Youthful Musical Talent on display with the Linlithgow String Orchestra
30th September 2026
In his Vox Carnyx review, critic Ken Walton wrote that Calluna, which received its first performance in Linlithgow String Orchestra's recent summer concert, was "a picturesque meditation on the soft unpredictability of a moorland landscape". The composer, Joe Cobb, who recently completed his music degree at King's College, London and is at the beginning of what could be a fine composing career, responded to the orchestra's commission with a delightful piece that was well-received by both players and audience. It deserves to be heard again.
For that reason, we shall be performing it again: this time, in St Michael's Parish Church, Linlithgow whose grand open spaces and generous acoustics will allow the listener to enjoy the sumptuous sounds. "Its modal opening," continued Ken Walton's observation, "cast an instant spell, simple and questioning, leading to a conversation of textures that combined dense post-Delian harmonies with light and airy lyricism. The ending, atmospherically whispered, made its magical point."
The players are certainly excited to have the chance to give a second performance. We also hope to hear more from the composer in future years.
Linlithgow String Orchestra, which has enjoyed an exciting 10th anniversary year, also recently took part in a well-attended retelling of the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge which was fought exactly 500 years ago during the reign of James V. Our next concert, which takes place on Sunday, 8th November at 7pm in St Michael's, also features another young talent. Born in Scotland, 14 year old Haohan Liu (pictured above) is a pupil at St Margaret's Academy, Livingston. He has been playing the violin since the age of 9 and is a member of the Royal Conservatoire Sinfonia as well as the Linlithgow String Orchestra. As a pianist, he passed his Grade 8 at the age of 12 and is a Junior Student of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. We will be fortunate to hear him give a performance of the 1st movement of Mozart's Piano Sonata in Bb with its accompaniment arranged for string orchestra.
The concert also features music by Dowland, Sibelius, Grainger, Tchaikovsky and Grieg!
Linlithgow String Orchestra Autumn Concert: 7pm on Sunday, 8th November 2026 in St Michael's Parish Church, Linlithgow.
Tickets online or on the door (cash/card): £10 Adult, £8 Concessions (Seniors/Students), £2 Under 16s.
www.linlithgowstringorchestra.uk
