USHER-ing in season of treats

One of the world’s great concert halls is back this summer.

The Usher Hall will reopen its doors on Friday 14 August for the opening concert of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival with an eclectic programme of classical music from across the globe.

Renowned for its fantastic acoustics and stunning decor, the hall is currently undergoing refurbishment which will result in upgraded facilities, improved access and a new café/bar. This work is due to be completed later in the year.

Festival choices

Throughout the International Festival, the Usher Hall plays host to Scotland’s three great orchestras, featuring a world-class line-up of artists in one of the most exciting and prestigious seasons to date.

Highlights include the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) Made In Scotland performance, featuring music by composers Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, founder of the St Magnus Festival in Kirkwall, Orkney, and Ayrshire’s James MacMillan.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra will perform works by Haydn and Giorgio Battistelli, while the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra celebrates Webern, Brahms and Strauss.

Autumn season

The Usher Hall then welcomes back the RSNO and musical director Stéphane Denève for their 2009/10 season, which includes a performance by Scottish classical superstar, Nicola Benedetti. In December, Robin Ticciati makes his debut as new principal conductor for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Other autumn highlights include comedians Dame Edna Everage and Tim Minchin, world musicians Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club and Ladysmith Black Mambazo and folk legends Christy Moore, Joan Baez and The Proclaimers.

Need to know

The Usher Hall Box Office is on 0131 228 1155 or visit www.usherhall.co.uk
For more information on the Edinburgh International Festival visit www.eif.co.uk