Friday 17th Apr 2026 (113)

Dear All,

I hope you have had a restful and enjoyable holiday.

Although ACMS was not formally in session over the break, there was still plenty going on behind the scenes. Thank you to all the pupils and parents who shared photos and updates. It is always a pleasure to see how actively our young musicians continue to engage with their craft, even during the holidays. Here is a look at some recent highlights, along with a brief glance at what lies ahead.

John Rutter Day at Haddo House

Congratulations to our musicians who took part in the recent Come and Sing Day with Sir John Rutter CBE.

Hosted at Haddo House as part of the anniversary celebrations of NESMS (North East of Scotland Music School), in association with Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society, the event brought together singers from across the region and beyond for a special day of music-making.

Participants had the rare opportunity to rehearse and perform Rutter’s music under his own direction, as well as to hear first-hand stories from his distinguished career. One particularly memorable moment was the chance to sing a brand new work, so new that scores had to be handed back immediately afterwards!

Our pupils (and one of our alumni) also showed admirable initiative in making the most of the occasion, taking the opportunity to speak with Rutter at length, secure photographs, and even gather a few autographs. We are told he very generously gave up part of his lunch break to chat with them, which made the experience all the more special. A big thanks to Colin Hunter for this photo.

It was, by all accounts, a rare and special opportunity to work with one of the great figures of choral music.

Our sincere thanks to Haddo House, the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society, and the North East of Scotland Music School for organising such an inspiring event. We are delighted that so many of our pupils chose to give their time during the holidays to take part.

Piping Success

Congratulations to Kai and Ruben for their efforts at the Avril Bird Piping Competition in Dumbarton.

Ruben, who is relatively new to the competition circuit, performed extremely well in the Under 14 March category. Kai, drawing on his growing experience over recent years, also achieved excellent results in both the MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel) and the Jig.

It is wonderful to see so many of our pupils engaging with external festivals, workshops and competitions. These opportunities are invaluable, allowing pupils to prepare and perform in unfamiliar settings, receive feedback from expert adjudicators, and build friendships with fellow musicians from across the country. While these are experiences we cannot fully replicate within ACMS, regular participation beyond the school plays a significant role in developing not only musical skill, but also confidence, independence and wider social awareness.

Grade 6 Theory

Congratulations to Petra and Douglas on all the hard work and commitment they have shown in preparing for their ABRSM Grade 6 Theory examination.

To add an extra layer of challenge, the formal examination took place just three days before the March Concert and only two days after the dress rehearsal. This required considerable focus, organisation, and resilience, as they balanced detailed academic study alongside large-scale performance commitments.

We are delighted that they now join a growing number of ACMS pupils taking on this significant academic milestone, and we look forward to supporting their continued progress in both their musical and academic journeys.

Hugh

Well done to Hugh, who recently gave a solo piano performance at the Albert Halls in Stirling.

He will also be performing as part of the Banchory Strathspey and Reel Society in Paul Anderson’s Salute to the King at Aberdeen Music Hall on Saturday 25 April at 7.30pm. It's always exciting to see our pupils involved in a high-profile event.

If you enjoy Scottish traditional music, this promises to be a wonderful evening.

Dido and Aeneas

The University of Aberdeen Opera Society will be performing Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and ACMS pupils have kindly been invited to attend the dress rehearsal free of charge.

Date: Monday 4 May

Time: 7.00pm

Venue: St Andrew’s Cathedral, King Street

Pupils must be accompanied by a parent. If you would like to attend, please contact the Opera Society directly at opera@ausa.org.uk.

This is an excellent opportunity to experience a full operatic performance, and there will also be a short talk from the Musical Director, Callum Young, on the historical instruments used.

Please click HERE to access information

Parents’ Committee

We look forward to seeing those attending the Parents’ Committee meeting at 6.30pm on Tuesday 21 April in the Dyce Academy Library.

Edinburgh International Harp Festival

Congratulations to Heather, who recently attended the Edinburgh International Harp Festival. She took part in the pedal harp course with internationally renowned harpist Katrin Finch and also performed in the Festival Orchestra concert.

Not only is this a fantastic musical opportunity, but also a rare chance to rehearse and perform alongside such a large community of harpists. It is well worth zooming in on the photograph to appreciate just how many harpists were involved.

We are delighted that Heather was able to be part of such an inspiring event.

Haddo House Collaboration

ACMS is always keen to build and nurture connections with local arts organisations, and we are delighted to enjoy a developing relationship with Haddo House, where we will be performing in June.

Haddo Arts presents a series of musical events from April through to October, and it is well worth exploring their website, as there are some exciting projects planned over the coming months.

Please click Here for website information

Lieder Recital

We look forward to Thursday evening, when our vocal pupils will present a short Lieder recital. Please do join us at 6.30 pm on Thursday 23rd April at Dyce Academy.

The concert will last approximately 40 minutes and promises to be a lovely opportunity to hear some beautifully prepared repertoire in an intimate setting.

It's lovely to be back.

All the very best of luck to our S4, S5, and S6 pupils as they begin their exam period.

Have a lovely weekend.

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