Notes from Scotland: Celebrating Maxwell Davies and MacMillan Concert

Edinburgh Napier University was delighted to host a special concert of chamber music at Greyfriar’s Kirk in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 December 2009, to celebrate the   50th birthday of James MacMillan and the 75th birthday of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. 

In their presence, this celebration marked a unique moment in the careers of Scotland’s two foremost composers. The concert formed part of a symposium of concerts, lectures and discussions Sunday 6 December 2009 at Greyfriar’s Kirk and the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. 

The lectures and discussions investigated their international success and explored their personal musical legacy and influences and the concert presented some of the finest and most influential music written by the two composers between 1975 and the present day. These works ranged from instrumental solos to large ensemble and featured performances by The Research Ensemble and The Edinburgh Quartet.  The concert also included the premiere of a new work for violin and piano by Edinburgh Napier Composer in Residence, Kenneth Dempster. 

The concert was followed by a drinks reception attended by friends and supporters of Edinburgh Napier University and hosted by the Lord and Lady Provost.