Under the theme “Rituals That Unite Us”, the Edinburgh International Festival, led by Nicola Benedetti, promises a rich tapestry of opera, dance, music and theatre, celebrating shared traditions and innovative experiences. IAM previews the event that turns Scotland’s capital into a global cultural hub
This August, the Edinburgh International Festival promises to turn Scotland’s capital into a vibrant melting pot of global artistry and local talent, with an extraordinary array of performances that will span the worlds of opera, dance, music and theatre. The festival’s theme this year, “Rituals That Unite Us,” is a poignant reminder of the power of shared experiences to foster connection in a fragmented world and responds to last year’s question, “Where Do We Go From Here?”
Under the direction of Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, the festival features an ambitious lineup of 161 performances by over 2,000 artists from 42 nations. Benedetti emphasises the festival’s dedication to inclusivity and innovation: “As we join forces with the world’s greatest artists and bring them here to Edinburgh, we do so with a deeper dedication to our audience. This year the Edinburgh International Festival inaugurates new and reimagined rituals, honouring tradition and innovation, to bind us closer together.”
The festival’s 2024 programme showcases a diverse blend of classical and contemporary art forms. Highlights include a two-part opening weekend that explores different interpretations of the same story via the Passion. Osvaldo Golijov’s La Pasión según San Marcos, blending Latin American and Afro-Cuban musical styles, and Bach’s St Matthew Passion performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, promise to captivate audiences with their profound storytelling.
The festival’s classical music offering features 22 symphonic concerts at Usher Hall and 19 more intimate morning recitals at The Queen’s Hall, with appearances by leading soloists including Dame Sarah Connolly, Yuja Wang, Golda Schultz, Alison Balsom, Hilary Hahn, Jakub Józef Orliński, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Ian Bostridge and Steven Osborne.
This year, the symphonic concert series revolves around residencies from three renowned orchestras and ensembles: The Philharmonia Orchestra, the Bamberger Symphoniker and São Paulo-based artist collective Ilumina, founded by violist Jennifer Stumm.
The Philharmonia Orchestra’s residency includes performances of Verdi’s Requiem and the UK premiere of Julia Wolfe’s Fire in my Mouth, a multimedia performance conducted by Marin Alsop. The orchestra’s innovative approach extends to community engagement, with a Virtual Reality experience allowing audiences to feel as though they are inside the orchestra.
Opera enthusiasts can look forward to five innovative productions, of which three are staged and two are performed in concert. These include Opéra Comique’s Carmen with Gaëlle Arquez in the title role and Komische Oper Berlin’s The Marriage of Figaro directed by Kirill Serebrennikov. A standout event is Scottish Opera’s innovative staging of Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex at the National Museum of Scotland, featuring a 100-strong community chorus.
Theatre lovers will be treated to two world premiere theatre productions by Scottish creatives: The Fifth Step, a thrilling new play by David Ireland, directed by Finn den Hertog and starring BAFTA-nominated actor Jack Lowden, and the stage adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir The Outrun, brought to life by playwright Stef Smith and director Vicky Featherstone.
The festival’s commitment to creating unique audience experiences is evident in the return of the popular beanbag concerts. Inspired by Budapest Festival Orchestra’s Iván Fischer, these performances place audiences among the musicians for an immersive experience. The European Union Youth Orchestra, led by Gianandrea Noseda, Ilumina and Barokksolistene’s “The Alehouse Sessions” are among the featured events.
The Edinburgh International Festival continues its tradition of accessible programming. This year, 50% of tickets will be sold for £30 or under, with thousands of free tickets available for young musicians and £10 Affordable Tickets for every performance. The festival also offers 25 accessible performances, including audio described, BSL interpreted, and captioned performances, ensuring everyone can enjoy the arts.
A notable addition this year is a large-scale outdoor opening event for 10,000 people, evoking Scotland’s rich heritage in collaboration with The Macallan. Creative producer Pinwheel promises an unforgettable spectacle, with further details soon to be revealed.
Dance and theatre aficionados will enjoy a stellar lineup, including productions by International Theater Amsterdam, Crystal Pite, Kidd Pivot and Grupo Corpo. The festival also features contemporary music from artists such as Cat Power, Bat for Lashes, Chilly Gonzales and Youssou N’Dour.
The festival’s social impact initiatives are particularly noteworthy. These include a Community Connections Hub, pop-up performances in NHS settings and a Youth Takeover Day for senior pupils. The festival also partners with local community spaces for the first time, broadening its reach and fostering deeper connections within Edinburgh.
Benedetti’s vision for the festival is echoed by cultural leaders. Val Walker, Edinburgh’s Culture and Communities Convener, highlights the festival’s role in making the arts accessible: “It’s particularly encouraging to see initiatives such as making free tickets available for young musicians, and £10 tickets available for all performances. Given we are in the midst of a challenging cost of living crisis, these will hopefully contribute towards the goal of choice and access for everyone in our city.”
Kaukab Stewart, Scottish Government Minister for Culture and International Development, adds: “As we raise the curtain on another Edinburgh International Festival, we’re reminded of the power of art to unite and inspire us all. More than 2,000 artists from 42 countries will exhibit their talents, reaffirming Scotland’s place as the perfect stage to host major events.”
The Edinburgh International Festival 2024 is poised to be a transformative celebration, blending tradition with innovation and offering something for everyone. As Benedetti aptly puts it, “There is always something new to discover.”
The Edinburgh International Festival takes place from 2 to 25 August. To discover more about this year’s festival, visit hwww.eif.co.uk/