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
Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi
Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.
READ MORE
From snow cabins to loch side hot tubs... 5 unique Scottish Mothers Day escapes
Beyond the traditional Sunday lunch, Mother's Day offers the perfect excuse to slow down and spend quality time together.
READ MORE
Herstory Tour relaunches for International Womens Day
Hear the stories of Edinburgh's most influential women as The Real Mary King's Close celebrates International Women's Day with a specially curated Herstory Tour.
READ MORE
Top Edinburgh chef to take centre stage at first Leith Food Festival
A Michelin-acclaimed Edinburgh chef has been chosen to lead a series of live cooking demonstrations as part of the first Leith Food Festival on Leith Links, 30th - 31st May 2026.
READ MORE
Michelin Guide restaurant Sebbs teams up with Pilot Beer for exclusive Glasgow launch
The new house beer has been developed through joint tastings by the Pilot and Sebb's teams, designed specifically to pair with bold, spice-led dishes and smoky grill flavours.
READ MORE
Scottish Dance Theatre presents Scottish Roots
Scotland's flagship dance company Scottish Dance Theatre present the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture.
READ MORE
Lost Shore founder Andy Hadden named Director of the Year
Andy Hadden, Founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, has been named Director of the Year at the 15th Annual Business Awards hosted by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
READ MORE
Eddi Reader set for perfect performance in Edinburgh
One of Scotland's most treasured cultural icons, Eddi Reader, is taking her unmatched musical magic to stages across the country for a 'perfect' spring tour this April.
READ MORE
New InspireHER webinar series launches to empower women to take their first step into business
Women are being invited to explore their entrepreneurial potential through a brand-new programme of free, confidence-building webinars and coaching sessions delivered by Business Gateway.
READ MORE
Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue this March
From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrmann are arriving at Vue this month!
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Spring Garden Savings Weekend
Dobbies is welcoming the new season with its Spring Garden Savings Weekend, running from 5th - 9th March, inviting local gardeners to kick-start spring with fresh inspiration and great savings!
READ MORE
This spring, The Scotch Whisky Experience offers visitors even more reasons to raise a dram!
From indulgent whisky and chocolate pairing tours to an opportunity to meet rugby legends, here are three standout experiences to add to any Edinburgh itinerary.
READ MORE
New film festival to debut at the Cameo Cinema Edinburgh next week
Franz Ferdinand, Young Fathers, VLURE, Courtney Barnett, DJ Shadow, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Hamish Hawk and more at Edinburgh's new music video festival
READ MORE
Newtongrange park set to celebrate centenary
100 years after Viscount Chelmsford officially opened Newtongrange Welfare Park, residents of the village are being asked for their suggestions on how to celebrate the centenary in September.
READ MORE
GRIDSERVE installs first EV charging facilities at Fort Kinnaird
Visitors to Fort Kinnaird can now charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at speed while shopping, thanks to the opening of a new GRIDSERVE Electric Super Hub.
READ MORE
Artist Gayle Chong Kwan interrogates the history of the scientific canon in a major new exhibition commissioned by Edinburgh Science Festival
Commissioned by Edinburgh Science Festival, Gayle Chong Kwan has created an art installation that brings together contemporary sculpture and reflections on science's cultural legacy.
READ MORE
Championing women in the water at Lost Shore
This International Women's Day, pioneering inland surf destination Lost Shore Surf Resort, is championing women in and out of the water with all-women surf lessons and sessions!
READ MORE
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair returns better than ever for 2026
Scotland's much-loved outdoor celebration is officially back, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair will return to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July!
READ MORE
Self portrait by Jack Vettriano to be showcased at National Galleries of Scotland
A self-portrait by Scottish Painter Jack Vettriano has gone on display at National Galleries of Scotland to mark one year anniversary of his death.
READ MORE
Legendary folk musician Dick Gaughan to talk about his life and music at Edinburgh Tradfest 2026
Edinburgh Tradfest is delighted to announce that Dick Gaughan will appear in conversation with Dr Lori Watson to talk about his life, career and love for Scotland's big ballads!
READ MORE
The beloved stories of Roald Dhal return to the big screen at Vue
A number of iconic film adaptations based on the work of children's author Roald Dahl are returning to the big screen at Vue Cinemas across Scotland.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival commission Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0 announced as major UK tour for 2026
Hamish Hawk and band to take acclaimed Edinburgh International Book Festival production to Manchester, Bristol, London and Glasgow.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops for kids return to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres' monthly children's gardening workshop returns this March, and the topic is peas and other pod plants.
READ MORE
Free Prosecco and Pink Gin for mums at Flight Club
The Social Darts bar is giving away a free glass of fizz for all mums, and the first 300 mums through the doors will also snag a miniature Mermaid Pink Gin to take home.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity launches Yellow Yogis
Beatson Cancer Charity has announced the launch of Yellow Yogis, a brand-new fundraising initiative set to bring thousands of people together for a large-scale yoga event at Glasgow's SEC!
READ MORE
Race Across the World: The Experience is coming to Edinburgh in Scottish first!
CityDays are delighted to announce that Race Across the World: The Experience will be coming to Edinburgh, this spring, marking a Scottish first for the hit format!
READ MORE
Spring into action at Lost Shore Surf Resort
This Spring, Lost Shore Surf Resort is inviting couples, friends and families to make waves with a seasonal line-up designed for both overnight escapes and unforgettable day visits!
READ MORE
Biggest ever World Gaelic Week blasts off
The fifth edition of World Gaelic Week gets underway today. This year is the biggest celebration yet, with more than 200 events taking place across the week.
READ MORE
Fingal Hotel sails into spring with the ultimate afternoon tea for Mothers Day
Luxury floating hotel, Fingal, has unveiled one of Edinburgh's ultimate afternoon tea experiences in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday 15th March.
READ MORE
Former Frightened Rabbit drummer launches cider festival 20 years after debut album
Grant Hutchison is launching a new cider festival in Edinburgh as his former band gets set to mark 20 years since the release of debut album Sing the Greys.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links