Scottish Ensemble (SE) is a pioneering string orchestra based in Glasgow, regularly performing across Scotland, the UK and the globe. A constellation of exceptional musicians led by Artistic Director Jonathan Morton, SE champions music for strings, promoting the diversity of the string repertoire and seeking out thoughtful and adventurous ways of connecting classical music to contemporary life.

Since 2014, when a cross-artform approach became a key part of its identity, SE has collaborated regularly with a wide variety of other creative minds, devising imaginative, innovative live experiences which blur the boundaries between genres and forms. To date, SE has created co-productions with visual artists Toby Paterson and Eleanor Meredith, Swedish contemporary dance company Andersson Dance and theatre companies Vanishing Point and Untitled Projects.

Across all its work, SE presents well-known pieces alongside lesser-known works with the aim of introducing audiences to new music that might challenge, surprise or inspire them. SE is committed to expanding the string repertoire, with commissions from Sir John Tavener, Sir James MacMillan, Anna Meredith, Sally Beamish, Martin Suckling, Craig Armstrong, Thea Musgrave and Gabriela Montero.

SE’s work on stage is coupled with a broad-ranging annual programme of creative learning, well-being initiatives, and community engagement across Scotland.