Edinburgh Festival Highlights

The 2012 Edinburgh International Festival kicks off on 9th August with a three week programme which promises some of the finest classical music performances around.  Here are Linn's pick's of the Festival this year:

The Opening Concert presents one of the grandest choral pieces ever written: Delius's A Mass of Life.  Sir Andrew Davis conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and four exceptional soloists from Britain, Germany and America, and the massed forces of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus.

Friday 10th August
7.30pm, Usher Hall TICKETS

One of Scotland's premier early-music ensembles, Concerto Caledonia has an enviable reputation for reviving little-known but important music from the country's past. Joined by tenor Thomas Walker, the group explores subtle instrumental gems and songs by 16th-century Scottish composer Tobias Hume.

Wednesday 15th August
5.45pm, Greyfriars Kirk TICKETS

Scotland's premier new-music group, Hebrides Ensemble joins forces with Synergy Vocals and renowned bass Brindley Sherratt for the world premiere of a new hour-long piece, co-commissioned by the Festival, by leading Scottish composer James MacMillan.

Wednesday 22nd August
5.45pm, Greyfriars Kirk TICKETS 

Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra are sure to bring a spellbinding authenticity to its compatriot Béla Bartók's folk-inspired Hungarian Peasant Songs, and to his youthful First Violin Concerto, a tender musical love letter that went unanswered. Soloist József Lendvay brings a virile virtuosity to the music of his homeland.

Sunday 26th August
7.30pm, Usher Hall TICKETS

Conductor Robin Ticciati conducts the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in Shostakovich's Symphony No 14, a gripping examination of our mortality that rages against death and celebrates life. Ticciati is joined by two celebrated soloists - the outstanding German-born soprano Anja Kampe and the powerful bass baritone Sir Willard White.

Friday 31st August
7.30pm, Usher Hall TICKETS