Lammermuir Festival announces 2025 Programme
The Lammermuir Festival, taking place in the beautiful, historic county of East Lothian in September, has announced it's 2025 programme.
Article Source: Lammermuir Festival
Last Updated: 3 June 2025 11:47
In venues across East Lothian, in south east Scotland
Thursday 4 – Monday 15 September 2025
The Lammermuir Festival has carved out an enviable reputation for a distinctive and carefully curated programme of rare gems and fresh takes on popular works which attracts some of the world’s finest musicians to East Lothian each September.
Its range of historic venues and intimate surroundings heighten the atmosphere, offering audiences a richly immersive experience whether they be new to classical music or life-long fans.
Heading up this year’s distinguished line-up as the festival’s artist-in-residence is a truly outstanding young British talent, cellist Laura van der Heijden, with six appearances as both soloist and ensemble musician across the 12 days. Among her appearances are a recital with Jâms Coleman, a chamber programme with the Maxwell Quartet ranging from Schubert’s haunting C major quintet to Gaelic psalms of the western isles of Scotland; a programme of dances and duos with friends which includes the Hungarian cimbalom in its evocative journey through folk, jazz, baroque and contemporary music; and as soloist alongside Maria Włoszczowska in Brahms’s Double Concerto for Violin and Cello with Royal Northern Sinfonia.
2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the birthday of Ravel and the centrepiece of the festival’s tribute to this great composer is found in Scottish Opera’s performance of his comedic L’heure espagnole paired with Walton’s witty The Bear.
The international dimension is strong with a starry appearance by Rinaldo Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano performing Monteverdi, and French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet performing the complete piano works of Ravel. Continuing the Ravel theme, tenor Joshua Ellicott explores Ravel’s influence on song in a beautifully crafted programme.
A real highlight is a performance by the Philharmonia Orchestra, one of the world’s finest, joined by the festival’s patron and phenomenal pianist Steven Osborne to perform Mozart’s Piano Concert No 27 in B flat major alongside Beethoven’s Eroica and Mendelssohn’s Hebrides overture.
A residency by I Fagiolini is a cornerstone of the festival with performances of two masterpieces Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610.
Lammermuir is known for presenting opportunities to hear the complete cycles or suites of work, and this year the Van Baerle Trio return after last year’s successful debut to play all of Brahms’s piano trios, and the Dudok Quartet Amsterdam bring all of Tchaikovsky’s quartets. Other quartets include the Maxwells and the Carduccis.
Bill Barclay’s Concert Theatre Works - which wowed audiences in 2023 with Secret Byrd - returns, presenting an epic staged production of Bach’s Markus Passion with the award-winning Dunedin Consort.
Across the rest of the programme there is a concert focusing on the sounds of Enlightenment Edinburgh which includes no less than three versions of Auld Lang Syne; Britain’s classiest chamber ensemble Kaleidoscope brings two adventurous programmes featuring Brahms, Bartok, Duruflé and Poulenc; Scotland’s Hebrides Ensemble add to the anniversaries with a centenary celebration of two composers who have had a huge impact on composers today, Berio and Boulez; ZRI return with their Cellar Sessions where a heady atmosphere is created as the music reels from Bach to Taylor Swift.
Solo recitals include Timothy Ridout, the outstanding violist playing at stunning Crichton Collegiate Church. Award-winning Dutch pianist Hannes Minnaar performs Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes and Fugues by candlelight; and Iranian virtuoso Arash Rokni performs Beethoven’s virtuoso Eroica Variations in a fascinating programme ranging Scarlatti to Beethoven via Kurtág.
After a successful pilot in 2024, Lammermuir Festival builds on Front Row to offer even more 12 – 18 year olds opportunities to attend rehearsals, meet artists and enjoy the best free front row seats. Free tickets are also available for school students attending certain concerts with an adult.
This year’s festival includes two children’s concerts. Flock – Red Note Ensemble in Musselburgh opens with a sonically and visually captivating musical performance, gently encouraging children to become more involved until, through their collective effort, a chirping flock comes into being.
Another delight for young listeners is Carnival of the Animals with Roger McGough and NYCOS National Girls Choir in Dunbar. This work by Saint-Saëns has inspired and delighted many and on this occasion national treasure Roger McGough, who was inspired to write his own responses to each movement, will read his hilarious poems alongside: an introduction to this wonderful music for children, and a walk down memory lane for adults.
The festival returns to Whitekirk’s beautiful mediaeval church after a number of years. Its superb acoustic makes it the perfect venue for Scottish composer Stuart MacRae’s atmospheric, folk-influenced song cycle Earth Thy Cold is Keen with acclaimed Australian mezzo Lotte Betts-Dean, winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society young artist of the year in 2024.
One of Scotland’s grandest house, Gosford, opens its doors for the festival for the first time. An imposing neo-classical mansion set in 5,000 acres of combined coast and parkland, it was one of the last commissions of the celebrated Scots architect Robert Adam. Filling three rooms within the house with music, audiences have a chance to explore the stunning interior in a three-part voyage of discovery; from The Lammermuir Basset Horn Ensemble, to a lecture recital with its incredibly rare instrument the Claviorganum which combines the harpsichord and organ in one; and finishing with a recorder recital from Tabea Debus in the Saloon.
Priority ticket booking opens on 3 June, and general booking opens on 6 June.
The festival’s partnership with BBC Radio 3 continues and three concerts will be captured for broadcast in the autumn.
The Lammermuir Festival is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Hugh Macdonald and James Waters, Artistic Directors said: “We are very excited about the 2025 festival. To be able to present a programme which includes the Philharmonia Orchestra, I Fagiolini and Concerto Italiano in a festival which also features an utterly brilliant artist in residence in Laura van der Heijden is a real privilege. The festival contains a veritable galaxy of musical talent and we hope audiences enjoy listening to it as much as we have planning it!”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “The Lammermuir Festival has so much to offer audiences in East Lothian, whether they’re year-round residents or visitors to this beautiful part of the country. From orchestral powerhouses to intimate chamber pieces, this festival has it all. Supported for a second year through the National Lottery Extended Programme Fund, the programme blends instrumental virtuosity with the immediacy of the human voice. It’s encouraging to see the programme engage directly with young listeners, embedding a love for this music in the artists and audiences of tomorrow.”
Image: Concert 33
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Iconic Filmhouse cinema reopens its doors on 27th June 2025
On 27th June 2025, Filmhouse, Scotland’s leading independent cinema, opens its doors and looks to the future as a home for community connection and cinematic discovery.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Cameo Picturehouse Brings TWIN PEAKS To The Big Screen With Repertory Film Strand REPHOUSE
Cameo Picturehouse is thrilled to be celebrating more than six months of repertory film strand REPHOUSE with a daily selection of timeless classics and cult favourites.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Lammermuir Festival announces 2025 Programme
The Lammermuir Festival, taking place in the beautiful, historic county of East Lothian in September, has announced it's 2025 programme.
READ MORE
Aldi brings their famous Supermarket Sweep to Edinburgh
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Edinburgh the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces World Premiere for Closing Night film
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the World Premiere of Paul Sng’s immersive documentary REALITY IS NOT ENOUGH as the Closing Night film of this year’s Festival.
READ MORE
Swifties, Robbie Fans and Music Lovers, Foxfest at Conifox just got event Bigger!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend this August as Edinburgh’s Conifox Adventure Park brings you FoxFest 2025 – and it’s shaping up to be the biggest and best yet!
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
East Lothian woodland project receives grant from Loganair GreenSkies Community Fund
Gifford Community Woodland in East Lothian has received £3,180 from Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.
READ MORE
Travfest 2025: The pinnacle of compelling new writing at Edinburgh August Festivals 2025
The Traverse Theatre, Scotland's new writing theatre, once again takes centre stage amidst Edinburgh’s August Festivals.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
Loganair launches island getaway with direct route from Edinburgh to Guernsey
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has completed its inaugural direct flight between Edinburgh and Guernsey, kicking off its summer offering.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Winter Festivals deliver significant benefits to the City and Scotland
Unique Assembly have publish the report on Edinburgh's Winter Festivals 2024-25, ahead of releasing early-bird tickets for the Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession.
READ MORE
Oink marks 25 delicious years with better than 2000 prices
PULLED PORK lovers across Edinburgh are in for a treat as one of the capital’s most beloved lunch spots celebrates a quarter century of roasting with its cheapest ever price.
READ MORE
Edinburgh man to take on 25 Rounds in five days for Doddie Foundation
Graeme Smeaton will play 25 rounds of golf in five days across East Lothian to raise £25,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, supporting MND research.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Edinburgh restaurant begins new dining chapter inspired by famous author
The team behind one of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has announced plans to start a new dining chapter at its Castle Street venue in June.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Casting announced for Here & Now
The producers of the brand new musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation, Steps, are delighted to announce the principal cast for the UK & Ireland tour!
READ MORE
Assembly Festival Flash Sale this weekend only
Assembly Festival have announced the release of £8 tickets to shows across the Fringe programme, this May Bank Holiday weekend only.
READ MORE
Critically endangered cotton top tamarins born at Edinburgh Zoo
Two critically endangered cotton-top tamarins have been born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to mum Elf and dad Zecca on Tuesday 20 May.
READ MORE
Harry Potter dragon headed your way!
Edinburgh locals will have a rare chance to interact with a piece of Harry Potter filmmaking magic history on the 30th and 31st May.
READ MORE
Vault City brews viral Dubai chocolate bar into dessert stout
EDINBURGH’S flavour-forward beer pioneers Vault City are back with their most requested creation yet, and fans are already going wild for it.
READ MORE
Pilot set for take off with brand new bar!
Cult Leith brewery Pilot are launching their first ever bar, Vessel, in Edinburgh today - 22nd May 2025.
READ MORE
Free Pret Sandwiches For PicNICs This Bank Holiday
This May Bank Holiday Pret Edinburgh and Glasgow will be giving away free sandwiches to the first 50 customers called Nick, Nicole, or anyone whose name starts with ‘Nic’.
READ MORE
Pizza for breakfast takes off at Edinburgh Airport
Check the arrivals screen and be ready with your boarding pass, because PizzaExpress, the nation’s most iconic pizzeria brand, has landing at Edinburgh Airport.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links