Name: Mahler's Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection' in Edinburgh
Start: 2026-03-01T15:00:00
Location: Usher Hall

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

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

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is set to astound audiences with its 2026 season, featuring a diverse array of performances that blend classical masterpieces with contemporary artistry. From the soul-stirring harmonies of Rachmaninov to the mesmerizing narratives of Debussy and Bartók, this season promises an immersive musical experience. Join us as we explore the key events, artists, and compositions that define this remarkable series of concerts, showcasing talents like Alessio Bax, Imogen Cooper, and Ryan Wigglesworth.

A Symphony of Emotions: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra's 2026 Season Highlights

Donald Runnicles

Karen Cargill

Jennifer Davis

James Grossmith

Edinburgh Festival Chorus

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

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

City Halls

Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto in Edinburgh

Usher Hall

“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

Music Hall, Aberdeen

“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

“In wars outside the blood runs red / Here is something far more deadly, ladies and gentlemen”. Duke Bluebeard’s castle has seven doors, and his new wife Judith is determined to open them all. But some questions are best left unanswered, and in Bartók’s gripping psychological thriller even the darkest secrets possess a terrible beauty.

Bartók’s Bluebeard's Castle

A born-and-raised Londoner, singer/cellist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson delves into the rich interplay of jazz and classical music as she explores the profound influence of jazz on her unique musical voice. This concert celebrates Scottish jazz legends—past and present—who have charted similar innovative paths.

Ayanna Witter-Johnson & Fergus McCreadie @ SWG3

SWG3 Glasgow

Described by composer Sir James MacMillan as “one of the most astonishing and surprising young newcomers in Scottish music,” Glasgow-born accordionist and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist (2022-24) Ryan Corbett is redefining expectations of his instrument. And in a concerto written especially for him, fellow Scot Jay Capperauld—praised for his “unbridled sonic imagination” (The Scotsman)—channels the crackling energy of electricity into music that dazzles.

Afternoon Performance: Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet

The air shimmers, and a horn calls softly in the distance. Is there a more magical beginning to any symphony than the vista that opens Bruckner’s Fourth? No wonder he called it “Romantic”.

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

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