This episode features three of the conductors involved with the orchestra: Chief Conductor Donald Runnicles, RSAMD Conducting Fellow Jessica Cottis and Principal Guest Conductor Ilan Volkov. Each discuss how they approach playing with orchestras and give an insight into what life is really like for professional conductors.
In the second programme, four of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra players step out from the orchestra to tell us what it is like being a full time musician. Featuring cellist of over 40 years Anthony Sayer, principal trumpet Mark O'Keefe and two of the orchestra's newest violinists, Amy Cardigan and Alice Rickards. With music composed by Robert Schumann and Sir Edward Elgar.
In the third of four programmes, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies sums up his career to date; James MacMillan talks about his work The Confession of Isobel Gowdie and the importance of the story behind the music; and Paul Leonard Morgan gives an insight into composing for television and film, and explains how he approached the music for A History of Scotland.