There could be no more fitting place to begin the Aberdeen City Music School 25th Anniversary Concert Series than Royal Deeside. Our celebrations commence with music for the Sunday morning service at Crathie Kirk, after which ACMS musicians will travel the short distance to Braemar for this special 75-minute anniversary concert at the beautiful St Margaret’s.

This opening concert is a celebration of the music that has inspired our pupils, audiences and staff over recent years. Bringing together many of the school’s ensembles, it reflects the remarkable musical diversity that lies at the heart of ACMS and the breadth of opportunities offered to Scotland’s young musicians.

The programme journeys across more than five centuries of music, from the serene beauty of Palestrina’s Sicut cervus and the profound artistry of Bach’s Komm, Jesu, komm, through the elegance of Mozart and the unforgettable melodies of Shostakovich and Ludovico Einaudi. Alongside these masterpieces, audiences will enjoy the vibrant energy of Scottish traditional music, the infectious rhythms of jazz classics, and contemporary vocal favourites, all performed by the exceptional young musicians of Aberdeen City Music School.

Featuring the ACMS Pipers, Choir, Camerata, Guitar Ensemble, Traditional Group, Jazz Ensemble, chamber ensembles and soloists, this concert offers a snapshot of the creativity, versatility and musical excellence that have defined ACMS throughout its first twenty-five years.

Whether you have supported the school for many years or are joining us for the first time, we warmly invite you to share in the opening chapter of this landmark anniversary season as we celebrate a proud history and look forward with confidence to the future.