“Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony of 1894, full of melody and drama, is the centrepiece of Stirling Orchestra’s concert. Drawing on melodies from Scotland and Ireland, and the first symphony published by an American woman, it’s a sweeping romantic symphony on the grand scale almost like a classic of the silver screen. There’s passion, humour, poignant nostalgia and a truly thrilling finale in store. It’s paired up with the European premiere of new concert for Harp and orchestra by Beach’s compatriot Jennifer Higdon: cool and quirky, it’s the perfect showcase for Stirling Orchestra’s talented longtime harpist Sophie Askew.”