The GRIT Orchestra

Winner of the Scottish Awards for New Music for innovation in New Traditional Music, the GRIT Orchestra is pushes the limits of genre and Celtic culture.

The GRIT Orchestra unites Scotland’s leading folk, jazz and classical musicians. Renowned for their ‘trailblazing spirit’ (The Guardian), the 80-strong orchestra amasses to conjure an enthralling incarnation of Scotland’s contemporary musical landscape.

10 years from their first show at Celtic Connections in 2015 in homage to the late Martyn Bennett, the GRIT Orchestra is led by composer and conductor Greg Lawson. Bennett is celebrated for his virtuoso fusion of Celtic, Scandinavian and Islamic traditions with techno and breakbeat. In 2018, GRIT orchestrated Bennett’s kaleidoscopic second album, Bothy Culture, which takes inspiration from Scotland’s rave scene and the experience of staying in a Highland hut – otherwise known as a ‘bothy’. 

This show commemorates 20 years of Martyn’s passing, celebrating his life and legacy in a year that has seen his seminal album Grit winning 2024’s Scottish Modern Classic Award and the launch of ‘Brave New Music – The Martyn Bennett Story’.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18, and under 18s are not permitted in the venue after 1am. No under 16s in the standing area.