The Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) has announced the theme of its 2025 programme, alongside a handful of performances, including world premieres from The Scottish Ballet, Australian reimaginings of classics, and Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra 2 in their first-ever European tour. 

At a time when the term ‘truth’ has become fuzzily subjective, next year’s theme ‘The Truth We Seek’ will aim to reconcile contradictory perceptions and echo chambers. 

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival, said of the theme, ‘To be alive is to know the elusive nature of truth. Within our homes or workplaces, amongst loved ones or colleagues, we all experience trying to piece together indignantly expressed, absolutely believed, yet utterly contradictory truths. How often are we able to rise above our own bubble?

Announced alongside the theme is Mary, Queen Of Scots, the first full-length ballet from Scottish Ballet Resident Choreographer Sophie Laplane. Told through the eyes of Queen Elizabeth I, the story will centre on her perceived relationship with Mary, and promises a fluid and intergenerational cast. 

Joining it on the bill will be Opera Queensland’s production of Orpheus And Eurydice, a revision of the ancient myth created in collaboration with renowned Australian contemporary circus company Circa. Finally, the European debut of NYO2 (National Youth Orchestra 2) will play Edinburgh as part of their first European tour. The young performers, aged 14–17 and hailing from across the US, are celebrated as exceptionally talented musicians from diverse backgrounds. 

Benedetti said, ‘From the weaving of myth and enduring truths in a bold reimagining of Orpheus and Eurydice, to reconciling rival perspectives in Scottish Ballet’s Mary, Queen of Scots or finding inspiration from the next generation of musicians with Carnegie Hall’s incredible National Youth Orchestra 2, we invite you to join us for our 2025 Festival: The Truth We Seek.’

The full programme for the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival, including dates for these shows, will be announced with tickets going on sale in March 2025.

Edinburgh International Festival, various venues, Friday 1–Sunday 24 August 2025; main picture: Mihaela Bodlovic.