Edinburgh International Festival announces first details of 2025 Theme and Programme

Edinburgh International Festival today unveils the first details of the 2025 Festival, the third from Festival Director Nicola Benedetti, taking place 1–24 August 2025.

Article Source: Edinburgh International Festival
Last Updated: 14 November 2024 14:06

14 November, Edinburgh: The 2025 Festival invites audiences to examine their relationship with truth through a curated programme of music, dance, theatre and opera. The pursuit of truth is an essential part of being human, but today this search for meaning is precarious, fractured and abused. Through the lens of this year’s theme The Truth We Seek, the International Festival presents contemporary reflections on the world alongside time-honoured tales, a place where fact meets faith and fiction. 

The first performances announced feature a world premiere, European premiere, and a European debut: a brand new narrative ballet from Scottish Ballet telling the story of Mary, Queen of Scots; a European debut for the US-based National Youth Orchestra 2, inaugurating a new three-year creative partnership with Carnegie Hall; and the European production premiere of Orpheus and Eurydice, a modern reworking of Gluck’s 18th century opera featuring world-class musicians and performers, and acrobatic artistry from Australian contemporary circus company, Circa.

The International Festival remains a champion of Scottish stories, creatives and companies during this uncertain time for Scottish arts, and its 2025 line-up features all five national performing companies. Supporting artists, creating jobs and showcasing homegrown talent on an international stage is now more essential than ever.

A highlight of the 2025 Festival’s opera programme, Opera Queensland’s production of Orpheus and Eurydice breathes new life into the ancient myth, in a ground-breaking work exploring the enduring theme of true love and the depths to which our inner beliefs are challenged. Created in collaboration with renowned Australian contemporary circus company Circa, this reimagined staging of Gluck’s tragédie lyrique opera makes its European premiere at the International Festival with Opera Australia.

Conducted by Laurence Cummings, the production features the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a chorus from Scottish Opera, under the visionary direction of Circa’s Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz. British countertenor and Grammy Award winner Iestyn Davies stars as Orpheus, performing alongside rising Australian soprano Samantha Clarke as Eurydice and Amore. This imaginative production masterfully brings Gluck’s score to life through a vibrant fusion of acrobatics, video projections and captivating visual storytelling.

Scottish Ballet’s Mary, Queen of Scots is the first full-length narrative ballet from Scottish Ballet Resident Choreographer Sophie Laplane. The world premiere production is told through the eyes of Queen Elizabeth I, based on her perceived and imagined relationship with Mary. Blending history with legend, the production delves into the stories – the true and the fictional – that surround Mary’s life and legacy.

Casting will be fluid and intergenerational, with various members of the company playing the part of Elizabeth I, including guest dancer Charlotta Öfverholm who will play her in her later years. The ballet will be performed in a conceptual but spectacular set, with striking, period-inspired costumes designed by Soutra Gilmour, the award-winning designer of recent Broadway and West End productions, including Merrily We Roll Along and & Juliet, with music by Mikael Karlsson and Michael P Atkinson, the team behind the stunning reimagined score for Scottish Ballet’s 2022 International Festival hit Coppélia.

The International Festival also announces a new three-year creative partnership with Carnegie Hall and its national youth ensembles, with the European debut of NYO2 (National Youth Orchestra 2), one of three resident orchestras in 2025. This residency model strengthens the orchestra’s connection with Edinburgh, offering workshops and diverse performance styles to enrich the local cultural landscape. NYO2 is one of three acclaimed national youth ensembles from New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall, a venue renowned for its leadership in music education. Through this orchestra the institution – named after Scottish industrialist Andrew Carnegie – creates valuable opportunities for young people across the United States, including communities underrepresented in classical music.

The young performers, aged 14–17 and hailing from across the US, are celebrated as exceptionally talented musicians from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate remarkable artistry and represent a promising future for youth orchestral music in the US and beyond. On their first European tour, NYO2 join their Scottish peers on stage for a family concert, forming cross-border connections and sharing the perspectives of the next generation of musicians in both countries.
Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival, says: 'To be alive is to know the elusive nature of truth. Within our homes or workplaces, amongst loved ones or colleagues, we all experience trying to piece together indignantly expressed, absolutely believed, yet utterly contradictory truths. How often are we able to rise above our own bubble?'

‘From the weaving of myth and enduring truths in a bold reimagining of  Orpheus and Eurydice, to reconciling rival perspectives in Scottish Ballet’s Mary, Queen of Scots or finding inspiration from the next generation of musicians with Carnegie Hall’s incredible National Youth Orchestra 2, we invite you to join us for our 2025 Festival: The Truth We Seek.'

The full programme for the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival including dates for these shows will be announced with tickets going on sale in March 2025, with priority booking for members. To become a member or sign up to the Edinburgh International Festival newsletter for the latest information, go to www.eif.co.uk

Image: Orpheus and Eurydice (opera), photo by Keith Saunders

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes

Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.

Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026

Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.

Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving

Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026

The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes

The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.

King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.

Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.

Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.

Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.