Name: EIF: Opening Concert: The Veil of The Temple
Start: 2025-08-02T14:30:00
Location: Usher Hall, Edinburgh

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has curated an exhilarating series of concerts that span a broad spectrum of musical genres and themes. From the compelling strains of Prokofiev to the emotive power of Shostakovich, and even the nostalgic tunes of John Williams' Star Wars, these events promise to captivate audiences old and new. Join us as we delve into the highlights of this season's offerings, showcasing performances by world-class artists and innovative compositions that push the boundaries of classical music.

A Season of Musical Mastery: RSNO's Diverse and Engaging Concerts

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

In May 2025, Scotland will become a vibrant hub for music enthusiasts, with an impressive lineup of events by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO). From choral harmonies to orchestral masterpieces, attendees can look forward to a series of events featuring renowned conductors, talented soloists, and inspiring performances. Highlights include the Dundee Chorus Academy Concert, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, the ethereal soundscapes of Mendelssohn's Octet, and a tribute to Shostakovich. Each event promises to offer a unique musical experience, blending youthful energy with classical mastery.

A Symphony of Sounds: Exploring the RSNO's Diverse Musical Offerings

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

Sophia Burgos

James Grossmith

Jonathan Sells

Christopher Bell

National Youth Choir of Scotland

NYCOS Chamber Choir

Monteverdi Choir

Edinburgh Festival Chorus

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

‘We find it hard to love what we cannot give a name to,’ says Robert Macfarlane, author of The Lost Words. ‘And names, good names, well used can help us see and they help us care.’ The book has become a bestseller. Now British composer James Burton has set its message to music. It’s a tuneful celebration of a vanishing natural world, created for young voices and sung today by the RSNO’s inspirational Youth Chorus. Discover a newly minted classic this lunchtime. 

The Lost Words

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

If you caught Ethan Loch’s performance with the RSNO last Season or in the final of BBC Young Musician 2022, you’ll already know that there’s something magical about this young Scottish pianist. And if you didn’t, what better way to discover him than in Gershwin’s fabulous Rhapsody in Blue? The enchantment doesn’t stop there, as Music Director Thomas Søndergård conjures up the wizardry of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and introduces the dancing crockery and singing squirrels of Ravel’s ravishing mini-opera. Sounds extraordinary? Just wait until you hear it. 

Ethan Loch Plays Gershwin

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Sir Stephen Hough: a pianist whose effortless brilliance at the keyboard has been described as little short of genius. John Wilson: the Newcastle-born conductor who knows how to make an orchestra sound like a million dollars. Put them together and sparks will fly – whether in Rachmaninov’s showstopping concerto, Ravel’s sumptuous dream waltz or Vaughan Williams’ glorious technicolour portrait of a great city in all its bustling, glittering life. Trust us: this is going to be special. 

Sir Stephen Hough Plays Rachmaninov

Music Hall, Aberdeen

The Orchestral Qawwali Project joins the musicians of the RSNO and RSNO Chorus for a special one-off show. Created and led by critically acclaimed composer Rushil Ranjan and renowned singer Abi Sampa, the project breathes new life into centuries-old traditions, reframing the spiritual rapture of Sufi music through Rushil’s rich orchestral scores, blending Western classical with South Asian music and Indian classical dance. Within just three years of its founding, the ensemble has performed several sell-out shows, including the Royal Albert Hall in 2024, following which the RAH appointed Rushil and Abi as its new Associate Artists.

Orchestral Qawwali Project

No one writes a movie theme like John Williams. It’s no wonder he’s the world’s most popular film composer. Join Hollywood conductor Richard Kaufman and the full might of Scotland’s National Orchestra for hit after hit. From Schindler’s List, E.T. and Superman to the music of Harry Potter, we’ve got your favourites covered. If you think it sounds good in the cinema, wait until you hear it played live by the RSNO!

The Music of John Williams

Caird Hall

Scotland’s best-loved classical violinist, Nicola Benedetti, joins Scotland’s National Orchestra for Elgar’s lyrical Violin Concerto. Her performance is the big, passionate heart of a concert that begins with a garland of musical fairy tales from Azerbaijan (a special favourite of conductor Kirill Karabits) and ends amid the dark magic and glittering romance of Stravinsky’s great ballet The Firebird. Music doesn’t get more colourful.

Nicola Benedetti Plays Elgar

There’s a good reason why Elgar’s Cello Concerto is a classic: deep emotions surge beneath its haunted surface and if anyone can uncover them it’s our soloist, the remarkable Kian Soltani. Today, it’s just one stage on an emotional odyssey devised by our Principal Guest Conductor Patrick Hahn: a voyage that embraces the infinite longing of George Crumb and Richard Wagner, the volcanic grief of Benjamin Britten, and Scriabin’s final, multicoloured starburst of pure sonic bliss. Join us and be transported. 

Elgar’s Cello Concerto

‘A narrative of the soul’ was how one critic described a recent Glasgow performance by Ethan Loch, and there’s no question that this young Scottish pianist (who has become a nationwide star since his triumph in BBC Young Musician in 2022) has something very special to say. Today, he lavishes all his artistry on Debussy’s shimmering musical pictures and premieres a new creation of his own: a ‘dance drama’ inspired by the sea and brought to life by ballet dancer Antonia Cramb. 

Ethan Loch: Earth, Water, Wind & Fire

With its unforgettable Ode to Joy, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is always a special occasion – a glorious way to end any concert season. Tonight, Principal Guest Conductor Patrick Hahn makes it the climax of a very special (and distinctly Scottish) celebration; starting with Mendelssohn’s Hebridean journey and pausing for a song or three with Sir James MacMillan and Scottish star, mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill. As Beethoven himself put it: here’s a kiss for all the world! 

Season Finale: Ode to Joy

The Usher Hall transforms into a sanctuary for John Tavener’s magnum opus, The Veil of the Temple. This is only the second time it has ever been performed in the UK.

EIF: Opening Concert: The Veil of The Temple

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