The 79th Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) aims to thrill audiences of all ages with a programme stuffed with more American artists than ever before, commemorating the 250 years since American independence in 1776.
On that note, the programme is called All Rise, the same name as the Wynton Marsalis symphony. New Orleans born Marsalis is the founding artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra who will make their debut this year in Edinburgh. The symphony takes audiences on a journey from birth and self-discovery in the first four movements, with each subsequent section representing life progression towards maturity. It is structured in the form of a 12 bar blues.
Marsalis has already announced that he will step down next year in a planned move, making way for the next generation, and he composed this work back in December 1999. It is a piece to be performed on a massive scale for a full orchestra, jazz band, many singers, a solo trumpet (naturally, as Marsalis is a trumpeter) and includes a range of musical genres from classical to jazz.
The symphony will be performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, conducted by James Gaffigan, along with The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus directed by James Grossmith, and the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers at a huge Opening Concert at Usher Hall with more than 200 performers on stage.
Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director, Edinburgh International Festival, explaining that All Rise will open the Usher Hall series said it is “quite clearly a call to action”. She said: “It spells out the proposal of an alternative vision to the often cynical and indulgent world dominating so much of our lives today, an alternative vision that instead elevates collaboration, accepts struggle with dignity, and believes in ultimate ascendance through the embracing of others.
“But it also leads us very directly and fully into this year’s focus on the United States of America. To coincide with the 250 years since the declaration of its independence, we will be presenting the largest number of American artists in the festivals of history across all our genres of music, dance, theatre and opera. There are naturally recurring themes of freedom, ingenuity, prejudice and hypocrisy sitting alongside and within outstanding creative achievements, all born out of the friction and energy that is necessitated by its unique cultural melting pot.”
The director also said that this year’s festival is a “celebratory moment” as it marks a return to a full scale festival. She said this is possible due to the multi year funding which allows the EIF team to have a “longer term vision and planning”. In particular Ms Benedetti said there is huge anticipation and excitement around the reopening of the King’s Theatre this year and “it will be a really emotional moment for all of us.”
Opening Weekend
The symphony and the ideas behind it also form the inspiration for what is always the most fun event of the festival in Princes Street Gardens during the opening weekend. Together We Rise will celebrate community collaboration in the gardens at a free drop in event on 9 August.
Ms Benedetti said: “We have pivoted in the opening weekend to always doing mass participation moments in the Gardens. To have somewhere in the region of 400 participants, from professional and community musicians and dancers, is something I believe in greatly as something that those people can work towards.
“They spend months preparing and thinking about it, and it brings us closer to them in a different way.”
There will be pop up performances with music and dance from Scotland and the US, all inspired by the festival theme. This event is run in collaboration with the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.
Residencies
In stressing that music and performing arts can have an impact on what is happening in the world, the festival has also been clear about its work to reduce any environmental impact. The EIF has for the past few years invited orchestras to take up residence in the city for longer than just one performance, meaning that their journey to the capital and the consequent carbon emissions are worthwhile.
This year two of the world’s best symphony orchestras are in residence for extended stays, to deepen their connection with Edinburgh – the legendary Berliner Philharmoniker with conductor Kirill Petrenko and soloist Augustin Hadelich, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel in his final year and tour as the orchestra’s Music & Artistic Director. Edinburgh audiences will recall Dudamel conducting the LA Phil at Tynecastle at one of the grand opening events of the past. The LA Phil play on three dates at the Usher Hall. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will also take up residence at Usher Hall with two performances after the opening concert – JCLO plays Duke Ellington, Black Brown and Beige, and JLCO with Yuja Wang.
Venues
The most exciting news is that the King’s Theatre will be back for this year’s festival. International Theater Amsterdam will stage the five hour long Angels in America. Tony Kushner’s work about the AIDS crisis is described as “epoch defining”. Also on stage at the Old Lady of Leven Street Clown Show will provide a dark satirical portrait of the modern American Dream.
Social Impact
The festival works all year round in the community and this year especially it has a residency at Broomhouse Hub. The long term plans are for training and paid employment opportunities, demential friendly events and community meals.
Festival theme
Ms Benedetti said: “Our 2026 Edinburgh International Festival is an invitation to All Rise. It’s a rallying cry to artists and audiences to stand with us, in our belief that through artistic endeavour we will see each other more truthfully and more tolerantly. Marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, we put America firmly in the spotlight.
“A nation whose ideals of freedom sit alongside deep hypocrisy, we are all drawn to its extreme possibilities because they reflect the aspirations and shortcomings, we recognise in ourselves. The American story is filled with innovation and ingenuity, perseverance and prejudice – tensions that have fuelled some of the most extraordinary artistic achievements in history.
“This year’s programme brings together over 2,000 artists across opera, music, theatre and dance and through their voices we will confront complexity with curiosity and openness. At moments of uncertainty, the arts offers a space to gather, to question and to imagine differently.
“Join us this August as we rise together – through the dark, the dazzling, the challenging and the transformative. In doing so, we celebrate not only artistic excellence, but the resilience and flourishing of the human spirit.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Edinburgh International Festival is an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for peoples of all nations. Committed to virtuosity and originality, the International Festival
presents some of the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre.
The Scottish Government is proud to support one of the most significant annual fixtures in the global cultural
calendar through multi-year funding from Creative Scotland and the Festival EXPO Fund.”
The 2026 edition of the Edinburgh International Festival takes place from 7–30 August 2026. General booking opens on Thursday 26 March, with tickets available to members and supporters from Thursday 19 March. To become a member, or sign up to our mailing list for more details, visit www.eif.co.uk
Discounted tickets
Ensuring that the festival is as accessible as possible, there are more than 50,000 tickets on sale at £30 or less. There are also £10 “give it a go” tickets for all events. There will be thousands of tickets available through the Young Musicians Pass for 8 – 18 year olds and there are Tickets for Good for NHS staff, charity workers and people eligible for benefits.
Dementia Friendly
Repeating the single concert which was staged for people with dementia and their carers last year, there will be two specially designed concerts this year. And there will be 43 accessible performances, with 21 captioned performances. A free Access Pass is available to anyone needing additional support.
The 2026 programme is now available on the EIF website.
