

Nicholas McGegan: ConductorElena Xanthoudakis: Soprano

Welcome the New Year in with a glittering, glamorous, uplifting Viennese gala evening where Strauss and Lehár bring alive a world of ballrooms, chocolate cake, chandeliers, champagne and celebrations. All the essential favourites without which no New Year is complete are here, The Blue Danube, Radetzky March and more. Soprano Elena Xanthoudakis – a regular at the Royal Opera House – adds a shot of undiluted glamour to the evening.

£28/£24/£20/£15/£10

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AIMARD PLAYS BRAHMS Thursday 26 January 7.30pm

Haydn: Symphony No 22 in E-flat PhilosopherLigeti: Chamber Concerto for 13 instrumentsBrahms: Piano Concerto No 2

Robin Ticciati: ConductorPierre-Laurent Aimard: Piano

In this and the concert on 9 February, the SCO offers the two mightiest piano concertos of the Romantic age: two pieces which utterly broke the mould. Brahms humorously referred to his concerto as “some little piano pieces” – it is quite the opposite: a symphony for piano and orchestra. Aimard – well known to Scottish audiences through his many Edinburgh Festival appearances – takes the titanic solo part.

£28/£24/£19/£13.50/£9.50 (limited concessions)

CHILDREN’S CLASSIC CONCERTS

CHRISTMAS SWINGALONGSunday 4 December 3.00pm

RSNO Big Band The NYCoS Edinburgh Choir

Oliver Cox & Owen Gunnell: Presenters

Swing on down to the Usher Hall to join Owen and Olly for a Christmas concert that’s so cool, it’s hot! Sing along to Disney classics while the sensational saxophones, brilliant brass and rocking rhythm section of the RSNO Big Band set your toes tapping. High-energy versions of the Nutcracker and Jingle Bells will get everyone In the Mood for Christmas and even the Pink Panther will be wearing his Santa hat!

£15/£12.50/£10 (concessions available) Child £9/£7.50/£6 Family (2 adults, 2 children) £43/£36/£29


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SCOTTISH FIDDLE ORCHESTRA HOGMANAY CELEBRATIONFriday 30 December 7.30pm

Blair Parham: Conductor

A wonderful show at a uniquely Scottish time of year with joyful traditional music and songs associated with Hogmanay, including rousing versions of Auld Lang Syne, and a new arrangement of MacPherson’s Farewell. The Orchestra is joined by audience favourites, Mezzo Soprano Colette Ruddy, Tenor James Nicol, Craigmount High School Pipe Band and young dancers from the Myra Shuttleworth School of Dance. Hosted with plenty of humour by Jim McColl, MBE (BBC’s Beechgrove Garden), it is a delightful evening to end the year on.

£22/£17/£12/£9

EDINBURGH ROYAL CHORAL UNION 125TH NEW YEAR MESSIAH Monday 2 January 12.00pm

Edinburgh Royal Choral UnionEdinburgh Pro Musica Orchestra Michael Bawtree: Conductor Kate Valentine: SopranoAndrew Radley: CountertenorJames Geer: TenorRichard Morrison: Baritone

Now celebrating its 125th year, Edinburgh Royal Choral Union returns to the Usher Hall for its annual New Year performance of Handel’s Messiah. Conducted by Michael Bawtree and joined by the Edinburgh Pro Musica Orchestra, the choir is delighted to welcome four eminent young soloists who are currently making their names on the international concert and opera stage.

As a New Year tradition, picnics are welcome in the extended interval!

£25/£21/£18/£15/£11 (concessions available)

NSPCC SCOTLAND WINTER MUSIC FESTIVALSunday 22 January 2.00pm

Join hundreds of talented musicians and singers from Edinburgh schools as they perform in our Winter Music Festival. This 17th annual ChildLine concert in Edinburgh is organised by the NSPCC Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council Children and Families department. All proceeds will go towards the NSPCC Scotland, funding ChildLine and the NSPCC helpline so that many more children’s cries for help are heard.

£10 (concessions available)

ORIGIN SCOTLAND PRESENTS CHRISTMAS ACCORDING TO HOLLYWOODSaturday 3 December 7.30pm

Christmas is an international festival with different meanings to everyone who celebrates it. Origin has been presenting their hugely popular festive events for almost a decade. This year The Exile Band, Choir and Orchestra explode onto the stage with an all-new show, Christmas According to Hollywood, with help from St Peter’s Primary School Choir. Expect some awesome tunes, groovy Gospel, Hollywood moments, many laughs and your favourite carols. Enjoy the experience and variety of what celebrating Christmas is all about.

£15/£12/£10/£8 (concessions available)

DOLLAR ACADEMY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Wednesday 14 December 7.30pm

Dollar Academy brings their eagerly anticipated blend of festive music. In addition to the much loved Carols-for-all and full concert performance of The Snowman with narrator, orchestra, choir, and film, the programme will feature the Scottish Premiere of On Christmas Night by the internationally acclaimed composer, Bob Chilcott. There will be pre and post concert entertainment provided by the Chamber Choir and Jazz Orchestra.

£8.50

CLIC SARGENT CAROL CONCERT Thursday 15 December 7.30pm

Lothian Hospitals Carol Concert returns for their marvellous annual carol concert, featuring the brilliant Lothian Hospitals Choir, The Mary Erskine and Stewart’s Melville Junior School Choir, soloists Emma Johnson (Clarinet) and Kerry McGregor (vocals) with conductor Tim Dean RSAMD. All proceeds go to CLIC Sargent, helping children with cancer and their families.

£18/£16/£10 (concessions available) Child £5 (limited availability)

0131 228 1155 usherhall.co.uk USHER HALL FESTIVE SHOWS

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The Tree of KnowledgeBy Jo Clifford

10 - 24 DecemberPreviews 8 & 9 December

www.traverse.co.uk 0131 228 1404

SOUND CHECK SERIES This great daytime series features the best of Scotland’s young professional talent and gives our audiences a chance to hear tomorrow’s stars today. The concerts are in partnership with Yehudi Menuhin’s charity, Live Music Now, which supports young musicians at the outset of their careers.

All concerts start at 11am£2 (free to students and schools)

PURE BRASSTuesday 6 December

The popular and dynamic young brass quintet is back with some seasonal favourites and a selection of more unusual pieces, involving, amongst other things, influences from Norwegian folk music and finishing off with Peter Maxwell Davies’ Farewell to Stromness.

FLUTES EN ROUTE Tuesday 10 January

Pushing the boundaries of the flute quartet, this ensemble presents an exciting programme including new work Fl(ut)ing by Scottish composer Rory Boyle. Alongside this, you will also hear some familiar repertoire in ways you have never imagined before!

EMMA VERSTEEG Tuesday 17 January

Soprano Emma Versteeg is accompanied by pianist Sam Hutchings on an international tour of song. Inspired by folk poetry and music from around the world and featuring pieces by a range of composers from Haydn, Britten and Ravel to a selection from Wolf Italienisches Liederbuch and Copland American Songs.

SKERRYVORE: BURNS’ DAY CELEBRATION Tuesday 24 January

From their traditional Hebridean roots this group has developed a unique fusion between traditional music and songs with urban sounds of rock and funk. They perform to great acclaim, locally and internationally, and here they will showcase their new album and play some old popular favourites to mark this special Scottish celebration.

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22-24GrindlayStreetEdinburghEH39AP

Tue–Fri10am–5.30pmSat10am–4pm

01312285575stems.org

0131 228 1155 usherhall.co.uk USHER HALL EMERGING ARTISTS

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BOOKINGThere are three ways to book your tickets for all our events.

Book onlinewww.usherhall.co.uk

Book by phone 0131 228 1155

Book in personUsher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EAMonday to Saturday 10am - 5.30pm (and on concert evenings). Please note: it may not be possible to process bookings at the counter for advance events during the hour before an event starts. When there is an event on Sunday the counter is open from 1pm until 30 mins after the start of the event.

PAYMENTS 0131 228 1155We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Maestro. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The City of Edinburgh Council’. Some events are subject to a credit card charge or additional booking fees.

CONCESSION TICKETS The Usher Hall aims to be open, accessible and affordable for all. Concession prices are available for certain performances. Please ask at time of booking or check online.

BOOKING FEESBooking fees may apply for certain shows and can vary. Either look online or in the Concert Programme next to the event for specific details. A transaction charge of £1 applies to phone and online bookings.

ACCESS AND FACILITIESThere is level access to the ground floor, accessible from the Grindlay Street side of the building. There is lift access to all levels of the hall. There are 12 wheelchair accessible spaces (ten in the Stalls and two in the Grand Circle). Please advise the Box Office when booking if you require one. Assistance dogs are welcome.

For hearing aid users, a loop system is in place. To access this facility, please switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position.

We aim to make your visit to the Usher Hall comfortable and stress free. We have many facilities available to make your visit easy and if you require extra support please contact customer services on 0131 228 1155.

PARKINGThe nearest car park is the NCP, close by on Castle Terrace. Additional car parking can also be found nearby at the Autosafe car park between the Sheraton Hotel and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on the west side of Lothian Road.

FAIR PRICING POLICYA selection of our concerts are covered by our fair pricing policy. All these prices are subject to availability where the policy applies. Please ask when booking.

Young people under 18 £5 ticket (one ticket per adult ticket purchased).

Full-time students£10 ticket (£2 discount if the full price ticket is already £10).

Unwaged £10 ticket (£2 discount applies if the full price ticket is already £10).

People over 65 (in receipt of state pension) £2 discount

Disabled people and companions £2 discount, with a free companion seat. Wheelchair spaces are priced at the lowest price as there is no choice as to which part of the house the customer is seated.

Group discount 10% off full price ticket for groups (15 or more) (£2 discount per head where the full-price ticket is already £10).

HOW TO FIND USThe Usher Hall is located on Lothian Road, at the west end of Edinburgh, between the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the Traverse Theatre.

The Usher Hall is close to Haymarket and Waverley train stations (a walk of about 15 minutes to each station). A taxi rank is situated opposite the Hall by the Sheraton Hotel.

BUSESThere are bus stops right outside. For times and routes, visit www.lothianbuses.com or phone 0131 555 6363.

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SEASON AT A GLANCE DEC 2011 • JAN 2012

December Friday 2 RSNO – Osborne Plays Shostakovich Saturday 3 Origin Scotland’s Christmas According to Hollywood Sunday 4 Children’s Classic Concerts: Christmas Swingalong Monday 5 Kate Rusby at Christmas Tuesday 6 Emerging Artists: Pure Brass Tuesday 6 Get Organised with John Kitchen Wednesday 7 John Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra Friday 9 RSNO – A Russian Winter: The Snow Maiden and The Nutcracker Sunday 11 Bootleg Beatles Monday 12 An Evening with Lindsey Buckingham Wednesday 14 Dollar Academy Annual Christmas Concert Thursday 15 CLIC Sargent Carol Concert Saturday 17 Christmas with The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas Sunday 18 The RSNO Christmas Concert Tuesday 20 Raymond Gubbay: Carols by Candlelight Wednesday 28 Raymond Gubbay: The Pirates of Penzance Thursday 29 Raymond Gubbay: Glenn Miller Orchestra Friday 30 Scottish Fiddle Orchestra – Hogmanay Celebration January Sunday 1 SCO – New Year in Vienna Monday 2 Edinburgh Royal Choral Union: 125th New Year Messiah Friday 6 RSNO – Viennese New Year Gala Sunday 8 Raymond Gubbay: Johann Strauss Gala Tuesday 10 Emerging Artists: Flutes en Route Tuesday 10 Get Organised with John Kitchen Thursday 12 Nigel Kennedy Plays Vivaldi Friday 13 RSNO – Norrington Conducts Brahms Tuesday 17 Emerging Artists: Emma Versteeg Tuesday 17 Get Organised with John Kitchen Sunday 22 NSPCC Scotland Winter Concert Tuesday 24 Emerging Artists: Skerryvore Burn’s Day Celebration Tuesday 24 Get Organised with John Kitchen Thursday 26 SCO – Aimard Plays Brahms Friday 27 RSNO – Hilary Hahn Plays Prokofiev

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BOX OFFICE 0131 228 1155 usherhall.co.uk

usher hall winter season guide

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