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

Imagine the sound of silence: 90 musicians creating a sound so still, and so quiet, that the air itself seems to be alive. That’s how Mahler begins his First Symphony: an incredible opening for an incredible adventure as a young genius explores life and death before rallying all his strength to shout for joy. Giedrė Šlekytė is our guide tonight and the wonderful Nemanja Radulović is the star in the heart-rending love song that is Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Violin Concerto. 

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Caird Hall

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

A true Christmas favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by Scotland’s National Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Academy Award®-nominated for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, Home Alone is hilarious, heart-warming festive fun for the entire family!

Home Alone in Concert

No music says ‘it’s Christmas’ quite like the bright shining sound of a brass ensemble – unless it’s carols from a choir in full, joyous, festive voice. Put the two together and the result is an afternoon of seasonal magic! Join the RSNO’s Brass Ensemble and Chorus Academy this December for a celebration of some of your favourite festive melodies. 

A Festive Celebration

Join the RSNO this December for a special feast of Christmas cheer! This family-friendly concert is packed full of your favourite sing-along carols and festive melodies, including Consider the Penguin and Schneewalzer. Plus, don’t miss the enchanting film The Snowman shown on the big screen, accompanied by the Orchestra and narrated by our star guest, comedian Josie Long. It’s the perfect start to your Christmas! 

RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman

Music Hall, Aberdeen

Hallelujah! Celebrate the New Year with the RSNO’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Laurence Cummings directs an all-star cast alongside the RSNO and its mighty Chorus. From For Unto Us a Child is Born to the unforgettable Hallelujah Chorus, enjoy all the glory and joy of this truly timeless masterpiece.

Handel’s Messiah

Passion, drink and roasted swans – choral music isn’t meant to be this much fun! But the medieval monks who wrote the words to Carmina Burana didn’t seem to have been that bothered. Expect great tunes, unstoppable rhythms and some thoroughly bad behaviour as the RSNO,  Chorus, and a team of local music-lovers who’ve been specially coached by RSNO Chorus Director Stephen Doughty, come together to perform Orff’s outrageous piece.

Come & Sing Carmina Burana Audience Ticket

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating and original story about a young Viking named Hiccup, who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Featuring John Powell’s Oscar®-nominated score performed live to picture by Scotland’s National Orchestra, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert is a thrilling experience for all ages.

How to Train Your Dragon in Concert

‘With desire and passion,’ wrote Tchaikovsky on the score of his Fifth Symphony. From its stirring opening to its triumphant finale, this is music that comes straight from the heart and speaks straight to the heart. Thomas Søndergård won’t hold back today, and he welcomes not one but two charismatic soloists – cellist Bruno Delepelaire and violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley – to play a masterpiece inspired by friendship: Brahms’ nostalgic, intensely emotional Double Concerto.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony

Perth Concert Hall

What would you do for love? Romeo and Juliet risked everything, and Tchaikovsky poured all of this passion into his music. The Little Mermaid also followed her heart, and Zemlinsky’s gorgeous retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale is a colourful – and gripping – masterpiece. Kevin John Edusei conducts, Gillian Moore hosts, and RSNO favourite Makoto Ozone is the soloist in Rachmaninov’s dazzling, deliriously romantic Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The perfect date night? We think so! 

Love & Fairy Tales Rachmaninov & The Mermaid

Phenomenal horn player Felix Klieser takes the spotlight in tonight’s concert. He’s the perfect soloist for Richard Strauss’ swashbuckler of a concerto, and even that is just the upbeat to what comes next, as Thomas Søndergård and the full RSNO embark on one of the greatest adventures in 19th-century music; Bruckner’s colossal Eighth Symphony. It’s been compared to a cathedral in sound and a mighty mountain range. Either way, you simply have to hear this breathtakingly beautiful music live. 

Felix Klieser Plays Strauss

If symphonies are like big-screen blockbusters, chamber music is like a composer’s personal diary: thoughts and feelings that are too special to share with just anyone. Emotions run deep and strong in Brahms’ haunting Horn Trio, written as he mourned the death of his mother. But in Beethoven’s youthful Quintet Op16, they simply bubble and dance with glee. A handpicked team of RSNO players join the phenomenal Felix Klieser to share their secrets today – and you get to listen in. 

Felix Klieser with the RSNO Chamber Ensemble

Musician extraordinaire, Jörg Widmann’s talents know no bounds. Experience his dynamism tonight as he returns to the RSNO to conduct Mendelssohn’s historical thriller of a symphony, his own explosive homage to Beethoven, Con brio, and joins the ‘extraordinary’ (Gramophone) violinist Veronika Eberle in a very personal performance of Beethoven’s radiant Violin Concerto.

Beethoven’s Violin Concerto

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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