Glasgow Airport marks Best of Scotland campaign with live orchestra

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra surprised passengers with a live performance

UK. Scotland’s national orchestra surprised passengers at Glasgow Airport during the recent Best of Scotland festival with a live performance in the Departures lounge. Glasgow Airport has shared its video of the show with The Moodie Report (see below).

Led by Scottish conductor Douglas Boyd, 70 Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) musicians gave two performances featuring Felix Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture in late September.

Last year the Orchestra surprised travellers and airport staff in the check-in area with an impromptu rendition of Ravel’s Boléro, an online video of which has been viewed around the world.

The latest RSNO performance was the culmination of Glasgow Airport’s six week Best of Scotland campaign which celebrated the best of Scottish food, drink, culture and entertainment.

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “We are always looking for ways to entertain our passengers but it doesn’t get more exciting than having Scotland’s national orchestra perform live in the terminal.

“Joining forces with the RSNO for this unique event is a fantastic way to round off our Best of Scotland campaign which proved hugely successful. In addition to highlighting what is great about Scotland, the various events over the six weeks created a real buzz in the airport.

“The campaign also provided an opportunity to highlight the fact that we have invested millions of pounds in new retail and catering facilities for our customers over the past 18 months.”

RSNO Chief Executive Michael Elliott said: “In recent years the RSNO has developed a reputation for taking live orchestral music out of the concert venue and into public spaces. It never fails to surprise me how much of an impact our music can have, especially when performed in unexpected surroundings.

“It’s extremely gratifying to see people new to live orchestral music enjoy the experience with so much enthusiasm. Our thanks go to Glasgow Airport for allowing us to present these performances.”

More than one million passengers passed through the airport during the Best of Scotland campaign, which showcased some of the country’s best known brands and successful exports including Irn Bru, Tunnocks, Mackie’s ice cream and Harris Tweed.

The event marked the culmination of the six-week Best of Scotland campaign
Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine