The Dunedin Consort, under the combined Artistic Direction of John Butt, Susan Hamilton and Philip Hobbs, takes its name from Edinburgh’s castle (Din Eidyn) and, like the famous landmark, has great cultural significance in Scotland’s capital city and beyond. Under the musical direction of John Butt, it has consolidated its existing strength in the Baroque repertoire, winning the 2008 Midem Baroque Award and the 2007 Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Album (for its recording of the original Dublin version of Handel’s Messiah). 

 

Its commitment to excellence in both live performances and recordings, coupled with the latest research in historical performance, is complemented by its strong belief in supporting new music. As part of its contemporary strand, it has commissioned and performed works by living composers – including William Sweeney, Errollyn Wallen, Peter Nelson and Sally Beamish – to complement and enhance the meaning of the old masterpieces. 

 

The Dunedin Consort has performed at music festivals in Scotland (including the Edinburgh International Festival), Canada, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Israel and France, broadcasts frequently on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Scotland, and enjoys  a close relationship with Linn Records. 

 

Dunedin Consort’s 2008 releases of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (last performing version, c.1742) and Handel’s Acis and Galatea (original Cannons performing version, 1718) both received many plaudits, including a Gramophone Award nomination for Acis and Galatea. In 2010 Dunedin released Bach’s Mass in B minor (final version, 1748–50, ed. Rifkin) to critical acclaim. 

 

Since 2010, the Dunedin Consort has enjoyed a close relationship with the Lammermuir Festival and the Perth Concert Hall, where it now presents all its major projects. Future plans include recordings of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and St. John Passion.