Edinburgh International Festival
AUG 13 – SEPT 5, 2010
Presenting a rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance during a three week period in late summer the Edinburgh International Festival is one of the most important cultural celebrations in the world. The finest creators and performers from the worlds of the arts gather to present one of the most exciting, innovative and accessible Festivals of the performing arts.
The Edinburgh International Festival is a curated festival - all artists and companies appear in the Festival at the invitation of the Festival Director. Edinburgh's six major theatres and concert halls, a few smaller venues and some unconventional ones too come alive showcasing arts of the highest possible international standard to the widest possible audience.
With a commitment to new work, the Festival features commissions from award winning companies, new work from internationally renowned artists as well as established classics such as Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Past festivals have seen visits from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Abbey Theatre, Dublin, Matthew Bourne and the National Theatre of Scotland. Finishing the festival on a high point is the Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert, a dazzling conclusion to the Edinburgh International Festival. Performing in Princes St Gardens the Scottish Chamber Orchestra provide the soundtrack to a fireworks display that soars with every note, nuance and key change. Over 250,000 people each year enjoy this breath-taking spectacle.
"A Festival which has grown from modest beginnings to the status of cultural phenomenon, and one that is envied the world over" - Scotland on Sunday
Featured videos
Michael Clark
The UK premiere of new work from the iconic Scots-born choreographer whose company changed the face of British dance.
Admeto, Re di Tessaglia
Admeto's classical Greek world is re-imagined as the world of the Japanese samurai in this production of Handel's opera, created by award winning film maker, producer and author Doris Dörrie and performed by the FestspielOrchester Göttingen conducted by Nicholas McGegan with a world leading cast of soloists.
Return of Ulysses
The Royal Ballet of Flanders dazzle in choreographer Christian Spuck’s exhilarating production set to music by Henry Purcell and songs from the 1940s and 50s performed live by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Faust
Macabre theatre on a grand scale in this wild adaptation by Silviu Purcarete of the iconic tale of Faust and his pact with the devil, with industrial music, pantomime, remarkable staging and a cast of over 100 actors and musicians. Please note this performance contains adult content and nudity. A section is promenade. Performed in Romanian with English supertitles. Supported by The Government of Romania, The Ministry of Culture, Cults and National Heritage of Romania and The Romanian Cultural Institute.
