The Musicians of the TNO

'TNO’s composition must be unique among orchestras. If I had any doubts about hiding a galaxy of trad fiddle talents, Chris Stout and Aidan O’Rourke among them, in a string section, they were instantly assuaged by the glittering perfection of the results . At the back, the ubiquitous James Mackintosh was one of four formidable percussionists swapping drumkits, bells and vibes, the brass section included Ryan Quigley’s haunting trumpet, and the bagpipe and whistle section (how many orchestras have ever ventured into this territory?) featuring Ross Ainslie, Ali Hutton and Fraser Fifield. Sutherland’s compositions succeeded in integrating the bagpipes fully into the orchestra, at last. Usually it’s like a drunken uncle singing at a wedding; everyone freezes till it’s over, then tries to pretend it didn’t happen…here strings and pipes augmented each other.'

The True North Orchestra works with some of Scotland's finest musicians across genres.