The GRIT Orchestra unites Scotland’s leading folk, jazz and classical musicians. Renowned for their ‘trailblazing spirit’ (The Guardian), the 80-strong orchestra amasses to conjure an enthralling incarnation of Scotland’s contemporary musical landscape.
Assembled by Celtic Connections in 2015 in homage to the late Martyn Bennett, the GRIT Orchestra is led by composer and conductor Greg Lawson. Bennett is celebrated for his virtuoso fusion of Celtic, Scandinavian and Islamic traditions with techno, breakbeat and techno. In 2018, GRIT orchestrated Bennett’s kaleidoscopic second album, Bothy Culture, which takes inspiration from Scotland’s rave scene and the experience of staying in a Highland hut – otherwise known as a ‘bothy’.
Edinburgh Playhouse
Although designed as a variety theatre, the Edinburgh Playhouse opened in 1929 as Scotland’s second largest cinema. It was hugely successful and remained so until the downturn in cinema attendance in the early 70s. When it closed in November 1973, the building was at risk of demolition, but following several years of public ‘save the Playhouse’ campaigns it was eventually saved. It reopened in 1980 as the fully functional theatre it was always intended to be. Since then, it has hosted some of the world's biggest music and stand-up comedy acts including, Elton John, The Who, Nick Cave, Kevin Bridges and Tim Minchin and international hit musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Wicked, Matilda and Disney’s The Lion King.
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