Backstage at SWG3

JUST days after it received the ‘Evolution’ honour at the SSE Scottish Music Awards, SWG3, the 2500-capacity arts and music venue in Glasgow’s West End, says it drew a record-breaking crowd during November. Since opening for business in 2007, it has hosted international acts, and in the past month alone it staged more than 55 events, including Groove Armada and Mogwai, welcoming more than 25,000 people.

The venue’s latest development is a 1,600 square-foot luxury backstage area. Created in response to the venue’s rapidly expanding music programme, it comprises a production office, three ensuite dressing rooms and a private entrance. In the past eighteen months, SWG3 has also added Acid Bar, a bar and restaurant space, the live-music space Galvanizers, and a new box office. Including the backstage area, the investment is in excess of £1.3 million.

Capital idea for budding stars

THE Scottish Chamber Orchestra and St Mary’s Music School have announced a partnership programme for young string players in and around Edinburgh.

SCO String Academy in partnership with St Mary’s Music School is a free initiative for young musicians who play violin, viola, cello or double bass and have reached Grade 6+.

They will work alongside SCO musicians to develop their technique, musicianship and orchestral playing. They will also develop key life skills such as social confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of accomplishment.

Kenneth Taylor, Director of St Mary’s, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people who have already worked really hard to learn the fundamentals of playing a string instrument, and who look for opportunities to progress to the next level. There are so many young people excited about music and eager to play more, and they will really benefit from the coaching SCO musicians provide”.

String quartet plays Milngavie

MILNGAVIE Music Club starts the new year with a programme of “richly romantic” music for strings. Its concert at Cairns Church on January 11 features one of Britain’s finest quartets, the Navarra String Quartet, with a programme that includes two great classical masterpieces - Ravel’s sunny, melodic quartet and Schubert’s great ‘Death and the Maiden’. The programme starts with music by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks that draws on folk music to evoke the atmosphere of a winter landscape.

Tickets from The Iron Chef, Milngavie (£13; students £5; school pupils free) and at the door on the night (cash or cheque only). Telephone enquiries 0141-942 3102.

Atlantic crossing

CAMERON McNeish presents a two-part Adventure Show Special, “Roads Less Travelled – Scotland’s Atlantic Way”, on December 27 and 28 on BBC2 Scotland. He will explore the route from the Mull of Kintyre with its 12-mile views across to County Antrim, up through the Crinan Canal and over to Mallaig.