The young Czech pianist Ivo Kahánek is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation. Renowned for his lyrical poeticism and outstanding virtuosity, he won the Prague Spring International Music Competition in 2004 and gained awards at other leading international piano competitions (Maria Canals Piano Competition in Barcelona, Vendome Prize in Vienna, Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition in Marienbad, Concertino Praga).

Stefan Solyom has rapidly acquired an international reputation to complement his firmly established status in the musical life of his native Sweden. His appearances in the opera house and on the concert platform have drawn praise for their lyrical warmth and strong conviction, and the immediacy of his rapport and engagement with orchestral players has delighted critics, audiences and musicians alike. Stefan Solyom is currently Associate Guest Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and from the start of the 2009/2010 season, Principal Guest Conductor of the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra.

Formed in December 1935 by Scottish composer and conductor Ian Whyte, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is recognised as one of the UK’s leading orchestras. The winner of several awards, including a Royal Philharmonic Society Award (the only Scottish orchestra to do so) and four Gramophone Awards, its wide repertoire and flexible approach to format means it can perform a complex contemporary piece as a specialist ensemble alongside a major symphonic work. It has a busy broadcasting schedule on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Television and also records commercially.