Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Opening Night: Chris Thile with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Rachel Sermanni

: THIS EVENT HAS EXPIRED
Tickets: £21.28 - £31.92

£11.20 to £31.92

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Dates and times: 18th Jan 2024
7:30PM - 10:30PM
Age: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

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Our annual Opening Concert is always a much-anticipated celebration of the start of Celtic Connections, and is famed for being a spectacular multi-genre showcase of the talents of some of the world’s greatest musicians. This year’s event promises to marvel music lovers once again as it will see the staging of the European premiere of ATTENTION! – the remarkable new symphonic work by Chris Thile.

The renowned Grammy-winning American musician, hailed as ‘the best mandolin player in the world’ by Billboard Magazine, is also a singer, songwriter and composer who is perhaps best known from his work in progressive acoustic bands Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers.

In ATTENTION! – which was commissioned by some of the leading symphony orchestras in the States – Thile explores a narrative song cycle which combines his passion for storytelling with his love of orchestras and orchestral music. He says: “I adore orchestras. Whether scaled up for grandeur, or down for intimacy, nothing makes me prouder to be human that hearing a stage full of highly skilled orchestral musicians practicing their craft together, It’s magic…”

For this special performance of his new work, Thile joins forces with one of Scotland’s best-loved orchestras, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, as well one of our country’s most celebrated voices, Rachel Sermanni. The renowned Scottish singer-songwriter is an accomplished contemporary folk musician who is influenced by a wealth of genres including jazz, rock, old-time and traditional music. Sermanni’s enchanting performances and lyrics draw from a deep well of mysticism, dreams, nature and the human experience, and her latest album, Dreamer, has already received great critical acclaim since its release in September 2023.

Booking Information

A 12% booking fee is included in the ticket price, as advertised. At check-out this fee will be shown separately for receipt purposes and to ensure the face value of your ticket is correct. Prices are subject to change. Prices may vary on the night of a show. Transactions fees may vary depending on event.

Dispatch Charges

E-tickets - Free of charge
Fulfilment Fee - £1.95

Transaction Charges apply as follows

Online up to £1.50

Phone up to £1.75

Counter/ In Person: Free

Tickets Booking Line:
0141 353 8000.
Lines open Monday-Saturday 09:00-17:00 (excluding Bank Holidays). Please check opening hours over any Bank Holiday period.

To view the full Ticket Purchase Policy please click here

Accessible toilets

There are several accessible toilets in this venue. For more information on the location and features of these toilets, please use the AccessAble guide.

Assistance dogs

Guide and assistance dogs are welcome at the venue, but please be aware that noise levels can be high during some events. At the time of booking please let our Box Office Team know if an assistance dog will be accompanying you to the venue, or email the Venue Team at GRCHVM@glasgowlife.org.uk

Hearing loop

The stalls of the Main Hall and New Hall are equipped with induction loop systems, but operation is dependent on each individual event or performance, so provision can vary. Headsets can be supplied during your visit. For more information about the availability of induction loop systems at the venue please email our Venue Team: GRCHVM@glasgowlife.org.uk

Wheelchair access

Wheelchair access is from the Killermont Street entrance (North Entrance) only. From this entrance, there is Lift access to all levels.

Each performance space has designated seating for wheelchairs and a companion is welcome to sit with you. Please contact our box office team for more information at box_office_enquiries@glasgowlife.org.uk

Wheelchairs are available on request. For use of a venue wheelchair, please call in advance, ask at the reception desk or email our Venue Team at GRCHVM@glasgowlife.org.uk

Baby changing

There are baby changing facilities in the café toilets and exhibition corridor toilets (next to the Box Office)

Baby feeding

Breastfeeding is welcome at the venue.

Cafe or restaurant

**To allow for refurbishment works, the café at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall will close on Monday 8th July and reopen on Monday 5th August.**

Full table service is not available, food or drinks are ordered from the service counter. However, food and drinks can be brought to the table.

There is not a lowered section at the counter.

No tables are permanently fixed. No chairs are permanently fixed. Some chairs have armrests.

Drinking straws are available.

Menus are hand held and wall mounted. Menus are not available in Braille. Menus are not available in large print. Picture menus are not available.

Café Opening hours are 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday. The café also will be open for events to ticketholders only. For more information contact our Venue Team at GRCHVM@glasgowlife.org.uk

Parking

There is no on-site parking but there are nearby car parks:

Concert Square Car Park - visit their website

Buchanan Galleries Car Park - visit their website
Please note Buchanan Galleries close at 9pm.

Meter Street parking is also available. Read parking information on Glasgow City Council's website

Photography and video recording

At times, Glasgow Life will be on the premises to film and take photos.

The public are only permitted to record and take photos where explicit permission has been granted in advance.

Free wifi

Yes, there is free public Wifi access. To connect, visitors have to register with the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Public Wifi which should pop up on their browser. After that visitors will only need their password for future uses.

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Location Map

With many different rooms and breakout areas available, the complex can accommodate meetings and conferences from 12 - 2000 delegates. Visit the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall's venue hire web page to find out more.