Strike A Chord Appeal
Let the music move you
Music moves us — and not just the dancers, you too! This spring, your national dance company will tour Starstruck, Gene Kelly’s jazzy love letter to ballet. This new two-act spectacular is set to sparkling music by Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin, and Frédéric Chopin. Get ready to be transported back to the glamour of 1960s Paris.
‘It’s just thrilling to be part of the showcase of rich live music from the musicians in the orchestra combined with the artistry of the dancers on stage. I marvel at their expertise.’
Julian, Scottish Ballet patron
Why Live Music Counts
We wish touring with an orchestra were a given; although Scottish Ballet almost always performs to live music, recorded music is becoming more common among ballet companies worldwide. Touring with a full orchestra is costly, and often the first sacrifice to balance the books.
Bruno Micchiardi, Principal with Scottish Ballet, says a recording provides the basic counts, but can’t replace live music.
‘The orchestra is like another dancer on stage. When I listen to the music, I am in the moment and perform at my best.’
Bruno Micchiardi, Scottish Ballet Principal
‘This score is so rewarding for us all to play with gorgeous solos from across the orchestra enhancing the piano’s extensive role. With each performance we create a fresh bubble of joy and exuberance for the dancers, a magical link above and below stage. The Scottish Ballet Orchestra really appreciates the loud applause at the end of every performance.’
Lynda Cochrane, Starstruck Piano Soloist
Tune into Starstruck’s Score
Lynda Cochrane will be performing on the grand piano at all our performances in spring 2026.
This is her favourite rendition of Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, a piece that features in the production to give you a flavour of what to expect. ‘It inspires me and has lots oomph and dazzle’
Will you strike a chord for Scottish Ballet’s Starstruck?
This will be the first time our dancers perform Starstruck as a two-act ballet and with a live orchestra. You in the audience will be the first to experience this new extended score.
Yes, I’d like to give to the Strike a Chord appeal
We welcome cheques too! Please make them payable to Scottish Ballet and send to:
FREEPOST RTCE-KABC-XHJJ, Advancement Department, Hilda de Groot – Philanthropy & Gifts in Wills Officer, Scottish Ballet, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2PE
If you live in the US and would like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can do so here.
Thank you to all who have kindly donated so far:
Dr Bill Doig
Dean Fostekew
Dr Ken Hare
Dr Geoff Lewis
Dr Melissa Midgen
& one anonymous donor
and everyone else who has donated to the appeal.
See where we’re touring
Starstruck
16 Apr – 9 May 2026
Multiple venues
Mary, Queen of Scots
28 May – 7 Jun 2026
Multiple venues
