MUSIC CLOSE UP 2026–27 · 40th-Anniversary Season
Haddington Concert Society chair, Fiona Finch, writes:  
As our fortieth anniversary approaches, my thoughts have been turning to what makes makes HCS so special and why it is as vibrant as ever after so many years. There are, of of course, many answers to those questions.

The dedication of successive small teams of volunteer trustees, who since 1986 have laboured long and hard and creatively to produce an annual season of excellent chamber music for music lovers to enjoy close to home. The long-running support of the Scottish Government, at first through the Scottish Arts Council and now Creative Scotland and their grant-giving arm Chamber Music Scotland, which still helps to make the seasons financially viable. The interest and generosity of so many local supporters who show confidence in us by subscribing to the annual seasons and turning out faithfully for our concerts  in the winter months. Our piano, the wonderful Bösendorfer that we have been fortunate to own for over half of our history, as well as architecturally pleasing venues with good acoustics. And of course, the willingness of outstanding musicians to come to Haddington to play for us, often at lower fees that they can command in major cities, as well as a consistently high level of programmes, combining great works by masters of the repertoire with lesser-known pieces and adventurous new works, with a smattering of lighter fare. All of this has helped us to thrive for forty years.

But, to me, the most important reason for our enduring appeal is that live music creates an experience quite different from recorded music; at its best it produces a visceral pleasure that lifts us into a different realm, one sprinkled with a liberal amount of what I like to describe as ‘stardust’. There is no substitute for it. It is something created not only by the music and the musicians but also by the audience members who listen so intently, in a two-way process that creates meaningful moments for all who are present, musicians and audiences alike. We are very proud to have made this experience possible for so long, and we invite you most warmly to enjoy it again this season.

The trustees of HCS and I very much hope that you will be inspired to come to Haddington this season to enjoy outstanding concerts, memorable moments, and some special anniversary stardust! 
• season at a glance: click here
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