Playing By Numbers (March 2026)

A classic Salon orchestra programme, with famous tunes and arrangements from the 1890s to 1950s. From Elgar to Gershwin and Take 5 –  nostalgic, entertaining, danceable. The programme also plays with some of the mathematical enigmas of music.

First outing at MIA, Strathaven, on Monday 23 March 2026, 8pm.

Programme

Prologue – Philip Glass: Einstein on the Beach (Knee Play 5) (1976) (not performed at MIA)

Edward Elgar, Enigma Variations op. 36, variation XII (B.G.N.) Andante rubato (1899)  / arr. 2026 for Salonorchester

Pietro Mascagni / arr. Becce: Serenata (1894 / 1928)

Hans May: A Star fell from Heaven (film waltz) (1934)

Richard Rodgers / arr. Spud Murphy): The Blue Room (foxtrot) (1926 / 1935)

Alphons Czibulka / arr. Artok: Gavotte Stephanie (1881 / 1925)

George Gershwin / arr. Salabert: Strike up the band (foxtrot military style in 4) (1927 / 1928)

Paul Desmond / Brubeck quartet / arr. Greenslade: Take 5 (5/4) (1959)

Dizzy Gillespie / Frank Paparelli: A Night in Tunesia (samba) (1944)

Granville Bantock: Scenes from the Scottish Highlands (1914), Strathspey: The braes o’ Tullymet, arr. 2026 for Salonorchester

Encore – J. S. Bach / arr. Granville Bantock: “Sleepers, Awake” choral variation (1599 Philipp Nicolai / 1731 Bach / 1925 Bantock)

Philipp Nicolai’s “Wachet auf” hymn in “Freudenspiegel deß ewigen Lebens” (1599)

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