Usher Hall

The Usher Hall is one of the most outstanding concert halls in the world. It is Edinburgh’s key venue for visiting national and international orchestras and has been the main venue for the Edinburgh International Festival since 1947. The beautiful Beaux Arts building was completed in 1914 and remains one of Edinburgh 's architectural gems. The much praised acoustics make it one of the best concert halls in Europe with many of the world's finest musicians performing here. Today the Usher Hall is a centre of excellence embracing the widest range of music and events, including rock, pop, jazz, world, blues, comedy, talks, school concerts, conferences, sponsorship events, ceremonies, lectures and recording sessions

What's On @ Usher Hall

What's Love Got To Do With It?

26 Jun 2026 - 18 Dec 2027

Ultimate tribute concert to Tina Turner, presented by the award-winning producers behind Whitney - Queen Of The Night.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

26 Oct 2026 - 5 Dec 2026

Performing the music of Pink Floyd with note for note perfection, this critically acclaimed show has been astonishing audiences worldwide for more than three decades. Always striving to reproduce the complete Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state of the art, high resolution LED screen technology and other special effects.

The Bootleg Beatles

13 Aug 2026 - 18 Oct 2027

Relive the sights and sounds of the 60s with the most established Beatles tribute band.

The Rolling Stones Story

4 Oct 2026 - 7 May 2027

The Rolling Stones have dominated Rock 'n' Roll music since the 1960s and were at the forefront of the British Invasion of bands that conquered the US in 1964. They ran neck and neck with The Beatles in the popularity stakes with the late sixties and early seventies considered by many as their Golden Age. Their live shows are legendary and The Stones musical legacy is up there with the very best. They've recorded some of the most phenomenal Rock ‘n' Roll songs of all time - Satisfaction, Jumpin' Jack Flash, Not Fade Away, Honky Tonk Woman, Brown Sugar, Start Me Up...to name just a few. You can now relive all these classic hits in The Rolling Stones Story, a high energy concert celebrating the music of the World's Greatest Rock ‘n' Roll Band. Let's Spend The Night Together in the company of Mick and the boys and you will experience a truly authentic Rolling Stones spectacle; complete with an awesome production, the finest musicians and the world's No.1 Mick Jagger lookalike in Paul Ashworth. The Rolling Stones Story promises you an unforgettable Jumpin' Jack Flash back in time. It's Only Rock ‘n' Roll, but we like it!

Bowie Experience

1 Jul 2026 - 19 Mar 2027

Bowie Experience is a spectacular concert featuring all of David Bowie’s hits - celebrating the music of the world’s greatest pop icon. An unforgettable journey of sound and vision through David Bowie’s golden years from Space Oddity through to Let's Dance. Bowie Experience is the world’s favourite and most authentic tribute to the thin white duke and continues to amaze audiences with an astounding attention to detail. For the authentic Bowie Experience with all the hits from A to Ziggy - this show is a must-see for all Bowie fans and those absolute beginners out there.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

26 Jun 2026 - 13 Sept 2026

Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups. Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time.

Jive Talkin' perform The Bee Gees

19 Sept 2026 - 1 Apr 2028

The original and best Bee Gees tribute band are back on tour with a stunning new show and line-up. Prepare to be amazed as the timeless repertoire of the Bee Gees is brought to life with such stunning authenticity and heart-felt sincerity that you will feel as if you are at a real Bee Gees Concert. Jive Talkin’ deliver a powerhouse performance that is charged with emotion to produce a show unlike any other, to create a truly nostalgic journey through our most treasured musical memories.

Avatar - The Last Airbender

5 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026

Immerse yourself in a two-hour show with a live orchestra bringing the show's iconic musical score to life, in perfect harmony with favourite moments from the series. Avatar: The Last Airbender follows the adventures of the main protagonist Aang and his friends, who must defeat Fire Lord Ozai and end the Hundred-Year War to restore balance to the Four Nations. The creative mastermind behind the show's original music, Emmy Award-winning composer and musician Jeremy Zuckerman, has poured his heart and exceptional talent into expanding his compositions for the concert series. Get ready for an unparalleled musical odyssey as Nickelodeon, Senbla and GEA Live proudly present Avatar: The Last Airbender in concert.

Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

2 Jul 2026 - 20 Dec 2026

As ever, Jools continues to dazzle, involve and impress audiences with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances on their Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra UK tour.

A Beautiful Noise Show: The Definitive Tribute to Neil Diamond

3 Jul 2026 - 12 Jun 2027

From London’s West End, this internationally acclaimed production celebrates the music of Neil Diamond. From the hits he penned during his time in the Brill Building, to the Jazz Singer and countless live concerts, Neil Diamond is a musical icon, selling over 130 million albums throughout his exceptional career. This is the only show starring the extraordinary Fisher Stevens undeniably one of the best Neil Diamond impersonators you will ever see! Together with the amazing cast of professional musicians and singers who performed at the Lyric theatre in Londons’ Shaftesbury Avenue. Join us in celebrating all the classic hits. This musical adventure, unrivalled by any other, revisits more than five decades of sparkling musical gems including, Love On The Rocks, Sweet Caroline, Forever In Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, I am …I Said, America, Cracklin Rosie, Red Red Wine, I’m A Believer and many more.

An Evening with David Sedaris

1 Jul 2026 - 11 Jul 2026

You may have heard him on the hugely popular BBC Radio 4 series Meet David Sedaris or you might be one of the millions worldwide who have read one of his many books. With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humour writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. David Sedaris is the author of Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice, as well as collections of personal essays, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family In Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, and his most recent book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, each of which became an immediate bestseller. The audio version of Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls is a 56th Annual Grammy Awards Nominee for Best Spoken Word Album. He is the author of the NYT-bestselling collection of fables entitled Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary (with illustrations by Ian Falconer). He was also the editor of Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules: An Anthology of Outstanding Stories. Sedaris’ pieces appear regularly in The New Yorker and have twice been included in The Best American Essays. There are a total of seven million copies of his books in print and they have been translated into 25 languages. He and his sister, Amy Sedaris, have collaborated under the name ‘The Talent Family’ and have written half-a-dozen plays which have been produced at La Mama, Lincoln Centre, and The Drama Department in New York City. These plays include Stump the Host, Stitches, One Woman Shoe, which received an Obie Award, Incident at Cobbler’s Knob and The Book of Liz, which was published in book form by Dramatists Play Service. David Sedaris’s original radio pieces can often be heard on the public radio show This American Life. David Sedaris has been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album.

The Divine Comedy

27 Jun 2026 - 8 Jul 2026

Since The Divine Comedy’s inception in 1989, Neil Hannon has time and again proved to be one of the UK’s best and most original songwriters. 2016's Foreverland exemplifies this, with references to everything from Catherine The Great to the French Foreign Legion. Neil says of the new record, ‘it’s about meeting your soul mate and living happily ever after… and then what comes after happily ever after. Get ready for the most historically inaccurate hit of the summer’. While not releasing a record since 2010’s Bang Goes The Knighthood, Neil Hannon has certainly kept himself busy. He co-wrote a second album for acclaimed cricket-themed project, The Duckworth Lewis Method, composed a choral work for the Royal Festival Hall’s newly renovated organ entitled ‘To Our Fathers In Distress’, and oversaw the transfer of his musical, Swallows And Amazons, to the West End stage.

Ethel Cain

28 Jun 2026 - 28 Jun 2026

The jaded daughter of a dead preacher-man caught in an exodus, Ethel Cain winds her way through a dizzying attempt at escape from her suffocating upbringing only to find herself crushed within its jaw…

Hue & Cry

2 Jul 2026 - 31 Oct 2026

“They’ve lasted because they are brilliant” Radio 2 Brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane formed Hue and Cry in the ’80s and the duo made a huge impact with the release of their debut album Seduced and Abandoned (1987) which featured their first top ten single Labour of Love. The follow up album Remote continued the trend and produced the huge hits Looking for Linda and Violently. Albums like Stars Crash Down, Showtime and Jazz Not Jazz ensured Hue and Cry’s continued successful run through the ’90s, whilst their 2005 appearances as finalists on ITV’s primetime show Hit Me Baby One More Time, featuring their version of Beyonce’s Crazy In Love, thrust the band firmly back into the mainstream limelight. A number of successful album releases and accompanying live appearances followed which included Open Soul (2008), Xmasday (2009), Bitter Suite Again (2010), Hot Wire (2012), Remote: Major to Minor (2014), September Songs (2015), Pocketful of Stones (2017). To date Hue and Cry have sold in excess of two million records worldwide. In 2019, Hue and Cry sold out their Summer Nights at the Bandstand show at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove park within forty-eight hours and finished the year by playing live all over the UK. With the global pandemic bringing live touring to a halt during 2020/21, Hue and Cry introduced their pioneering Live from Lockdown streaming shows which were broadcast live from the band’s Glasgow based studio and viewed online by thousands of fans around the world. A collection of their favourite tracks from these shows was released as a Best of Lockdown album (2022). Hue and Cry have sold tens of thousands of concert tickets worldwide. As well as performing alongside some of the greatest artists in music history – appearing with U2, James Brown, Madonna, Al Green and Van Morrison to name but a few – the band have undertaken a multitude of their own headline tours and made numerous festival appearances. Hue and Cry were recognised by their peers when they were recently presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Music Awards. The band are currently working on a brand new album and have made a welcome return to performing in front of audiences.

Marillion

12 Sept 2026 - 2 Oct 2026

While the U.K.'s Marillion aren't the best-known rock band in the 21st century, they've influenced many acts that followed in their wake, directly or indirectly, from Porcupine Tree and Radiohead to the Pineapple Thief and Gazpacho. They are rightfully credited with having established the neo-prog subgenre, and have explored many types of music over the decades that, thanks to their expert musicianship, have celebrated their long, inventive passages for electric guitars and keyboards.

The Shamrocks

17 Oct 2026 - 20 Nov 2026

The roaring, rousing atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs will be brought to stages across the country as Emmy Award-winning group The Shamrocks embark on their debut UK tour. After wowing audiences across the globe - from the Sydney Opera House to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC - the five-piece harmony and multi-instrumental group are taking their incredible show and Belfast charm to some of the UK’s most prestigious venues. Dubbed ‘one of Northern Ireland’s greatest ever exports’, The Shamrocks promise a night packed full of Irish charm, with classics including Danny Boy, Wild Rover and Whiskey In The Jar reimagined in their unique style, alongside original songs and compositions. Featuring some of Northern Ireland’s most exciting musical talent, with more than 100 million views of their videos online and concerts in more than 30 countries, The Shamrocks continue to reimagine the Irish songbook as we know it, while celebrating their roots.

Jane McDonald: Living the Dream

28 Aug 2026 - 26 Sept 2026

National treasure and singing sensation Jane McDonald is officially Living The Dream as she announces a brand-new UK tour and album for 2026. The star of stage and screen will embark on a 19-date tour across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Living The Dream will see Jane headline the UK’s favourite arenas and theatres. In support of the tour, Jane will release her new album Living The Dream next Spring. Recorded in Nashville at the famous Blackbird Studios, Living The Dream is Jane’s 11th studio album and presents her nod to Country unveiling her passion for the music boasting nine original songs and four stunning reworkings of Country classics, showcasing her dynamic and diverse musicality.

Starsailor

2 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026

Starsailor is an English post-britpop band, formed in Wigan. By 2009, they had four charting albums and ten Top 40 singles in the UK since 2001.

Michael Ball: Glow UK Tour

26 Aug 2026 - 29 Nov 2026

Michael Ball is Britain’s leading musical theatre star, a double Olivier Award-winning, Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist and a hugely popular radio and TV presenter. For over 40 years he has been at the top of his game, starring in musical theatre productions in the West End and on Broadway, winning critical acclaim, a devoted following and awards for his stage work and recording career. Michael’s theatre credits include Edna Turnblad in Hairspray (ENO/Coliseum), Javert in Les Misérables – The Staged Concert (Gielgud Theatre & UK / Australia Arena Tour) Anatoly in Chess (ENO/Coliseum), Mack in Mack and Mabel (Chichester/UK Tour), Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd (West End) for which he won the Olivier Award for ‘Best Actor in a Musical’, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray (Original West End Cast) for which he won the Olivier Award for ‘Best Actor in a Musical’, Kismet (English National Opera), Patience (New York City Opera), The Woman in White (West End/Broadway), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (West End), Passion, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love (West End/Broadway) and creating the role of. Marius in Les Misérables (Original West End Cast). His television credits include the Victoria Wood BBC TV film, That Day We Sang, opposite his Sweeney Todd co-star, Imelda Staunton. He regularly tours the UK as a concert artist and has sold millions of albums over the last 40 years

Charlie Puth

15 Jul 2026 - 22 Jul 2026

New Jersey pop and R&B singer-songwriter.

G4 Christmas

5 Nov 2026 - 30 Dec 2026

Gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as G4 bring glad tidings of great joy this festive season, with the return of their ‘G4 Christmas’ tour in the most awe-inspiring cathedrals, priories, minsters, halls and abbeys across the UK. Step into G4's world of vocal enchantment, as they take you on a breathtaking musical journey with beautifully-blended voices, within an idyllic sacred setting. Ignite your Christmas spirit with a sprinkling of G4’s yuletide magic. Nourish your soul with their extraordinary and unique renditions of traditional carols, sacred contemplations, classical favourites and modern festive hits including Silent Night, O Holy Night, All I Want for Christmas, Walking in the Air, When a Child is Born and The 12 Days of Christmas. With mesmerising harmonies and impeccable showmanship it’s no wonder this hotly-anticipated tour sells out year after year, where the guys leave you with chills of delight and a heart full of Christmas cheer. After the show you’ll dash, dance and prance your holly jolly way all the way home, having no doubt experienced something more precious than gold, frankincense and myrrh!

Wankernomics

2 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026

Leo Sayer

7 Oct 2026 - 15 Nov 2026

Leo Sayer: The Show Must Go On – 50th Anniversary Tour British music legend Leo Sayer will be touring the UK celebrating his 50th anniversary in music. With this performance, Leo and his band bring boundless energy, exuberance and a hit packed show to some of his favourite venues across the country. Known the world over for his army of hits which include Thunder In My Heart, Moonlighting, One Man Band, I Can’t Stop Loving You, More Than I Can Say, Have You Ever Been in Love, The Show Must Go On and the transatlantic number ones, When I Need You and You Make Me Feel Like Dancing. This is a hit packed, high energy evening not to miss

Del Amitri

9 Nov 2026 - 10 Dec 2026

Formed in the 1980s, Glasgow five-piece Del Amitri have enjoyed global chart success over the years with their hits “Always The Last to Know”, “Nothing Ever Happens”, “Roll To Me” and many more.

Alison Moyet

4 Oct 2026 - 23 Nov 2026

The tour celebrates 40 years as a solo artist as well as the release of her new album ‘KEY’ on Fri 4 Oct, which features a collection of reworked singles, fan favourites, deep cuts and two new songs. That unmistakable voice - big enough to fill a stadium and yet intimate enough to make you feel as though she’s singing just for you - has taken her on quite a journey with career highlights including two #1 albums, six Top 10 singles, two BRIT Awards and a Grammy nomination.

Illegal Eagles

27 Jun 2026 - 30 Jan 2027

The World’s Official No. 1 Eagles tribute returns for another outstanding show promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail, and incredible showmanship. This phenomenal group of musicians have been touring for over two decades and remain true Eagles fanatics! Their longevity and continued international acclaim are due in no small part to their extraordinary mastery of the Eagles’ distinctive sound. Featuring the very best from the Eagles’ repertoire including Hotel California, Take it to the Limit, Life in the Fast Lane, Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Desperado and plenty more!

Tony Hadley: Christmas Big Band Tour

7 Nov 2026 - 4 Dec 2026

Flying Music presents: Tony Hadley: The Christmas Big Band Tour 2026 The voice of the 80s returns with a swinging celebration of classic crooners and his own timeless hits. Tony Hadley returns to Glasgow this November - performing classic crooner tracks and Spandau Ballet hits mixed together with some Christmas favourites. Following the huge success of last year’s sold-out run, The Christmas Big Band Tour 2026 will see Tony return to stages across the country delivering unforgettable performances of timeless jazz standards, swing favourites and 80s anthems in his unmistakable powerhouse voice, joined by the Fabulous TH Band and full brass section. Audiences can expect classics from legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley, alongside his big band versions of True, Gold, and Through The Barricades. With The Christmas Big Band Tour, Tony brings the perfect night of classic swing and festive cheer, with a chance to soak up the glamour and enjoy a truly special evening out before Christmas. Former Spandau Ballet frontman and successful solo artist. Born in Islington, Tony Hadley was greatly inspired by the music of Frank Sinatra. When he was 17 years old, Hadley not only saw Ol’ Blue Eyes perform at London’s Royal Albert Hall, but also managed to get backstage and shake his hand. Not long after, Hadley co-founded and became the lead vocalist of Spandau Ballet. The members of the New Romantic band had all gone to school together. Spandau Ballet rose to prominence throughout the ’80s, having released eight top 10 UK albums and numerous top 10 singles including To Cut A Long Story Short, True, Gold, Only When You Leave and Through The Barricade.

Kim Wilde

26 Aug 2026 - 28 Mar 2027

Kim Wilde burst onto the music scene in 1981 with the classic Kids In America, a worldwide hit. This lead to a stunning career with over 30 million record sales spanning 12 albums and some of the most memorable hits of the 80s including Chequered Love, Cambodia, You Keep Me Hangin' On, You Came, Never Trust A Stranger and Four Letter Word. The 90s saw Kim continue to remain in the spotlight with the albums Love Moves and Love Is, featuring singles including Love Is Holy and the Bee Gee's classic If I Can't Have You from The Singles Collection 1981-1993. In 2013 Kim released the beautiful and critically acclaimed, Wilde Winter Songbook album, which featured her favourite Christmas and winter-inspired songs, both cover versions and original material. With Radio Two playing Hey Mister Snowman at Christmas, Kim played a few select Christmas shows in both the UK and Holland, which she repeated with the release of the special edition of the album the following year.

EIF: Canellakis conducts Strauss’s Elektra

23 Aug 2026 - 23 Aug 2026

Man In The Mirror

22 Jul 2026 - 21 Aug 2027

Join us for a Thriller of an evening, as we celebrate the legendary music of the KING OF POP! This is the “Man in the Mirror” – The brand new must-see, electrifying tribute concert to Michael Jackson. Starring CJ, one of the world’s greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Artists, and supported by a talented cast of performers and musicians who capture the essence of Michael Jackson's unique style and charisma like no other, in this scintillating production that will keep you on the edge of your seats. Featuring all his greatest hits you know and love, including "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal," and of course, "Man in the Mirror." Complete with dazzling choreography, stunning visual effects, light show and authentic costumes. This is the show that pays tribute to Jackson's musical legacy. So, whether you're a lifelong fan or experiencing the magic of Michael Jackson for the first time, get ready as we take you back in time, for a night like no other.

The Phantoms starring Lee Mead

16 Sept 2026 - 7 Nov 2026

In this spellbinding night of music celebrating the most beloved musicals of all time, The Phantoms take us on a magical journey through iconic shows such as Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, and of course, The Phantom of the Opera. Featuring former Phantoms direct from the West End production of “The Phantom of the Opera” alongside West End and TV star Lee Mead, the sensational cast take you on a journey through the best of the West End, Broadway, and beyond from modern day smash hits to unbeatable classics. Plus, discover how Lee Mead went from the dressing rooms of Phantom to the living rooms of the nation on his way to winning BBC’s Any Dream Will Do. With beautiful vocal arrangements, spectacular close part harmony as well as stand out performances you certainly won’t want to miss the music of THIS night!

Beyond the Barricade

2 Jul 2026 - 19 Sept 2027

Beyond the Barricade has delighted audiences throughout the UK and mainland Europe for more than a decade, with its exciting concert portrayal of the greatest songs in musical theatre, all performed totally live! Recreating original West End/Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, this cast of past principal performers from Les Misérables, present a blockbusting two hour show, and is now established as the nation’s favourite musical theatre concert. Beyond the Barricade features songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon and many others, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Misérables! Don’t miss the return of ‘Beyond the Barricade’ to experience its nationwide reputation for quality and perfection in musical theatre and find out why this exciting show has received critical acclaim across the UK and abroad.

This Shining Night

13 Aug 2026 - 13 Aug 2026

The Edinburgh Festival Chorus joins with our Rising Stars for a programme of American music from the 20th and 21st centuries. The versatile Edinburgh Festival Chorus, under the baton of Sofi Jeannin, joins forces with an ensemble of our Rising Stars for a programme celebrating the rich diversity of American choral music. Evocative hymns and love songs by Samuel Barber and Aaron Copland stand alongside powerful takes on contemporary political concerns, such as Gabriela Lena Frank’s ‘¡Chicanofóbia!’, a movement from her Jalapeño Blues. At the centre of the programme is Joel Thompson’s heartbreaking Seven Last Words of the Unarmed, settings of the final words of seven unarmed Black men before they were killed. Reena Esmail’s When the Violin offers a wordless response of sorrow. The rest of the programme is a wonderfully varied choral journey across the USA in the company of some outstanding contemporary composers, including Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw and Jeffery Ames. Relax in a beanbag for a fully immersive experience. Sung in English and Latin with English surtitles

Coleridge-Taylor’s The Song of Hiawatha

19 Aug 2026 - 19 Aug 2026

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s choral masterpiece is performed for the first time at the Festival, with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and conductor Rafael Payare. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's monumental cantata trilogy, The Song of Hiawatha (1899), became a sensation in the early 20th century, regularly selling out the Royal Albert Hall. Inspired by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem about an Ojibwe warrior, the now rarely performed piece is one of Coleridge-Taylor's greatest achievements. With colourful orchestration and imaginative choral writing, the work explores themes of celebration (Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast), mourning (The Death of Minnehaha) and transcendence (Hiawatha’s Departure). Among the memorable solo numbers are the tenor’s romantic ‘Onaway! Awake, beloved!’ and the baritone’s impassioned ‘Farewell, said he, Minnehaha’. Join the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, conductor Rafael Payare, a trio of star soloists including Scottish tenor Nicky Spence, and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus for the first Festival performance of this choral masterpiece. We have invited Uchenna Ngwe, a specialist in Black British classical music, to introduce its fascinating history. She will be joined by Anton Treuer, an Ojibwe author, professor, and public speaker. The orchestra’s second concert, Voices of Canada, features Canadian Indigenous voices and contemporary compositions - their two concerts truly in conversation with each other. with additional support from The Québec Government Office in London Sung in English with surtitles Coleridge-Taylor The Song of Hiawatha

Voices of Canada

20 Aug 2026 - 20 Aug 2026

Rediscover Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben, alongside new vocal works paying tribute to Canada’s Indigenous peoples and work by Gabriela Ortiz. In the second concert of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM), Rafael Payare invites audiences to a conversation across time with a powerful programme of music culminating in Richard Strauss’s sumptuous tone poem Ein Heldenleben. With a stirring battle episode, ardent love music and playful quotations from the composer’s earlier works, it is a musical self-portrait both mischievous and deeply moving that takes full advantage of the possibilities of a large orchestra. This monumental staple of the late Romantic period is paired with carefully selected contemporary pieces. Indigenous Canadian sopranos Emma Pennell and Elisabeth St-Gelais join the orchestra for two powerful new vocal works confronting history, memory and the lived experience of Indigenous communities in Canada today. Alongside these, Gabriela Ortiz’s cello concerto Dzonot summons an evocation of the subterranean rivers, caves and stunning wildlife of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. Ortiz, also featured in the LA Phil’s programme, described it as a ‘form of protest’ responding to our neglect of these valuable ecosystems. It was written for cello soloist Alisa Weilerstein, who plays with ‘directness and insight... technical prowess and depth of feeling’ (The Guardian). Together, they encourage audiences to approach Strauss anew, inviting questions on voice, identity, and our relationship to the natural world. Supported by Léan Scully Endowed Fund with additional support from The Québec Government Office in London

Berliner Philharmoniker: Elgar & Tchaikovsky

29 Aug 2026 - 29 Aug 2026

The Berliner Philharmoniker and Chief Conductor Kirill Petrenko open the Usher Hall series with Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony and Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations’. The Berliner Philharmoniker, described as ‘the greatest orchestra in the world’ by the LA Times, returns to the Festival after 20 years for a two-concert residency. In this first concert, the orchestra and their Chief Conductor Kirill Petrenko take on two greats of the orchestral repertoire. Edward Elgar’s much-loved 'Enigma Variations', born of an evening spent improvising at the piano, brought the composer instant success. Each of the 14 variations on an ‘enigma’ theme is an inventive character piece, cryptically alluding to one of his friends. Although, as Elgar intended, the overarching enigma has never been solved. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, written in Italy, marked a turning point in his career and the emergence of his mature musical voice. From its dark and thrilling brass opening to its exhilarating pizzicato third movement and blazing finale, the symphony spins around the theme of ‘Fate’. Supported by Goethe-Institut Glasgow

Gershwin & Bartók

10 Aug 2026 - 10 Aug 2026

Join 'some of the best young orchestral players in America' (The New York Times), in the second year of our collaboration with Carnegie Hall. The exceptional National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America performs three vibrant 20th-century masterpieces. These talented young musicians are joined by Festival regular, American conductor Karina Canellakis, praised by Gramophone for her ‘finesse and fire’. Samuel Barber’s effervescent Overture to The School for Scandal is followed by George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, which brings the energetic rhythms of jazz dances and the soulful sound of American blues into the classical arena. Virtuoso pianist Kirill Gerstein, described by Tagesspiel as ‘a real phenomenon’, joins as the soloist. The concert closes with Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra - his final, and most popular, orchestral work. The Concerto sprung from a period of darkness in Bartók’s life, while he was living in exile in the US and suffering from illness and poverty. Yet, when the conductor Serge Koussevistzky visited him in hospital to commission this piece, Bartók went on to write this alternately nostalgic, witty and joyful tribute to his native Hungary, which is now a hallmark of classical music repertoire. Supported by Dunard Fund

Berliner Philharmoniker: Closing Concert

30 Aug 2026 - 30 Aug 2026

Experience ‘the world’s greatest orchestra’ (LA Times) performing with award-winning soloist Augustin Hadelich in the closing concert of their residency. The Berliner Philharmoniker makes a long-awaited return to the Festival in this two-concert residency under Chief Conductor Kirill Petrenko. Renowned for their tone quality 'which hits you like a shot of adrenaline' (The Guardian) and their remarkable cohesion, the Berliner Philharmoniker’s players 'create uncannily evocative atmospheres' (The New York Times) in their show-stopping concerts. Ludwig van Beethoven's only violin concerto is a masterclass in intertwined symphonic and soloist sound. Yet, its 1806 premiere was not an instant hit, most likely due to the violinist sight-reading. Now, Grammy award-winning soloist Augustin Hadelich joins the orchestra to give this remarkable work its due. Next, another radical musical departure: Alexander Scriabin’s Third Symphony, ‘Le poème divin’. This ‘divine poem’ was Scriabin’s first step towards a unique modernist musical language, born from his personal philosophy of cosmic mysticism. Under Petrenko’s ‘peerless direction’, the orchestra showcases ‘a wonderful feeling of unanimity between conductor and orchestra’ (The Times). In this highly anticipated concert, the Usher Hall will resonate with the sounds of this incredible orchestra for the first time in 20 years. Supported by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Edinburgh

Mozart’s Don Giovanni

16 Aug 2026 - 16 Aug 2026

Part of the Anderson opera series Experience Mozart’s great opera of seduction, trickery and retribution. Don Giovanni is notorious throughout Europe for his insatiable appetite for women. But his luck is running out. Mozart’s magnificent opera - one of several collaborations with the writer Lorenzo da Ponte - covers one whirlwind day, as Giovanni commits murder, flees a determined ex-lover and faces a supernatural visitor. The alternately witty and profound score is one of Mozart’s finest. Its highlights include heartfelt solos for the wronged female characters, knockabout scenes for Giovanni and his hapless servant Leporello, and the arrival of the ghostly Commendatore - one of the greatest moments in all opera. Maxim Emelyanychev conducts the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus and a brilliant cast in the fourth of their acclaimed series of Mozart operas in concert at the Festival. The Anderson Opera Series, made possible by James and Morag Anderson, allows the Festival to bring internationally acclaimed opera to Edinburgh and ensures these unmissable performances remain accessible to the widest possible audience. Sung in Italian with English surtitles

Colin Currie Group plays Steve Reich

28 Aug 2026 - 28 Aug 2026

The experts in Steve Reich’s minimalist music celebrate more than half a century of his work. Pioneer of minimalism, Steve Reich is a living legend in contemporary classical music. Colin Currie - ‘the world’s finest and most daring percussionist’ (Spectator) formed his hand-picked ensemble expressly to explore Reich’s music. Currie returns to the Festival after his thrilling 2025 concert with the King’s Singers, to celebrate more than half of a century of Reich’s work. The diverse programme ranges from the iconic Clapping Music (1972), based on traditional West African rhythmic patterns, to the larger-scale Radio Rewrite (2012), inspired by two songs by Radiohead. Other treats include the vibrant Quartet (2014), written for the Colin Currie Group, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Double Sextet (2007). The ensemble’s performances have been described as ‘technically impeccable and musically overwhelming’ (The Guardian) and ‘the musical equivalent of a high-wire act’ (The Telegraph). It‘s no wonder that Reich has chosen them to perform the world premiere of Festival co-commission In All Your Ways.

Jordi Savall: A Sea of Music

25 Aug 2026 - 25 Aug 2026

Journey through music from Europe, Africa and the Americas, from the Baroque period and beyond. Jordi Savall has dedicated decades to the rediscovery and appreciation of early music, and his many accolades now include the 2026 Ernst von Siemens Music Prize (often called the Nobel Prize of Music), recognising a lifetime of outstanding contributions. He returns to the Festival after previous performances with his versatile Hespèrion XXI ensemble. Hespèrion XXI is known for pioneering interpretations of repertoire from the medieval to the Baroque periods. They join Jordi Savall’s Catalan singers, La Capella Reial de Catalunya, and Mexican trio, Tembembe Ensamble Continuo, to connect musical languages and influences across Europe, Africa and the Americas. The ‘sea of music’ honours the millions of victims of the global slave trade and speaks to the cultural legacy of migration and diaspora that shapes our world today. The programme explores Mexican and Spanish repertoire from the Baroque period and expands outwards to embrace music from the 15th to 19th centuries. Supported by the Embassy of Spain in London

Víkingur Ólafsson plays Bach & Beethoven

22 Aug 2026 - 22 Aug 2026

Grammy Award-winning pianist Víkingur Ólafsson performs Bach keyboard pieces and Beethoven sonatas. Grammy Award-winning pianist Víkingur Ólafsson has described Johann Sebastian Bach as ‘the musical love of my life’. His dedication to the composer’s works led him to embark on an epic tour in 2023, performing Bach’s Goldberg Variations almost 100 times. Now, he intersperses a selection of Johann Sebastian Bach’s keyboard compositions with music by Bach's admirer Ludwig van Beethoven. The Bach works he’s chosen include the expansive Partita BWV 830, inspired by French and Italian dances. Beethoven is represented by two of his late, great sonatas. Opus 90 is alternately fiery and reflective, while Opus 109 features one of Beethoven’s greatest finales: six variations on an exquisite song-like theme. Ólafsson’s recording of this sonata was recently described by The Guardian as ‘one of the most purely beautiful accounts on record’. Supported by Scobie Dickinson Ward

Alisa Weilerstein plays the Cello Suites

22 Aug 2026 - 22 Aug 2026

Alisa Weilerstein performs the feat of playing all six of JS Bach’s dance-inspired Cello Suites. American cellist Alisa Weilerstein describes a complete performance of the suites as ‘a kind of shared spiritual experience... they go straight to the head and the heart’ (Gramophone). Her 2020 Cello Suites recording was praised by The Guardian for its ‘sunlit clarity’. Johann Sebastian Bach composed his six Cello Suites during an especially happy period of his career. After his death they faded into obscurity - until their rediscovery in the 1900s by the virtuoso cellist Pablo Casals. They are now considered among the greatest works for the instrument. All six draw on Baroque dance forms, including the courtly Allemande, the lively Courante, the stately Sarabande and the spirited Gigue. But each suite has its own distinct character. Together, they encompass optimism, sorrow and transcendent jubilation. Supported by Scobie Dickinson Ward

Opening Concert: All Rise

8 Aug 2026 - 8 Aug 2026

Start your Festival with this resplendent jazz symphony embodying the human condition from Jazz at Lincoln Center and its Musical Director, Wynton Marsalis. Wynton Marsalis’s magnificent work, All Rise, is the inspiration behind this year’s Festival theme. This massive jazz symphony in 12 movements, a tribute to the 12-bar blues, blends musical influences from around the world in a full-blooded expression of the human condition. It traces a journey from birth, play and self-discovery, through pain and sacrifice, to maturity and joy. Teeming with the multiplicity, contradiction and surprise which life brings us, the music swings from juba to blues, via a New Orleans funeral and the rhythms of a train, to classical and jazz, in an exhilarating conversation. Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra join forces with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and Jason Max Ferdinand Singers - all under the baton of the renowned James Gaffigan. With over 200 performers on stage, this glorious ‘thunder’ of a work is a monumental opening to our Usher Hall series. Arrive early to enjoy pop-up performances and refreshments. Supported by Sheila Colvin Sung in English with surtitles

Strauss’s Elektra

23 Aug 2026 - 23 Aug 2026

Part of the Anderson opera series Greek tragedy meets modern psychology in Richard Strauss’s audacious opera. Elektra is determined to avenge the murder of her father Agamemnon by her mother Klytämnestra - but will Klytämnestra destroy her first? Strauss evokes his characters’ larger-than-life emotions through massive orchestral forces and daring harmonies. Wild, violent episodes such as the epic confrontation between Elektra and her mother contrast with moments of exquisite tenderness, as when Agamemnon’s son Orest returns to this most dysfunctional of family homes. Karina Canellakis - noted for her impressive ‘command of large-scale musical architecture’ (The Guardian) - conducts the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and an outstanding cast. Leading dramatic sopranos Iréne Theorin and Nina Stemme perform the virtuoso roles of Elektra and Klytämnestra. The Anderson Opera Series, made possible by James and Morag Anderson, allows the Festival to bring internationally acclaimed opera to Edinburgh and ensures these unmissable performances remain accessible to the widest possible audience with additional support from the Embassy of Sweden in London Sung in German with English surtitles

JLCO plays Duke Ellington

11 Aug 2026 - 11 Aug 2026

A rare opportunity to experience Duke Ellington’s monumental jazz symphony, Black, Brown and Beige. Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown and Beige weaves the sounds of blues, spirituals and work songs into a suite for jazz orchestra. Ellington, troubled by clichéd representations of Black culture, felt it was ‘time a big piece was written from the inside’. His ambitious suite gives a powerful account of Black life in America, from slavery, through emancipation, segregation and military service, to a new era of prosperity and cultural assertiveness. In the years since its 1943 premiere, Black, Brown and Beige has been hailed as a remarkable musical and political statement. Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra recently released a definitive recording of the work. JLCO trombonist Chris Crenshaw conducts and Ekep Nkwelle joins to sing the haunting, melancholy ‘Blues theme mauve’. The orchestra is also joined by emerging stars of the American jazz scene, who will curate a surprise programme to complement Ellington’s masterpiece. Sung in English with surtitles

JLCO with Yuja Wang

12 Aug 2026 - 12 Aug 2026

World premiere A world exclusive collaboration between classical superstar pianist Yuja Wang and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. An Edinburgh International Festival commission, this is a unique opportunity to experience star pianist Yuja Wang performing with these titans of jazz. Discover a programme of pieces selected by Wang and Wynton Marsalis, Artistic Director and founder of JLCO. These pieces have been specially arranged for Wang’s charismatic artistry to combine with the jazz orchestra’s infectious spontaneity and flair. Please note: the 6pm performance is now on limited availability. There is still good availability for tickets for 9pm performance. Selection of works to be announced

Beethoven 6 & Adès

15 Aug 2026 - 15 Aug 2026

The LA Phil and conductor Gustavo Dudamel contrast Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ symphony with Thomas Adès’s Dante. The LA Phil returns to the Festival with their superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel after their 2019 Festival performance triumphantly filled out Tynecastle Stadium. Both a classical and pop-culture phenomenon, Dudamel was the first classical artist to perform in the Super Bowl half-time show. With the orchestra itself being described as ‘the most important orchestra in America’ by the New York Times, together with Dudamel they make an unstoppable, Grammy Award-winning partnership. ‘No man on earth can love the country as I do’, declared Ludwig van Beethoven. And he put his love into music in his joyous ‘Pastoral’ Symphony. His celebration of nature features evocations of birdsong, a babbling brook and a timpani thunderstorm, and closes with a radiant hymn of thanksgiving. Thomas Adès’s Inferno is very different: an alternately terrifying and comic journey through Hell, as envisaged by the great Renaissance poet Dante in The Divine Comedy. Adès’s musical sound-painting is equally vibrant, from the fiery first movement which won the LA Phil a Grammy, to the slapstick dance depicting thieves devoured by reptiles. This is Dudamel’s 17th year as the LA Phil’s Music and Artistic Director - don’t miss the chance to experience their legendary partnership live. Supported by Dunard Fund

Family Concert

16 Aug 2026 - 16 Aug 2026

Discover the magic of classical music in this joyful concert for children and their grown-ups. A perfect introduction to the excitement of the concert hall, our Family Concert welcomes children and their grown-ups to hear not one, but two orchestras playing together. The LA Phil’s youth orchestra, YOLA, joins with Scotland’s Big Noise and superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel for a selection of high-spirited classical pieces. Cellist and music educator David Munn welcomes you to the concert, introduces the musicians and brings you closer to the magic of live music. This performance is intended for families with young children aged 7-11, but people who will benefit from a relaxed environment are also welcome to attend. Supported by Dunard Fund

Beethoven 7 & Ortiz

14 Aug 2026 - 14 Aug 2026

Join the LA Phil, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and singers from the Los Angeles Master Chorale for a feast of sonic beauty. The Grammy Award-winning partnership of Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil and singers from the ‘perennially superb’ (New Yorker) Los Angeles Master Chorale for the first concert of their International Festival residency, filled with rhythmic vitality and sonic beauty. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is irresistible, from the dignified and passionate theme of the second movement (a beloved choice for film soundtracks including The King’s Speech) to the sweep-you-off-your-feet melody of the finale. Dudamel has stated: ‘Gabriela Ortiz’s music speaks to both the body and the spirit, full of visceral primal rhythms and mysterious, soul-searching melodies’. Her glittering ballet score Revolución diamantina (Glitter Revolution) - inspired by Mexican feminist protests against state violence towards women - is a powerful and celebratory work. Ortiz, also featured in Voices of Canada, plays on repetition to evoke the tenacity and relentless pursuit needed to enact change. The LA Phil performs the UK/Scottish premiere of this piece, which they premiered in 2023. This is Dudamel’s 17th year as the LA Phil’s Music and Artistic Director - don’t miss the chance to experience their legendary partnership live. Supported by Dunard Fund with additional support for this concert from Edinburgh Napier University Sung in Spanish with English surtitles

The Golden Age of Hollywood

24 Aug 2026 - 25 Aug 2026

The Sinfonia of London and conductor John Wilson take you on a glorious journey through the hits of classic Hollywood musicals. The allure of 1930s Hollywood enticed artists and audiences with the promise of glamour, optimism and escape. At its glittering heart was the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio, whose films remain central to American popular culture. The entire MGM music library was destroyed in 1969 and conductor John Wilson has devoted over 30 years to restoring the original orchestrations from the films. Now, he leads the Sinfonia of London, described as ‘one of the finest orchestras in the world’ (The Guardian), through music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers. From Over the Rainbow and Singin’ in the Rain to I Got Rhythm and The Lady Is a Tramp, these iconic songs shine anew. West End star Louise Dearman and acclaimed big band vocalist Matt Ford perform classics made famous by Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Whether you come in your finery and enjoy a glass of fizz for the lavish evening concert, or relax in the more informal atmosphere of our beanbag arrangement the following morning, this will be a treat. Programme includes music from The Wizard of Oz, Anything Goes, Singin' in the Rain, High Society, An American in Paris & Gigi

EIF: Brass Fanfare - A Tribute to John Wallace

13 Aug 2026 - 13 Aug 2026

Join brass players from across Scotland in tribute to inspirational trumpeter, composer and educator John Wallace. Brass players from three of Scotland’s top orchestras join forces with The Wallace Collection ensemble, as well as young players from RCS Junior Conservatoire and StAMP, in tribute to late Scottish trumpeter John Wallace. Dedicating his life to music education, Wallace was principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for 12 years. He advocated for free instrumental tuition across Scotland, while continuing to perform in The Wallace Collection, which he founded in 1986. The concert includes two movements from his Symphony for Brass Band. In this large-scale work - fifty years in the making - Wallace pays tribute to the landscape and history of his native Fife and some of the memorable characters he encountered there. Also on the programme is Elgar Howarth’s brilliant 1977 arrangement for brass and percussion of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Mussorgsky based each movement on an artwork by his friend Viktor Hartmann, vividly depicting both real and fairytale subjects from a bustling French market to the imposing Great Gate of Kyiv. Supported by Brenda Rennie Programme includes: John Wallace 'Methilhill Scherzo' & 'Dunsire Street Rag' from Symphony Mussorgsky arr. Howarth Pictures at an Exhibition Bendinelli Sonata No.336

Mahler’s Das klagende Lied

27 Aug 2026 - 27 Aug 2026

Seize a rare chance to hear Gustav Mahler’s epic cantata Das klagende Lied (The Song of Lamentation). The Edinburgh Festival Chorus performs with a team of first-rate soloists and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of their former Chief Conductor Donald Runnicles, who is credited as making the orchestra sound ‘explosively alert’ (The Scotsman). Mahler's Das klagende Lied is inspired by two chilling German fairytales and explores themes of fratricide and ghostly revenge. A jealous man murders his younger brother. When a wandering minstrel makes one of the victim’s bones into a flute, it sings the tale of the crime - with cataclysmic consequences. Mahler’s score anticipates his later great symphonies in its colourful orchestration and melodic beauty. Highlights include vivid depictions of idyllic woodland and a lively wedding feast, plangent lyrical solos and choral writing full of drama. Supported by Pirie Rankin Endowed Fund Sung in German with English surtitles

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.5

8 Nov 2026 - 8 Nov 2026

BBC SSO Christmas at the Movies

20 Dec 2026 - 21 Dec 2026

The BBC SSO brings blockbuster hits to life in a dazzlingly festive celebration of cinematic sound. With soaring melodies, pulse-pounding rhythms and singer Jamie MacDougall adding a touch of star power, the City Halls is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. A night of nostalgia and toe-tapping fun-perfect for all ages. Get your Santa hat or sparkly top at the ready! Please note that the BBC SSO presents not one but two Christmas concerts at City Halls - Christmas Classics, and Christmas at the Movies.

BBC SSO Holst's The Planets

4 Mar 2027 - 7 Mar 2027

British music is wilder than you think. For Gustav Holst, inspiration could come from the primal landscape of a Dorset heath, filtered through the imagination of Thomas Hardy. Or it could stretch beyond the solar system; discovering ancient myths and wondrous visions in the dance of the planets. And great tunes too - there’s a reason why Holst’s spectacular “symphonic suite” is one of the most beloved British classics, though if all you know of it is Jupiter or Mars, you’re in for a revelation. Ryan Wigglesworth guides us from Wessex to infinity, and joins Laura van der Heijden in Walton’s luminous Cello Concerto, her remarkable calling card since winning the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year 2012 - music written on Mediterranean shores and drenched in bittersweet song.

Mozart's Requiem with BBC Singers & Eric Whitacre

9 May 2027 - 9 May 2027

Wet Wet Wet

7 Feb 2027 - 29 Oct 2027

Released in 1987, Popped In Souled Out was the album that introduced Wet Wet Wet to not only a national audience, but a global one too. It reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart and featured the hit singles “Wishing I Was Lucky”, “Sweet Little Mystery”, “Angel Eyes” and “Temptation”. The record went multi-platinum in […]

Korngold's Violin Concerto

4 Feb 2027 - 7 Feb 2027

New worlds, new wonders. At the threshold of the twentieth century, Debussy dreamed of a realm of pure poetry, in a Prélude whose sensuality and warmth sent shivers of unexpected pleasure through western music. But as the century unfolded, countless composers were forced into exile in America: embracing (or resisting) the rhythms of jazz, the energy of modern life and the lush sounds of Hollywood. Today, Principal Guest Conductor Delyana Lazarova presents two great songs of exile and nostalgia. Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony glimmers with passion, yet conceals a profound sense of loss. And Korngold’s Violin Concerto dreams of Vienna under blue Californian skies: a stunning showcase for the “gorgeous, silvery” tone (The Times) of violinist Liya Petrova.

The Elephant Sessions

4 Aug 2026 - 20 Dec 2026

Award-winning indie-folk band from the Highlands of Scotland.

Come and Sing Bach Chorales

22 Aug 2026 - 22 Aug 2026

Join us for a day of shared music-making, where you’ll learn and perform chorales from JS Bach's St Matthew & St John Passions. Experience the power of singing and performing as a group, in the second year of our Come and Sing events. Together, you’ll learn and perform chorales from Johann Sebastian Bach's St Matthew & St John Passions, with organ accompaniment from Michael Bawtree. In the morning workshop, Edinburgh Festival Chorus Director James Grossmith will guide you through the score, which you’ll receive in advance. In the afternoon, you’ll perform in a sharing for family and friends, filling the hall with the sound of your collective voices. This free workshop is for those who can read music. Please note: we have reached capacity for soprano and alto voices. You are still encouraged to complete the application form and will be placed on a waiting list and contacted if a space becomes available. Supported by Scobie Dickinson Ward Chorales from Bach's St Matthew & St John Passions Sung in German with English surtitles

Shed Seven

23 Oct 2026 - 13 Dec 2026

Indie superstars Shed Seven can boast four Top 20 albums and fifteen Top 40 singles. The band from York burst on to the Britpop scene in 1994 and quickly shot to fame. Their hits include Disco Down, Chasing Rainbows and Going For Gold. Shed Seven is made up of drummer Alan Leach, guitarists Joe Johnson and Paul Banks, lead vocals from Rick Witter and Tom Gladwin on bass.

Tindersticks

4 May 2027 - 6 May 2027

Tindersticks are an English alternative rock band formed in Nottingham in 1991. They released six albums before singer Stuart A. Staples embarked on a solo career. The band reunited briefly in 2006 and more permanently the following year.

Jinkx Monsoon: Speaking Of Witch

3 Jul 2026 - 16 Jul 2026

Jinkx Monsoon is a two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, acclaimed actor, comedian and recording artist whose career has expanded from cult cabaret stages to major theatre and television.

Berlioz Symphonie fantastique

23 Sept 2026 - 25 Sept 2026

We launch our 2026/27 Season with a celebration of Berlioz, a true musical trailblazer. Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev brings his flair and imagination to a programme full of drama and colour. Our journey begins with Harold in Italy, Berlioz’s poetic response to Byron’s wanderer. The viola becomes the voice of a restless soul, guided by Timothy Ridout, one of today’s most compelling violists. We then perform Symphonie fantastique, Berlioz’s revolutionary masterpiece. From tender dreams to hallucinatory visions of passion and the macabre, this is music that changed everything – brought vividly to life by Maxim and the SCO. Kindly supported by Donald and Louise MacDonald

Bach St Matthew Passion

1 Oct 2026 - 2 Oct 2026

To mark 300 years since its first performance, we present Bach’s St Matthew Passion — a towering work at the heart of our 2026/27 Season. Conducted by Maxim Emelyanychev, this profound retelling of the Passion story brings together the SCO, SCO Chorus and choristers from St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral. Kindly supported by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Foundation

Max Richter

22 Oct 2026 - 23 Oct 2026

Max Richter - Opus 2020 Philip Glass - Company John Adams - The Chairman Dances Max Richter - Recomposed: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons David Brophy - conductor Mari Samuelsen - violin/director Chris Ekers - sound Few composers have reshaped contemporary classical music like Max Richter. His work blends minimalism, electronica and cinematic sound to create music that feels both intimate and expansive. This programme opens with Richter’s Opus 2020, a reflective piece shaped by themes of memory and time. Glass’ Company follows with clear textures and pulsing rhythms, before Adams’ The Chairman Dances brings lively, jazz‑inflected energy. The concert ends with Richter’s Recomposed: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons, a fresh reimagining of the original. Mari Samuelsen leads the performance with vivid, expressive insight.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason plays Haydn

12 Nov 2026 - 12 Nov 2026

- JAY CAPPERAULD Sinfonietta, for SCO & SCO Academy (World Premiere) - HAYDN Cello Concerto No.1 - BEETHOVEN Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’ - Andrew Manze - conductor - Sheku Kanneh-Mason - cello - SCO Academy Expect bold ideas, youthful energy and exceptional talent in a concert that brings generations together. Sheku Kanneh-Mason makes his SCO debut performing Haydn’s much‑loved First Cello Concerto, a showcase for his expressive brilliance. The programme opens with a world premiere by SCO Associate Composer Jay Capperauld, written with the young musicians of SCO Academy. The evening ends with Beethoven’s monumental Eroica Symphony, a revolutionary work that shaped the future of classical music. Kindly supported by Anne, Tom and Natalie Usher Commissioned by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

The Magic of Mendelssohn with Sir Stephen Hough

26 Nov 2026 - 27 Nov 2026

MENDELSSOHN Piano Concerto No.1 Symphony No.2 ̒Lobgesang’ - Maxim Emelyanychev - conductor - Sir Stephen Hough - piano - Carolyn Sampson - soprano - Emma Morwood - soprano - Thomas Walker - tenor - SCO Chorus - Gregory Batsleer - chorus director Enjoy an evening of Romantic intensity as the SCO celebrates the music of Felix Mendelssohn. Sir Stephen Hough brings elegance and finesse to the Piano Concerto No.1, a work full of youthful energy and lyrical charm. The programme continues with Symphony No.2, ‘Lobgesang’, a fusion of orchestra, chorus and solo voices. Rich in melody and expressive depth, the music rises from a noble opening to an uplifting choral finale. Maxim Emelyanychev leads the SCO and SCO Chorus with three exceptional soloists.

Björn Again

27 Aug 2026 - 11 Apr 2027

Björn Again. The original Australian ABBA Homage has amassed over 5,800 shows in 78 countries in 39 years. Rod Stephen had previously been working in metallurgical research when at the age of 29 and inspired by legendary New Zealand band Split Enz’s musicianship and theatrics opted for a career change to create a new concept by revisiting the music and fashion of the 1970s. Rod had originally considered basing a nostalgic show on one of three all time top bands, The Beatles, Queen and ABBA but believing that the latter globally encapsulated all that was good (and maybe some not so good?) about the 1970s decided ABBA was ideal to focus his efforts on. After countless auditions and months of rehearsals and studying music and videos all Rod then needed was to devise a great show format to go with the name…and then the BJÖRN AGAIN show was ready to rock and roll !!! Having been acknowledged by BJÖRN ULVAEUS as being the show that single-handedly initiated the ABBA revival in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the BJÖRN AGAIN show is hailed as the most popular and successful show of its type.

Viennese New Year

1 Jan 2027 - 5 Jan 2027

Programme to include: J STRAUSS II Overture, Die Fledermaus Die Fledermaus: Mein Herr Marquis Thunder and Lightening Polka Roses from the South Blue Danube Waltz GOUNOD Roméo et Juliette: Je veux vivre LUMBYE Kopenhagener Eisenbahn-Dampf Galopp R STRAUSS Amor Nil Venditti - conductor Jennifer France - soprano Step into the elegance of a Viennese ballroom as we welcome the New Year in style. This annual celebration is filled with music that dances with life and lifts the spirits. Expect sweeping melodies, sparkling rhythms and the charm of Vienna’s golden age.

A Celebration of Schubert

11 Feb 2027 - 12 Feb 2027

SCHUBERT Symphony No.8 in B minor 'Unfinished‘ SCHUBERT Mass in E-flat Raphaël Pichon - conductor Lucy Crowe - soprano Jennifer Johnston - mezzo soprano Kieran Carrel - tenor Robin Tritschler - tenor Samuel Hasselhorn - baritone SCO Chorus Gregory Batsleer - chorus director Renowned for his imaginative programming, Raphaël Pichon makes his SCO debut in this celebration of Schubert’s enduring legacy. The concert opens with Symphony No.8, the Unfinished, a masterpiece of lyrical intensity and haunting contrasts. The programme culminates in the Mass in E‑flat, one of Schubert’s ambitious sacred works. Rich in colour and drama, it combines soaring choral writing with moments of intimate devotion, brought to life by the SCO Chorus and an exceptional cast of soloists. Kindly supported by Claire and Mark Urquhart

Killer Queen

28 Nov 2026 - 9 Jan 2027

A Tribute to Queen Killer Queen have been performing their tribute to Queen’s concert since 1993. Their expert musicianship, extraordinary energy and accurate portrayal of the world’s greatest live band have rightfully earned them the title of Queen tribute royalty. Thrilling sell-out audiences across the globe from the UK to Moscow and in 2016/17 their first tours of the USA. Killer Queen recreates the high energy, powerful phenomenon that was Queen live.

The Twilight Sad

6 Dec 2026 - 6 Dec 2026

From their unassuming origins as a group of school friends drawn together by a shared passion for music to the global touring force they have quietly become, The Twilight Sad’s ascent has been forged the old way with grit, graft and four exceptional studio albums. Forged in Kilsyth and honed while touring with idols, The Cure, they describe their bold, dark sound as “folk with layers of noise” and their gigs have an electrifying, intensely moody vibe. Founded by vocalist James Graham and guitarist Andy MacFarlane, and now embracing Johnny Docherty (bass), Brendan Smith (keyboards) and Sebastien Schultz (drums), they describe fifth album It Won’t Be Like This All the Time as a “raw and dynamic take on the stuff of life”.

Rick Wakeman: The Wizard of Prog

6 Dec 2026 - 12 Mar 2027

Rick Wakeman: The Wizard of Prog brings his Ultimate Highlights Concert Tour feat The English Rock Ensemble! Classically trained keyboardist extraordinaire who plied his trade with Yes and developed his own brand of live spectacular in a solo act.

Beethoven Violin Concerto

11 Mar 2027 - 13 Mar 2027

Haydn Symphony No.103 in E-Flat ‘drum Roll’ Beethoven Violin Concerto Pekka Kuusisto - director/violin We join forces again with Pekka Kuusisto, who performs and directs a programme rich in invention and charm. The evening opens with Haydn’s much‑loved Drum Roll Symphony, from its dramatic timpani opening to its playful finale, showing Haydn at his most imaginative. Beethoven’s Violin Concerto then takes centre stage — one of the greatest works written for the instrument. Expansive and poetic, it sings with warmth and humanity, offering a profound dialogue between soloist and orchestra. In Pekka Kuusisto’s hands, expect a performance full of colour, spontaneity and emotional depth. Pekka Kuusisto Visiting Artist Chair kindly supported by The Honorary Consulate of Finland, Edinburgh & Glasgow.

Beethoven's Missa Solemnis

29 Apr 2027 - 30 Apr 2027

Beethoven Missa Solemnis Andrew Manze - conductor Carolyn Sampson - soprano Jennifer Johnston - mezzo soprano Andrew Staples - tenor Roderick Williams - baritone SCO Chorus Gregory Batsleer - chorus director Beethoven considered his Missa Solemnis one of his greatest achievements, a work of profound spiritual and musical ambition. Conducted by Andrew Manze, this performance brings together the SCO Chorus, a cast of acclaimed soloists and the full orchestra for a rare opportunity to hear Beethoven’s monumental setting of the Mass. Written during the same period as the Ninth Symphony, the Missa Solemnis blends dramatic intensity with moments of deep introspection, pushing the boundaries of choral and orchestral writing.

Brahms Double Concerto

12 May 2027 - 14 May 2027

Weber Overture, Oberon Brahms Double Concerto Schumann Symphony No.3 ‘Rhenish’ Maxim Emelyanychev - conductor Nicola Benedetti - violin Philip Higham - cello To close the Season, we invite you to an evening centred on one of the jewels of the Romantic repertoire: Brahms’ Double Concerto, a work of sweeping grandeur and intimate dialogue between violin and cello. Nicola Benedetti, a long‑time SCO collaborator, joins the SCO’s Principal Cello Philip Higham in a partnership that promises musical drama and elegance. The programme begins with Weber’s enchanting Oberon Overture and concludes with Schumann’s radiant Symphony No.3, a work full of warmth and vitality.

NYCOS 30th Anniversary Gala Concert: Carmina Burana

13 Sept 2026 - 13 Sept 2026

The Dubliners Encore

29 Jan 2027 - 13 Nov 2027

The Dubliners Encore is the official stage show celebrating the greatest folk band of all time. Produced by The Dubliners’ John Sheahan; renowned fiddle player and legendary Irish icon, this new show packs 50 years of songs, stories, and craic, into one unforgettable night. Rediscover the original bad boys of Irish music - the beards, the ballads, and the band that put Ireland on the world stage. This hugely talented cast captures the magic of The Dubliners singing all their hits, including The Wild Rover, Seven Drunken Nights, The Black Velvet Band, Whiskey in the Jar and The Irish Rover. Be a part of the ultimate Irish sing-along. This music extravaganza will have you singing your heart out and dancing your cares away long after the lights have dimmed.

The Legend of Korra in Concert

31 Jan 2027 - 4 Feb 2027

Enjoy a special orchestral celebration of The Legend of Korra, the acclaimed sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender. Fans are invited to experience Korra's world through a live symphonic performance synchronized with HD projections of memorable scenes from the series. The story’s dynamic action and emotional storytelling merge with a score featuring classical orchestration and jazz, electronic, and world music influences. Emmy Award-winning composer Jeremy Zuckerman's genre-defying compositions reflect the series' more modern setting and complex themes. “The music of The Legend of Korra explores a very different emotional and musical landscape than Avatar: The Last Airbender, blending orchestral, jazz, and electronic influences to reflect Korra’s more modern world. Hearing that score performed live brings a new level of energy to the music and allows audiences to experience the story in a completely different way.” - Jeremy Zuckerman Running for four seasons (52 episodes) The Legend of Korra follows a powerful young hero as she strives to live up to the legacy of her predecessor Avatar Aang while using her mastery of all four elements to confront political and spiritual unrest in a modernizing world. Since its debut, The Legend of Korra has remained a favourite among fans of the Avatar Legends universe, expanding the franchise with new characters and deeper mythology. With global interest in the Avatar franchise reignited by the Netflix live-action series and Avatar Studios' upcoming animated films and series, The Legend of Korra in Concert arrives in time to capture a new wave of excitement and nostalgia. The Legend of Korra in Concert comes from the producers of global touring sensations Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert and Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert - The 20th Anniversary Tour, which together have sold more than a half million tickets across more than 25 countries, and established the franchise as one of the most successful live-to-film, animated concert tours in the world. The new tour coincides with the 15th anniversary of The Legend of Korra, which premiered on Nickelodeon in 2012.

Sonic Live in Concert

30 Sept 2026 - 20 Feb 2027

Celebrate 35 years of one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time: Sonic the Hedgehog. This new in concert experience brings together, live on stage, the most iconic music and incredible moments of the beloved Sonic video games. A live ensemble, rock musicians, electronics, and vocalists will perform an array of the incredible and defining songs from throughout the games as well as instrumental renditions of fan favourites from the Genesis era to now as they accompany the most exciting moments from across the games. From Green Hill Zone to "Undefeatable," there's no better way to celebrate Sonic's rich history. Audiences can expect musical Easter eggs woven into the arrangements and an electrifying production, adding an extra layer of discovery that brings Sonic’s world vividly to life on stage. The concert also highlights the creative legacy behind Sonic's music from legendary composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has helped define Sonic's sound across generations. This is a must-see show for Sonic fans!

Defying Gravity - West End Women

14 Feb 2027 - 4 Mar 2027

Defying Gravity - West End Women is a celebration of women who have made their mark on the West End Stage. Featuring the best loved songs from the West End and Broadway, performed by a cast of incredible vocalists and an all female band, this is a must-see for anyone who loves musical theatre. Starring Sharon Sexton (Bat Out of Hell, Mamma Mia, Billy Elliot), Michelle Pentecost (Wicked, Wonderland, Evita), Maggie Lynne (Wicked, Hairspray, Grease) and Tasha Sheridan (School of Rock, Mamma Mia, Carousel) alongside musical director Ellie Verkerk (SIX, The Color Purple). With songs from Wicked, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Waitress and more, join us for an unforgettable evening of stunning vocals, backstage anecdotes and fascinating insights into the world of our West End Women. Cast subject to change.

DMA's

1 Feb 2027 - 19 Feb 2027

Big hooks and choruses from the Australian three-piece. Formed in 2012, the band consists of Tommy O'Dell, Matt Mason and Johnny Took, who had been playing music together for several years before taking on the project. Since then, they have amassed a huge international following, putting out at total of three studio albums to date.

Music

Orchestra

Rock & Pop

London Symphonic Rock Orchestra

5 Nov 2026 - 25 Mar 2027

Boundary breaking pioneers fusing the omnipotent power of the orchestra with innovative technology and the raucous rebellion of rock, London Symphonic Rock Orchestra deliver iconic rock hits in the most spectacular way. A collective of 12 classically trained artists brought together by their love of rock music and immense talent, the LSRO formed in 2018 and have been wowing audiences ever since. LSRO have collaborated and performed with many artists including the Trevor Horn Band and Queen Machine and have played more than 200 shows to over 400,000 fans! Adorned in the guise of rock warriors, LSRO perform whilst immersed in a candlelit fantasy forest. The atmosphere is electric, the musicians are mesmerising and the supersonic, 100% live, wall of sound they create leaves the audience instantly captivated. Expect reimagined classic hits from: AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, Motörhead, Foo Fighters, Rage Against The Machine, System Of A Down and many more.

The Runrig Experience

16 Jan 2027 - 21 Jan 2027

Join The Runrig Experience on the final leg of their ‘All Roads Lead North Tour’ celebrating the greatest Scottish band of all time. Expect all the hits including Every River, Protect & Survive, Alba, The Story and of course Loch Lomond.

Roger Taylor

21 Sept 2026 - 29 Sept 2026

Performing with his powerhouse live band for his only UK dates of 2026, Roger will deliver an unforgettable night spanning new material, solo favourites and the unmistakable energy that has made him one of rock’s most iconic performers. With a career that has shaped the sound of modern music for more than five decades, this is a rare opportunity to witness a true rock legend live in an intimate setting. Expect huge moments, world-class musicianship and the raw energy only Roger Taylor can deliver. Tickets are expected to sell fast.

The Classic Rock Show

29 Aug 2026 - 21 Feb 2027

‘The Classic Rock Fan’s Ultimate Live Juke Box!’ From AC/DC to ZZ Top and everything in between, including Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, Queen, The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Meatloaf plus much much more. Anthem after anthem, riff after riff, solo after solo, ‘The Classic Rock Show’ brings the original recordings back to life on stage; with a huge sound and light show to match. Culminating in a show-stopping guitar duel that is definitely not to be missed.

Dianne and Vito

1 Apr 2027 - 18 Apr 2027

After whirlwind seasons on and off the dance floor, Strictly Come Dancing winners Dianne and Vito are heading back on tour with a spectacular new show - bigger, bolder and more exhilarating than ever. Back in Business explodes with the passion, personality and electric chemistry that have made this dynamic duo audience favourites. A dazzling celebration of dance, music and laughter, the show reunites two of the UKs most magnetic performers for a night packed with breathtaking choreography, playful comedy and irresistible charm, not to mention the genuine chemistry you only get when best friends share the stage. From fiery Latin to timeless ballroom - and everything in between - every routine bursts with style, storytelling and emotion. Created by Dianne and Vito alongside world-class choreographers and a visionary artistic team, this spectacular production delivers show-stopping moments, sensational creativity and stories that linger long after the final curtain. Touring theatres nationwide as part of a major 2027 UK tour, Back in Business promises glamour, rhythm and pure joy in one unforgettable evening. Book your tickets now and experience Dianne and Vito back where they belong - centre stage!

Bay City Rollers

31 Jul 2026 - 18 Nov 2027

Journey back in time to those carefree days of the 70’s when Scotland’s original boyband ruled the charts. Selling over 300 million albums worldwide, the Bay City Rollers attracted fans of all ages and a phenomenon known as Rollermania swept across the globe. Tartan clad fans in the UK and other parts of Europe were soon joined by throngs of devoted fans in Australia, Canada, USA and Japan. Now, Bay City Roller legend, Stuart “Woody” Wood, has brought together a powerful group of talented musicians who embody the same essence of the original band that the world knew and loved. Backed by incredible musical resumes, this group has taken what it means to be a Bay City Roller to heart and their excitement is infectious. The current Bay City Rollers are Ian Thomson on lead vocals and guitar, John McLaughlin on vocals and keys, Mikey Smith on bass guitar, Jamie McGrory on drums and Woody on guitar.

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