Name: EIF: Bernstein & Stravinsky
Start: 2025-08-21T19:30:00
Location: The Usher Hall

Experience a musical journey as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra brings Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony to life across Scotland. Conducted by the talented Gemma New and featuring Rosanne Philippens on violin, this series of concerts delves into the profound themes of love and despair. Join us as we explore the works of Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Auerbach, alongside performances by other renowned artists such as Nicola Benedetti and Stefan Dohr, in a celebration of orchestral mastery.

A Symphony of Emotions: Exploring Tchaikovsky's Fifth and Beyond

Edinburgh sets the stage for an unparalleled celebration of musical brilliance, as the city hosts a series of concerts that promise to captivate and inspire. From the ethereal choral compositions of Sir John Tavener to the orchestral grandeur of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Mahler, these events showcase the talents of world-renowned conductors, singers, and orchestras. Join us on a journey through sound as we explore the remarkable performances and unique contributions of artists at the Edinburgh International Festival.

A Symphony of Voices: Unveiling Edinburgh's Musical Extravaganza

Edinburgh is set to resonate with the sounds of a vibrant musical tapestry in 2025. From the ethereal choral harmonies of John Tavener's 'The Veil of The Temple' to the orchestral grandeur of Vaughan Williams' 'A Sea Symphony', this year's lineup at the Edinburgh International Festival promises to captivate. Highlights include the return of conductor Karina Canellakis with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the powerful narrative of Mahler's Symphony No. 2. Join us as we delve into these remarkable performances, bringing to life the stories and artists behind the music.

A Harmonious Journey: Edinburgh's 2025 Musical Extravaganza

Experience the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra's captivating journey through an array of concerts in 2025. From the grandeur of young classical musicians to the thematic exploration of treachery, these events promise to captivate audiences. Highlights include inspiring performances by renowned conductors and artists at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and City Halls. Each event offers a unique musical narrative, showcasing compositions from classical legends like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to contemporary masters like Ryan Wigglesworth. Let's delve into these extraordinary musical gatherings.

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra: A Symphony of Diverse Masterpieces

Edinburgh's storied Usher Hall comes alive this festival season, hosting a captivating series of concerts that traverse the realms of choral and orchestral music. From the transcendent sounds of John Tavener’s 'The Veil of the Temple' to the cosmic journey of Mahler's 'Resurrection Symphony', these performances promise profound musical experiences. Featuring the talents of distinguished orchestras like the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra, alongside a slew of renowned performers, this lineup is set to enchant audiences with its rich tapestry of sound and emotion.

Symphonic Splendor: A Tapestry of Choral and Orchestral Masterpieces in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Usher Hall is set to host a series of captivating performances that promise to immerse audiences in diverse choral and orchestral masterpieces. From the monumental 'The Veil of the Temple' by John Tavener to Mahler's cosmic 'Resurrection Symphony,' these events bring together renowned orchestras and accomplished performers. The Edinburgh International Festival and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra present an extraordinary program featuring Karina Canellakis and the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Antonio Pappano, offering a rich tapestry of sound and emotion that transcends time and tradition.

A Symphony of Voices and Emotions at Edinburgh's Usher Hall

This season, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is set to captivate audiences with a series of enthralling musical events. From a gothic symphonic twist in 'The Traitors' to the divine choral harmonies in 'EIF: Bernstein & Stravinsky,' this lineup promises an unforgettable experience. Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth’s contemporary tributes and Beethoven’s revolutionary pieces are among the highlights. Whether you are drawn to the romantic allure of Rachmaninov or the pastoral warmth of Brahms, the orchestra's diverse offerings cater to all musical tastes.

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra: A Season of Musical Mastery

Karina Canellakis

Hugh Cutting

James Grossmith

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Edinburgh Festival Chorus

He’s been called a “musical omnivore” but anyone who’s experienced the BBC SSO’s former Chief Conductor (and current Creative Partner) Ilan Volkov knows that he’s an artist who sees music differently – and turns every concert into a voyage of discovery.

Debussy, Ravel & Rare Gem

City Halls

This year, the BBC SSO presents not one but two Christmas concerts at City Halls! Like a soothing mug of hot chocolate on a chilly night, Christmas Classics is a heartwarming evening filled with yuletide carols, timeless orchestral pieces and festive classics as exhilarating as a midnight sleigh ride. Singer Jamie MacDougall never fails to bring a sparkle to the orchestra’s festive celebrations.

Christmas Classics

Music Hall, Aberdeen

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... and what better way to start your festive celebrations than with a night of epic movie music. Whether it’s a heart-warming dose of nostalgia courtesy of John Williams, the thrill of a Disney classic, or a toe-tapping tune from Hollywood’s Golden Age, let the BBC SSO and host Jamie MacDougall bring the magic of the big screen to life. This Glasgow family favourite is always a sell-out, so book early!

Christmas at the Movies

Usher Hall

Step away from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in an evening of live classical music, gentle breathwork and meditation with presenter Izzy Judd and Sunday Times bestselling Scottish poet and meditation guide Donna Ashworth.

The Music & Meditation Podcast: LIVE

The Old Fruitmarket

A piano climbing from darkness to light. A pulsing rhythm, bright with energy and colour. And a passionate melody, soaring against a storm-swept sky. The opening of any piece of music draws you into a new emotional world, and however familiar the melodies that follow, a great live performance makes you feel like you’re experiencing it for the first time.

Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto

Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto in Edinburgh

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, sayeth the Lord”. And taking his cue from those thunderous words, the young Rachmaninov hurled himself into a First Symphony on a formidable scale. Dark, turbulent and burning with unrequited passion, this is music as gothic melodrama – lost (but later recovered) when its composer fled the Russian Revolution for a life of exile.

Afternoon Performance: Rachmaninov's Symphony No.1

Out of silence comes a quiet hymn. Suddenly the sun breaks through, the birds sing – and to a dancing rhythm and a flurry of drums, Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony is on its way. Sounds fun? This is music with a huge heart and a limitless supply of melodies, but it’s brimming over with poetry too, and Ryan Wigglesworth will savour every moment of this most life-affirming of Romantic symphonies.

Mozart's Piano Concerto No.27

Perth Concert Hall

A man stands alone at the grave of a friend. Shattered by grief, he shakes his fist at the heavens and begins a journey that will take him to the end of the world and beyond. The sheer ambition of Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony staggers the imagination—an emotional odyssey on a cosmic scale, embracing tragedy, hope, dark humour, and even Judgement Day itself.

Mahler's Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection' in Edinburgh

Commissioned in 1945 by the Ministry of Education for a children’s film titled “Instruments of the Orchestra”, Britten’s cheery tour de force is the perfect excuse to show off the considerable talents of the BBC SSO’s individual players. You’ll also be stunned by the “consummate artistry” (The Guardian) of Alban Gerhardt as he performs Britten’s deeply expressive Cello Symphony, originally written for the great Russian virtuoso Mstislav Rostropovich.

Afternoon Performance: Alban Gerhardt Plays Britten's Cello Symphony

With its sweeping melodies and raw emotion, Tchaikovsky’s famous Pathétique is a powerful exploration of love, loss and fate. It’s music that speaks from the heart, and under Principal Guest Conductor Delyana Lazarova’s baton, every note tells a story.

Tchaikovsky's Pathétique Symphony

“She was such a quiet creature, wrapped in mystery as we all are…” In an ancient castle by a darkening sea, the princess Mélisande falls in love – and unlocks passions as deadly as they are beautiful. Moving, mysterious and heartbreakingly gorgeous, Debussy’s opera is woven from delicate emotions and violent rage; from sorrow entwined with wonder, and sounds so lovely that they can tear open your soul.

Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande

The in-demand conductor Karina Canellakis returns after making her Edinburgh International Festival debut in the 2023 Closing Concert. She leads this monumental programme with the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the BBC SSO, characterised by thrilling sounds and ideas of love, divine or human.

EIF: Bernstein & Stravinsky

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