Martin Suckling’s star is most certainly rising and it is fair to say he has become one of the most sought after young composers of his generation. In recognition of his talent, and his particular standing in his native Scotland, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra has appointed Suckling as its new Associate composer. Suckling joins a roster of illustrious composers who have ranked as associates of the SCO, including James MacMillan, Michael Berkeley, Sally Beamish, and Composer Laureate Peter Maxwell Davies.
Suckling and the SCO have already enjoyed major success with storm, rose, tiger, a 2011 SCO commission which was revived earlier this year to great acclaim. Suckling’s next commission will be premiered at the orchestra’s 40th Birthday Concerts in Glasgow and Edinburgh in February 2014.
SCO Principal Conductor Robin Ticciati was instrumental in making this appointment:
‘It is with pure joy and excitement that I welcome Martin Suckling to join us as an associate artist. It was a dream of mine to invite Martin to be part of our future. We offer Martin a virtuosic orchestral palette with which to create his new scores alongside essential space to breathe as a young composer.’
Suckling is delighted with the new role:
‘I am thrilled to have the opportunity to strengthen an already close relationship with such fantastic musicians. Attending the recent revival of my storm, rose, tiger was a joy, and I am looking forward to developing education projects with SCO Connect as well as writing more music for the orchestra’s 40th Anniversary Season and beyond.’