A PACKED programme of winter, spring and summer performances has been unveiled at Isle of Bute Parish Church and venues across Rothesay, offering something for music lovers of all ages and tastes.
The New Year programme begins in January, with the internationally acclaimed Chloé Piano Trio, winners of the prestigious Tunnell Trust award, performing at the Parish Church on Friday, January 16.
February’s concert has been rescheduled slightly due to artist availability, with Classical Musicians Scotland Artists presenting a popular vocal duo and piano tribute celebrating the life of Jerome Kern on Friday, February 13.
March will see the return of familiar favourites to Bute audiences, as Daniel Lebhardt (piano) and Benjamin Baker (violin) perform works by Brahms and Schubert. The spring season continues with a visit from the all-female, internationally renowned Osaka String Quartet on April 10, before the winter programme draws to a close with a much-anticipated choral celebration featuring the Glasgow Phoenix Choir and Ballianlay Choir on the afternoon of Saturday, May 9.
Looking ahead to summer, organisers have confirmed three major gala events for 2026. The first takes place on Saturday, April 11, when Opera Bohemia presents a fully staged performance of Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II at the Rothesay Joint Campus. In August, Illyria Theatre returns with a production of The Pirates of Penzance on Saturday, August 15, also at the Joint Campus.
The popular Jazz Weekend returns in September, expanding to 10 performances at the Glenburn Hotel from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, supported by Bute Jazz Concerts Ltd. Alongside the main jazz sessions, the programme will include a family concert, as well as free live music performances in the Glenburn Bar during supper.
The 2026/27 winter season launches on Thursday, September 3 with a classical jazz performance to complement the Jazz Weekend. Further highlights include a concert by the Bute Wind Quintet on Friday, October 2, a special appearance by Alba Challa — described as “so much more than a Klezmer band” — on Friday, November 6, and a festive return from the popular male vocal quartet Scozzesi, accompanied by piano.
In total, 21 performances are planned across the programme. As in previous years, children will be admitted free to all concerts, thanks to the continued support of the D’Oyly Carte Trust for summer galas and For Bute for winter events.
