Thursday 28th May, 7pm – Douglas Baxter Hall & Chapel, Bishop’s Palace, Eden Court
Reflecting on the realities behind a rare performance of Wagner’s Parsifal, what does it take to bring world-class classical music to the Highlands – and who gets to take part?
This special discussion and performance event, presented by The Mahler Players, explores the realities behind creating large-scale classical projects in rural Scotland. Set in the context of a rare semi-staged performance of Parsifal in Inverness Cathedral, it brings together artists, organisers and audiences to consider the opportunities—and pressures—shaping classical music in the region today.
At its heart, the event addresses the structural challenges facing Highland-based organisations: geography, access, perception, and sustainability. It also shines a light on the pathways available to young people in the Highlands who aspire to professional careers in music, asking how these can be strengthened, supported and made more visible.
The evening will feature live musical contributions from members of The Mahler Players alongside internationally renowned bass Sir John Tomlinson, who appears as Gurnemanz in Parsifal and has long championed the orchestra’s work in the Highlands.
Speakers include:
- Tomas Leakey, Founder and Conductor, The Mahler Players
- Norman Bolton, Head of Music Development, High Life Highland
- Andrew Bruce, Director, HRI-Munro Architecture
- Sir John Tomlinson, President, Royal Northern College of Music
Together, they will reflect on the practical and artistic realities of delivering ambitious work in a rural context and open up a wider conversation about the future of classical music in the Highlands as Inverness works towards being chosen as UK City of Culture 2029.
The event also offers audiences a unique opportunity to meet members of the orchestra and the cast of Parsifal and engage directly with the artists behind this landmark production, presented in Inverness Cathedral on 27 and 31 May. Tickets for the complete production can be booked here.
The performers and musical items on 28th June will include:
Joe Scott – piano
Chopin – “Raindrop” Prelude and “Aeolian Harp” Etude
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Tam Darlugdach – double bass
Dragonetti – Larghetto e Allegro Vivace, from his sketches in the British Library
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Sir John Tomlinson – bass
Susie Summers – piano
Vaughan Williams – three of the “Songs of Travel”
Vagabond
Whither must I Wander
Bright is the Ring of Words
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Dava Ensemble
Susie Summers – piano
Berent Korfker – violin
Kate Ellingson – cello
Haydn Piano Trio No. 39 in G major “Gypsy Rondo”
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Event Details
Date: 28 May 2026 at 7pm
Venue: Douglas Baxter Hall & Chapel, Bishop’s Palace, Eden Court
Tickets: £11.00, available from Eden Court Theatre Box Office
This is an invitation to be part of a wider conversation: about place, about participation, and about how pressure—geographical, financial and cultural—can be transformed into possibility.
You can book tickets for this event here via the Eden Court website.
We look forward to seeing you there!
