Lost James Horner composition: Skyward Spirit

**Lost James Horner Composition: Skyward Spirit** Experience the soaring release of “Skyward Spirit,” a long‑lost masterpiece by the legendary film composer James Horner, brought to life by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO). For the first time since Horner’s passing, his epic score—originally commissioned for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds—unfolds across the skies over the Firth of Clyde at the International Ayr Show, where the aerobatic team Airborne Pyrotechnics will ignite the air with a breathtaking display set to this newly completed work. After a decade of research and preservation, the piece was rediscovered by Horner’s flying‑mate, Ed Shipley, and finished under the guidance of long‑time collaborator Simon Rhodes with the blessing of Horner’s widow. The RSNO recorded the score in their state‑of‑the‑art Studio in Glasgow, conducted by Robert Ziegler, and the world premiere is scheduled for Friday, 4 September. Join the free‑to‑attend festival for a weekend of community activities: come‑and‑try workshops, live performances, and the joyous debut of “Skyward Spirit” at the Ayr Show. Fans and newcomers alike will also enjoy the RSNO Brass Quintet’s powerful performances on the Low Green, interactive orchestral instrument demonstrations from the RSNO Learning and Engagement team, and a second soaring performance of the score by Airborne Pyrotechnics on Saturday, 5 September. With an anticipated audience of more than 260,000, this is a unique opportunity to witness a piece of film history taking to the skies, celebrating Horner’s indelible legacy and the RSNO’s growing role in recording Hollywood’s most iconic scores.