Visual culture’s power to shape history drives this gripping conversation on race and representation. Join art and cultural historian Sarah Lewis for a gripping exploration of visual representation, racial justice and democracy in the United States. As the founder of Vision & Justice, a civic initiative dedicated to the role of the arts in equity, Lewis has spent her career examining how art influences power and progress. A professor at Harvard University, Lewis’s research spans the 19th century to the present day, revealing the ways visual culture has both reinforced and challenged racial divides. Her recent book, The Unseen Truth, confronts the falsehoods that have upheld systemic inequality in the United States, offering a razor-sharp reassessment of the nation’s racial regime. In this urgent conversation, Lewis unpacks the role of art in shaping history - and how it might yet transform the future.

Experience an intoxicating blend of tango, klezmer and jazz from this new trio of award-winning musicians. Three award-winning musicians from Glasgow’s freewheeling music scene come together for a new project. Formerly of the fusion band Moishe's Bagel, Greg Lawson, Phil Alexander and Mario Caribé come together to explore a shared love of global folk music. Festival favourite Lawson returns with his virtuoso fiddle and mandolin playing, while Caribé showcases his intuitive bass groove and Alexander wows on piano and accordion. Dramatic tango meets joyful klezmer and folk-infused originals, wrapped up in irresistible jazz and Latin grooves. This new incarnation gives the group's three driving forces a chance to explore diverse and uncharted musical pathways. Bringing their unique energy and passion to a whole new set of original compositions, they embark on an aural journey from Armenia to Brazil - with many melodic stops along the way.

This Polish string ensemble ignites fast-paced folk music with classical mastery. Inspired by music from the Beskidy Mountains, VOŁOSI combines traditional Polish folk elements with a vast array of different musical genres, creating a unique and energising sound. Expect a dynamic fusion of strings, as their free-wheeling technique encourages spontaneity and energy. VOŁOSI’s curiosity has led them to experiment with a wide range of genres - from rock and punk to folk, jazz and film music. Their music may be rooted in heritage and tradition, but is also driven by improvisation, allowing their melodies to shift from haunting to unpredictable. Captivating audiences worldwide at over 900 concerts, VOŁOSI’s performances are rich in emotion. The string quintet transcends musical boundaries, while never losing their connection to their musical traditions and heritage.

Joined by Jasser Haj Youssef on viola d’amore, Yahya Hussein Abdallah invites you to a captivating recital of Eastern literature exploring faith, belief and spirituality. Tanzanian singer and composer Yahya Hussein Abdallah, winner of the 2022 Aga Khan Music Award, invites you to a captivating recital of Sufi poetry and Eastern literature exploring faith, belief and spirituality. As a highly distinctive performer, both as a singer and a reciter, Yahya Hussein Abdallah creates a warm and enchanting atmosphere. Throughout this performance highlighting gems of both Sufi poetry and Eastern literature, Yahya Hussein Abdallah is joined by Jasser Haj Youssef on the Baroque viola d’amour. Tunisian-born Jasser Haj Youssef is trained in both Western and Arabic traditions, and his performance perfectly complements Yahya’s soulful voice. Yahya Hussein Abdallah Vocals Jasser Haj Youssef Viola d’amore

Catch a glimpse at the future of classical music as clarinetist Mark Simpson guides up-and-coming woodwind musicians. Rising Stars gives the world’s most promising young musicians a chance to shine on an international stage. In this edition of our Rising Stars concerts, catch a glimpse into the future of woodwind music. Clarinettist Mark Simpson, described by the Evening Standard as having bucketloads of panache’, mentors the wind players before they perform together at The Hub. Feeling inspired? Find out what it takes to become a Rising Star.

Piano minimalist Joep Beving and electronic innovator Maarten Vos collide in an enchanting fusion of classical artistry and avant-garde experimentation. Joep Beving, celebrated for his emotive piano work that melds minimalist and modern influences, joins forces with Maarten Vos, a Berlin-based composer and electronic innovator. Together, they craft a mesmerising performance, blending classical piano, experimental electronics and avant-garde textures in fresh, unexpected ways.

This frontierless quartet fuses neoclassical, jazz and West African kora music with infectious energy. Malian kora star Ballaké Sissoko and versatile French cellist Vincent Segal last performed at the International Festival together in 2021 with their neoclassical fusion of African and European traditions. After creating two albums together, they return to the Festival with jazz musicians, Émile Parisien and Vincent Peirani, on the soprano saxophone and accordion respectively. Sissoko’s rhythmic kora plucking creates the beating pulse of the music, over which the musicians’ improvisations rise and soar. From the the lively buzz of Orient Express’ to the more meditative tones of Banja’, the group’s fusion music is warm, surprising and energetic. Ballaké Sissoko Kora Vincent Segal Cello Émile Parisien Soprano Saxophone Vincent Peirani Accordion

The musical maverick and saxophonist creates a fusion of raw improvisation and political passion. Jazz saxophonist, spoken word poet and activist Gus Fairbairn, aka Alabaster DePlume, combines his atmospheric music with his personal politics. DePlume’s songs are built on circular melodies that transmit waves of calm - unless they’re raging against complacency and the everyday inhumanity of capitalism. A musical maverick, his last two albums were created on the premise of spontaneous collaboration. To encourage true improvisation, there were two rules in the studio: limited practice time, and no listening back to sessions after recording. The result is a raw, eclectic sound. In recent years, DePlume has collaborated with Dan Danalogue’ Levers of The Comet Is Coming; released singles which are only available for 24 hours; and welcomed friends and passers-by to make music together on his monthly radio show, Realistic Behaviour. Join DePlume at this late-night gig to discover this spirit of spontaneity and creativity. Alabaster DePlume Saxophone

Djembe virtuoso Sidiki Dembele leads his ensemble in an exploration of West African drumming rhythms. Following his spiritually-charged 2024 Festival appearance, Sidiki Dembele returns to The Hub - this time, with his ensemble including a singer and a dancer. A virtuoso of the djembe, a West African goblet drum with a remarkable range of pitches, Dembele hails from a family of griots who preserve oral traditions. The name of the djembe derives from the phrase anke djé, anke bé’, which translates as everyone gather together in peace’ in the Bambara language. Rooted in the djembe’s power to unite, this concert explores West African rhythms and sounds, honouring the community-driven essence of Dembele's heritage.

Norwegian trio Østerlide transport you to the deepest tundra with their thrillingly reimagined folk melodies. Formed by guitarist Andreas Haddeland in his quest to reconnect with his Norwegian musical roots, Østerlide also stars folk singer Liv Ulvik and percussionist Ulrik Ibsen Thorsrud. Their inventive arrangements reconstruct centuries-old songs into atmospheric, meditative experiences. While Ulvik’s soaring, crystal-clear vocals carry the essence of these traditional tunes, Haddeland and Thorsrud’s strings and percussion add gentle and spacious sounds. The result is a haunting and mysterious soundscape. The group’s expansive and original music extends far beyond the borders of Norway but always returns to their homeland. Andreas Haddeland Strings Ulrik Ibsen Thorsrud Percussion Liv Ulvik Vocals

The Scottish quintet returns to the International Festival with their euphoric arrangements of traditional folk tunes. The Glasgow-based string group returns to the Festival, bringing uplifting harmonies, intricate arrangements, and joy in abundance. Kinnaris Quintet takes influences of traditional Scottish, Irish, bluegrass, classical, Scandinavian and Appalachian music, and creates technically dazzling arrangements. Combining three fiddles, mandolin and guitar, they bring an inventive approach to fiddle music. This originality has led to being awarded the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Music (2019). The Quintet's two albums, Free One (2018) and This Too (2022), both recorded live, capture the energy of their exhilarating performances. Recent collaborations have included writing and performing with musical heroes such as Karine Polwart and Julie Fowlis, and a guest appearance in pop superstar George Ezra’s End to End documentary. Join the quintet at The Hub for a soul-stirring, evocative performance that will make you smile along the way.

The Grammy-winning jazz bassist returns with her ensemble The Cookout for an energy-filled concert. Fast becoming a staple of The Hub programme, Endea Owens returns to bring the Festival to a joyful finale. Starting as a band member on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Owens has played alongside stars like Diana Ross, Solange and Jon Baptiste. The irresistibly charismatic Grammy and Emmy Award-winning bassist and composer is once again joined by her sextet The Cookout, performing on piano, drums, saxophone, trumpet and trombone. Described as infectiously passionate’ in her five-star Scotsman review, Owens’s original renditions of jazz standards and her own compositions will have you up on your feet for the final night at The Hub. Endea Owens Bass The Cookout

Seasoned pros and fresh talent collide in an electrifying late-night jazz jam where improvisation leads the way. Indulge in the vibrant energy of a jazz jam at The Hub, where emerging talent improvise alongside seasoned professionals. With jazz standards at the heart of the session, the musicians will create fresh, dynamic takes on timeless classics. Don’t miss this chance to witness exciting improvisation and raw creativity in action.

Violin virtuoso Nicola Benedetti launches the International Festival with a star-studded concert. Start the Festival season in style with an exciting concert hosted and curated by Festival Director Nicola Benedetti. Following two sold-out years, this highly anticipated evening promises to be just as exhilarating, showcasing a dynamic mixed-bill of exceptional artists, revealed on the night itself. It’s the perfect introduction to the Festival programme, setting the tone for a season filled with inspiring performances. A true celebration of artistry, this event offers a glimpse into the vibrant cultural journey ahead. Join us in the relaxed atmosphere of our Festival home at the top of the Royal Mile, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with leading artists and fellow festival-goers alike.

Dive into Scottish trad music with the Celtic supergroup. Named after the ninth-century Viking leader, Celtic supergroup Ímar captures the spirit of the very best of Scotland’s lively traditional music scene. The five musicians connected as teenagers, bonded by their love for Irish traditional music. Since then, each of them has forged an award-winning career in folk groups including Mànran, RURA, Mec Lir and Talisk. Together, their sound weaves the musical traditions of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man into a vibrant tapestry of shared heritage. Their latest album, Awakening (2023), kicks off with the aptly titled track Bangers’ and features original tunes inspired by Glasgow’s pub culture alongside a fresh take on a traditional Irish reel. Playing instruments such as the bouzouki, concertina and bodhrán, Ímar brings an infectious energy to the stage, bound to captivate you from the first note.

Pick the repertoire in this unrehearsed performance featuring emerging musicians and professionals. Rising Stars gives the world’s most promising young musicians a chance to shine on an international stage. In this experimental edition of our Rising Stars concerts, catch a glimpse into the future of classical music. Inspired by the spirit of jazz, emerging musicians play side-by-side with professionals. Blending the precision of the composed score with the relaxed atmosphere of friends playing together, this unrehearsed performance harnesses the power of instinct and spontaneity. And you - the audience - get to choose what you want to hear. Feeling inspired? Find out what it takes to become a Rising Star.

Come on a musical journey encompassing two celtic traditions from Irish fiddle player Aoife Ní Bhriain and Welsh harpist Catrin Finch. A spellbinding musical dialogue comes to life under Celtic virtuosos, Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain. Fiddle player Ní Bhriain and harpist Finch combine traditional Welsh and Irish tunes to create breathtaking new pieces which transport you from the Irish Sea to the west coast of Wales. The movement of honeybees, traditional and classical tunes and the cultures of their home countries worked as the main inspirations for Finch and Bhriain’s collaboration. Their debut album, Double You blends music from Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn and Pietro Locatelli with traditional Celtic music, creating a truly distinct sound. Their music is filled with universal themes of bravery and self-belief. Let Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain spirit you away in this enchanting evening charting the depths of traditional folk and the waves of sparkling creativity. Catrin Finch Harp Aoife Ní Bhriain Fiddle

Middle Eastern rhythms merge with live painting in a reflective and mindful performance blending ancient wisdom with contemporary expression. Watch as visual artist Tazeen Qayyum creates an intricate calligraphic drawing in real-time, inspired by the expressive power of Urdu, Arabic and Farsi, accompanied by Aga Khan Master Musicians Feras Charestan and Basel Rajoub. Uniting the qalam (pen) and saaz (a musical instrument), the performance is interdisciplinary artistic response to The Truth We Seek, this year’s International Festival theme. The performers have thoughtfully chosen to anchor their recital in four Arabic words: أمل amal (hope), عدل adl (Justice), كرم karam (kindness) and سلم silm (peace). Middle Eastern rhythms meet jazz, as performed by Basel Rajoub (saxophone, duclar and percussion) and qanun player Feras Charestan. As a counterforce to the tragedies of our times, the musicians invite you to slow down, observe and reflect to find a state of harmony and mindfulness.

Share your dreams and shape the music in this intimate concert inspired by Claude Debussy’s Rêverie. What do you dream about? Dreams offer a glimpse into the subconscious truths hidden within us, revealing our innermost thoughts and desires. Pianist Hanni Liang is reimagining classical music through her innovative concerts, which serve as spaces for questioning and reflection. Inspired by Claude Debussy’s Rêverie, Liang has crafted a unique concert experience where your dreams shape the performance. Through drawing, writing, or sharing aloud, your subconscious truths will be transformed into a musical extension of Rêverie, creating a living, evolving piece of art. This immersive experience invites you to actively participate in the creative process. It’s a chance to explore how music can bring our deepest thoughts and emotions to life in real time.

Experience the American composer transform The Hub with her modern electronica. Electronic artist Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith turns synth-driven soundscapes into otherworldly experiences. A leading force in progressive modern ambient music, she brings the Buchla modular synthesiser to life, shaping intricate, evolving compositions that blur the line between organic and electronic. Celebrated for her ethereal vocals and futuristic textures, she moves fluidly between whimsical melodies and hypnotic grooves. Each track feels like a world of its own, balancing playfulness with deep, immersive sound design. Continually experimenting, she pushes electronica to its limits, dissolving the boundaries between ambient, experimental, and dance music. With every release, she redefines the shape of sound itself.

The didgeridoo virtuoso and composer combines Indigenous musical traditions with rock and classical influences. Indigenous Australian composer and multi-instrumentalist William Barton was hypnotised by the didgeridoo’s earthy sound in childhood. His lifelong fascination with the instrument has led him to perform with the likes of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He’s forged a peerless profile as a musician, composer, and champion of the didgeridoo, performing at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day 2019, Anzac Cove and the Beijing Olympics. Hear Barton perform experimental compositions that stem from his Kalkadunga heritage and a musical upbringing of Elvis Presley, AC/DC and Antonio Vivaldi. He masterfully harnesses the rich timbre of the didgeridoo to express a variety of moods from soulful to playful. He will present music of the Australian landscape with some produced sequenced tracks with live vocals, didgeridoo and voice with guitar.

Ancient traditions meet musical innovation as the Aga Khan Master Musicians join forces with two European musical visionaries. Accordionist and vocalist Vincent Peirani and cellist Vincent Segal, together with the Aga Khan Master Musicians, create new music inspired by the trade routes that have connected the Mediterranean and Asia for millennia, while echoing modern perspectives. International Festival favourite and pipa player Wu Man returns and performs alongside Basel Rajoub on saxophone and duclar, Feras Charestan on qanun and Yurdal Tokcan who plays the oud. Together, they create a vibrant explosion of sound that straddles continents and centuries. Through experimentation and deep understanding, the Aga Khan Master Musicians, Vincent Peirani and Vincent Segal create an exciting new sound informed by their respective cultures. Vincent Peirani Vocals & Accordion Vincent Segal Cello Aga Khan Master Musicians Wu Man Pipa Basel Rajoub Saxophone & Duclar Feras Charestan Ganun Yurdal Tokcan Oud

Join Hungarian violin legend Roby Lakatos as he ignites The Hub with his eclectic improvisations that blend classical, folk and his own musical style. In this Hub concert, Roby Lakatos and his ensemble stir up a musical storm. Famed for his improvisations and fast-paced violin flair, Lakatos effortlessly switches genres - from classical to Hungarian folk and klezmer, taking the audience on an exciting musical rollercoaster. Born into a family of Romani violinists and descended from the Hungarian Romani composer János Bihari, Lakatos combines age-old traditions with a modern twist. Previously supported professionally by Yehudi Menuhin, Roby Lakatos is a violin virtuoso who stylistically knows no bounds - combining classical music with jazz, Balkan and Orthodox Jewish music and Hungarian Romani music. Discover Roby Lakatos’ unique musical fusion at The Hub, where Lakatos and his ensemble create a joyful and jubilant atmosphere.