soundfestival runs across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire for ten days from 22 Oct, bringing new music into concert halls, onto the streets and inside a hidden Cold War nuclear bunker. Quatuor Bozzini, Red Note Ensemble and James Weeks are all on the programme. Tickets 👇🏼 buff.ly/zTo715S

Because of the issues at the start of the month, we’ve sent out an updated newsletter for October. Plenty new events in there for everyone. ⭕️ On POST and in your inbox.

What’s On in Aberdeen in October 2026: Festival Highlights

Our usual October newsletter probably missed your inbox, so here’s a second go.

postabdn.com

We are looking forward to going back to Sound Festival. This year we are mentors in the ComposersLab program, working on and presenting brand new pieces by participants: Aidan Lochrin, Darlene Zarabozo, Kristain Rasmussen, and Lucy Callen. @soundscotland.bsky.social

Join composer Claudia Molitor for our workshop, exploring speculative sonic storytelling and the ideas behind two works featured at this year’s soundfestival ‘The Unheard Also Glistens’ and ‘Silent Seas’. Thu 1st Oct, 6–7pm | Online | FREE Book: sound-scotland.co.uk/event/openso... #Composers

Call for Volunteers🔊 This October, new & experimental music will take over venues across #Aberdeen & #Aberdeenshire, and we’re looking for volunteers to help make it all happen. 👉🏼Find out more: sound-scotland.co.uk/opportunitie... #Volunteer #Opportunity #NewMusic #OpenCall

Looking fwd to answering @soundscotland.bsky.social Composer Helpline, Weds 1-2 UK time. Open to all new music ppl anywhere, all levels. Sign up here to meet w me (or one of my great colleagues Lisa Robertson, Ruta Vitkauskaite, Pete Stollery or Fiona Robertson). sound-scotland.co.uk/event/compos...

We’ll be at Envirolution this Saturday! 🌿🎶 Aberdeen’s free community environmental festival, dedicated to building understanding and engagement with the natural world. Come along and say hello!👋 📍 Seaton Park, Aberdeen
📅 Saturday 5 September, 1–6pm
 #Environment #AberdeenEvents #ClimateAction

Great to see soundfestival featured by Creative Scotland as we look ahead to this year’s festival. “Audiences are guaranteed to hear something they’ve never heard before, challenging what they believe about music.” Read more: www.creativescotland.com/news-stories... #NewMusic #MusicScotland

Acclaimed new music festival reveals details of 2026 edition

The programme for the 2026 soundfestival, one of Europe’s leading celebrations of new music, has been announced.

creativescotland.com

The soundfestival 2026 programme is LIVE!🔊 soundfestival returns for 10 days of new and experimental music across Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, with more than 30 concerts, recitals, workshops, installations and events taking place from 22–31 October. 🎟️ Full programme & tickets: sound-scotland.co.uk

We’re delighted to announce the four composers selected for this year’s Composers’ Lab with Quatuor Bozzini: Darlene Zarabozo, Aidan Lochrin, Kristain Rasmussen and Lucy Callen. Read more about this year’s composers: sound-scotland.co.uk/news/four-co... #NewMusic #Composition #ContemporaryMusic

20 composer schemes to help composers at different stages: www.alternativeclassical.co.uk/features/uk-...

20 UK Composer Schemes — Alternative Classical

A selection of UK composer schemes on offer throughout the year in the UK.

alternativeclassical.co.uk

"Be open about pay and conditions, not make you grovel for basic info (e.g. leave, flex)" How to improve arts hiring: www.alternativeclassical.co.uk/features/how...

How to Improve the Classical Music Hiring Process — Alternative Classical

Your anonymous suggestions for how arts organisations can improve the hiring process.

alternativeclassical.co.uk

sound and Citymoves Dance Agency are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for 8 Scottish-based dancers/choreographers, composers/performers and other arts practitioners. ⏰ Deadline: Friday 21 August 2026 For full details and to apply: sound-scotland.co.uk/news/call-so... #OpenCall

What's coming up in July? A rip-roaring parade, a festival of radical new operas, and a new series of relaxed, intimate performances. www.alternativeclassical.co.uk/features/jul...

Concert Recommendations ~ July 2026 — Alternative Classical

A rip-roaring parade, a festival of radical new operas, and a new series of relaxed, intimate performances.

alternativeclassical.co.uk

There's just a week left to apply for the RPS Thea Musgrave Fund, closing Tuesday 7 July at 11am. Supporting composers and performers dedicated to contemporary music, the Thea Musgrave Fund offers grants of around £5,000 to £10,000. Find out more: royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/composers/rp...

RPS Thea Musgrave Fund

royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk

We're delighted to introduce this year's soundcurators for soundfestival 2026: Tom Macfadyen and Hadrian Gray. Read more about our soundcurators here: sound-scotland.co.uk/news/sound-a... #SoundFest26 #Curate #NewMusic #Performance #Announcement

The PRS Foundation has published a new Early Career Promoter Guide, offering practical advice on budgeting, marketing and wellbeing for those starting out in live music events. 👉 View the guide here: prsfoundation.com/funding-supp... #EarlyCareer #Promoters #PRSFoundation #LiveMusic

Early Career Promoter Fund Resources - PRS for Music Foundation

Early Career Promoter Fund Resources We’re delighted to release ‘The Early Career Promoter Guide’ as an exciting new resource for the live events community. We created this guide through consultation ...

prsfoundation.com

Our Get Creative Ensemble has been rehearsing for The Big Gig as part of the Light The Blue Festival 💙 They’ll perform “Mither Dee”, a piece inspired by the River Dee’s journey from the Cairngorms, alongside groups from across the City and Shire. 📅 14 June, 6pm 📍 Music Hall, Aberdeen #YouthMusic

Basic Income Network Scotland are holding an online discussion on 15 June 2026 to explore what a basic income would mean for artists in Scotland and their creative practice

Basic Income Conversation for Artists - YTAS

An online interactive discussion to explore what a basic income would mean for artists in Scotland and their creative practice on 15 June 2026, 6.30pm - 8pm.

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Upcoming deadline!⏰

sound@soundscotland.bsky.social · 5mo ago

We have an exciting composer or performer opportunity to curate your own event as part of soundfestival 2026!🎶 ⏰ Deadline to apply: Sunday 31st May For more information and to apply: sound-scotland.co.uk/news/call-fo... #Opportunity #NewMusic #OpenCall #EarlyCareer

sound has signed an open letter to the new Scottish Parliament elected to make sure a basic income for artists pilot is delivered. Sign the open letter here: actionnetwork.org/forms/an-ope... #BasicIncome #Artists #Creatives

An open letter to Scotland’s political parties and cultural institutions

A new Scottish Parliament has been elected. Now is the moment. We must make sure a basic income for artists pilot is delivered in this Parliament. The SNP have been re-elected. They said if this hap...

actionnetwork.org

Interested in volunteering and building creative experience? 🎭🎨🎶 Join us at The Anatomy Rooms to discover a range of exciting creative volunteering opportunities with organisations from across Aberdeen and the surrounding area. #Volunteering #Aberdeen #CreativeIndustries

sound is pleased to announce that we will be offering 13 places on three development opportunities for Scottish composers / composers based in Scotland. ⏰Deadline: Sunday 7th June 2026 For more information and how to apply: sound-scotland.co.uk/news/develop... #DevelopmentOpportunity #OpenCall

We can express so much through music: Claudia Molitor's RPS Award-winning piece 'Fever' explores our place in the world, and hopes and fears for its future. The RPS champions and supports the brilliant music-makers making our world a better place - discover more here: royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk

We have an exciting composer or performer opportunity to curate your own event as part of soundfestival 2026!🎶 ⏰ Deadline to apply: Sunday 31st May For more information and to apply: sound-scotland.co.uk/news/call-fo... #Opportunity #NewMusic #OpenCall #EarlyCareer

There are still a few spots available for the @soundscotland.bsky.social Composer's Helpline tomorrow -- free and open to all composer and new music people (not just in Scotland). Details and sign-up here: sound-scotland.co.uk/event/compos...

Calling all young musicians aged 8–11 (P4–P7) ⭐️ Join us to explore sound, music, and creativity as we work together to create an immersive soundscape for Light the Blue Festival 💙 📅 17th May ⏰ 2–3:45pm 📍 King’s Pavilion, UOA Register here: sound-scotland.co.uk/event/get-cr...

It's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and here are 8 ways singing supports your mental health.

For the first time, Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival are also offering artists aged 18-25, based anywhere in Scotland and working in any discipline, an opportunity to apply for a new young artist commission buff.ly/GOIYMEt (deadline - 11 May 2026)

Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival: SMHAF 2026 Young Artist Commission - YTAS

For the first time, Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival are also offering artists aged 18-25 an opportunity to apply for a new young artist commission,

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