What’s on in Edinburgh this week? – 3rd January 2011

On Monday 3rd January at 12.00pm join the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union for its 124th annual lunchtime performance at The Usher Hall of GF Handel’s Messiah. The choir, with the Edinburgh Pro Musica Orchestra and a quartet of acclaimed soloists, will be conducted by guest conductor Brian Kay for this truly memorable and much-loved new year performance. Tickets here.

Friday 7th January 2011 at The Usher Hall celebrate New Year in the traditional Viennese style with the RSNO. Join conductor Dominique Trottein and soprano Sarah Tynan for a wonderful evening of your favourite waltzes, polkas and mazurkas from the Strauss family and friends, including On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Overture to Die Fledermaus and the Emperor Waltz to name but a few. Tickets here.

Alba Puppet Show on Sunday 9th January 2011 at Hawthornden Court. Shows at 12:45, 13:45, 14:45 (20 mins) Entry Free

Round off the holidays with some family fun from Alba adventures. Learn the story of the Black Douglas, meet Hamish the Highlander and hear the tale of the last bear in Scotland.

Sunday 9th January 2011 the Johann Strauss Gala takes place at The Usher Hall. Waltz back in time to the glittering ballrooms of 19th Century Vienna with an enchanting mix of music, song and dance from the Strauss Family and Friends.Tritsch Tratsch Polka, The Blue Danube Waltz,Emperor Waltz, Auf der Jagd, Pizzicato Polka, Radetzky March, Cuckoo Polka, Thunder and Lightning Polka, The Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus, Tales from the Vienna Woods.