Edinburgh will have its own professional symphony orchestra, Capella Edina, after nearly 90 years without one.
To mark the city’s 900th anniversary the orchestra has been founded by the 20-year-old German conductor, Luis Schmidt.
Capella Edina is committed to making classical music more accessible and serving the community. It is rolling out a vast educational programme for its inaugural 2025 season.
The orchestra has adopted the motto: United by passion for music.
With four concerts in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall next year, the orchestra will add to cultural life in the capital with its own concert programmes, showcasing the breadth of orchestral music.
Capella Edina consists of a hand-picked group of highly talented musicians, from long-standing freelance professionals to recent graduates, who meet for specific concerts and recording projects and embraces a broad repertoire that enables it to reach the most diverse audience.
Director of Music and Chairman Luis Schmidt said: “Music transcends social boundaries and is able to unite people from all different backgrounds.”
The orchestra’s overarching aim is to bring music to young people through a specially curated programme of workshops and educational concerts for schools which will allow them to participate in music.
The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge, announced Capella Edina as the City of Edinburgh’s symphony orchestra. He said: “I am very hopeful that our new Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra, Capella Edina will add to our wonderful cultural heritage.”
Tickets for Capella Edina’s 2025 season are available at www.ce.lsmpublishing.com and https://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/capella-edina-inspiration
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