New art display lighting up Glasgow Royal concert hall

Glasgow Times

04-06-2025

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has unveiled nine original artworks by Scottish illustrator Katie Smith in the Clyde Foyer of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
These colourful portraits, revealed on Saturday, May 31, are designed to capture the energy and character of the orchestra's musicians in the Glasgow artist's signature style.
(Image: Supplied)
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Katie, a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, said: "I loved challenging myself with the portraits of this talented group of RSNO musicians.
"I wanted to mimic the personal style and notes from each musician and bring them to life in colour for each portrait.
"It was an important part of the process getting to know each musician and I hope that all audiences of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall will be able to look at them and relate to their own experiences of live music."
Katie is an established illustrator who has worked with global brands including BMW, Coca-Cola, and Nike.
Her latest collaboration with the RSNO celebrates the connection between visual art and live music, and the creative talent within Scotland's artistic community.
(Image: Supplied)In creating the portraits, Katie was given open access to rehearsals and concerts to observe the musicians in action.
She aimed to reflect their individual personalities and the sense of movement found in live performances.
The portraits feature eight RSNO musicians and the orchestra's music director, Thomas Søndergård.
Among those depicted are assistant principal horn Alison Murray, principal cello Pei-Jee Ng, principal flute Katherine Bryan, principal timpani Paul Philbert, principal trumpet Christopher Hart, associate leader Lena Zeliszewska, principal trombone Dávur Juul Magnussen, and assistant principal double bass Michael Rae.
(Image: Supplied)
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The project is supported by the RSNO's Chair Patron scheme, which enables individuals, trusts, and corporate organisations to build connections with orchestra members and support their work.
The RSNO said that the installation reflects its commitment to supporting Scottish artists and creating opportunities for public art.
Last year, the orchestra unveiled Anthem (A Portrait of Music), a triptych by Gerard M Burns also displayed at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
That work was inspired by the orchestra's rehearsals and performance of Britten's War Requiem during its 2022–23 season.