A Viennese evening in Dunfermline

We are fortunate in west Fife to have two major theatres with first-class facilities: the Alhambra and the Carnegie Hall. These provide a great boost to the profile and cultural fabric of Dunfermline.

Both venues host an impressive variety of performances all year round, including the prestigious Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s annual Viennese New Year concert in the Carnegie Hall. My wife and I were among a full house for the 2013 performance of this popular event. In addition to the traditional Strauss favourites, the RSNO played pieces from Bach, Lehar and others, along with the customary special helping of Scottish reels to complete the evening.  A great treat, according to everyone we chatted with.

I am hoping to persuade the RSNO to make not just their New Year visit to Dunfermline but perhaps a summer concert as well, hopefully around Edinburgh Festival time. Cultural events such as these can only help in the regeneration of our historic city and bring more visitors to Dunfermline.

The above was originally written for Bill’s Dunfermline Press column. This version may vary slightly.