Great central setting and performer-friendly atmosphere.


Of the three composers in Alasdair's programme, two were forerunners of what was to come. In the Classical period, Beethoven began composing music which started to loosen the traditional classical forms and which was often more emotional. In the Romantic Period which followed, Liszt in his late works wrote that he wanted to 'hurl a lance as far as possible into the boundless realms of the future'. 21st century techniques like Impressionism and even Serialism appeared in embryo.

Alasdair Cameron – Piano Recital

Step back in time to experience the pleasure of an hour with Bruntsfield Baroque, as Vickie Hobson (viola da gamba), Sheena Jardine (violin), John Sampson (recorders) and Frances Scott (keyboard) introduce a programme of 18-century trio sonatas. In a concert reflecting an evening with the celebrated Edinburgh Musical Society, hear how European musicians were drawn to make Edinburgh their home, mixing with Scots composers such as William McGibbon and James Oswald and embracing native songs and tunes. The Athens of the North was a melting pot – come and enjoy a concert from the Age of Enlightenment. 

Bruntsfield Baroque

In Earth Prayers, Carol Ann selects nature poetry from across the ages, from John Clare to Lucille Clifton and Kathleen Jamie, that reflects the fragility of our world and the urgent need for thoughtful stewardship. Encompassing anger at greed and destruction, alongside celebration of the profound and joyful, Carol Ann complements her own writing with voices from around this small planet. The poetry interplays with music from virtuoso John Sampson, who brings an engaging wit as well as sparky tunes on diverse brass and woodwind instruments, creating a unique and inspiring afternoon.

Carol Ann Duffy and John Sampson: Earth Prayers

From the 18th-century Golden Age of Robert Burns and Niel Gow, to 19th-century virtuoso James Scots Skinner, alongside classic melodies from Ireland and America, Alastair completes his diverse festival programme with an eclectic range of sound, alongside piano/accordion supremo Gregor Blamey. Steeped in traditional and classical disciplines and with a critically acclaimed back catalogue of album recordings, radio broadcasts and live performances, this promises to be a unique insight into the fiddle tradition. Unmissable for folk music enthusiasts. 'Superlative musicianship' (BrightYoungFolk.com). 'Panache, grace and affection' (Scotsman). 'Music in the moment' (Herald).

Alastair Savage and Gregor Blamey: Scotland and Beyond

Experience the power and beauty of the movies and music in this unique solo piano recital by acclaimed concert pianist Ailsa Aitkenhead. Ailsa offers an emotional journey through some of the most moving and inspirational pieces written for films. Enjoy these iconic pieces in the beautiful setting of St Mark’s Unitarian Church. Featuring music from Studio Ghibli's Joe Hisaishi (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle), Einaudi (Nomadland), Yann Tierson (Amelie), Chopin (The Pianist) and many more.

Music from the Movies

Experience the vibrant energy of dance through the centuries in an extraordinary brass ensemble concert! Journey across 400 years showcasing the evolution of the music from Baroque elegance to lively jazz and modern grooves. Marvel at the powerful sound of brass instruments bringing minuets, waltzes, tangos and more to life in this dynamic performance. Whether you’re a fan of classical masterpieces or contemporary rhythms, this event promises a captivating blend of styles and eras. Join us for an afternoon celebrating the universal language of movement and music in a bold, exhilarating way. Don’t miss this unforgettable, one-performance-only, show!

Brass Tracks

An evening of good, old-fashioned Scottish entertainment, featuring some of Edinburgh's best-known performers. Join Wendy Weatherby (cello, vocals), John Sampson (trumpet, crumhorn, recorders), Sandy Brechin (accordion), Andy Cannon (storyteller), Allan and Rosemary McMillan (vocals, guitar), Pete Baynes (ukulele, vocals) and Lawrence Dunn (fiddle) for a cheerful, poignant or nostalgic jaunt through our favourite songs, tunes and stories. From Scotland's rich, dramatic folk traditions to the lighthearted fun of its variety theatres, come along, sing along – there's something for everyone at our party!

Mrs Weatherby's Concert Party

A regular sell-out at Edinburgh Fringe (including 2022, 2023 and 2024), Curmudgeon are an Edinburgh-based trio who play (mostly) Scots folk songs and tune sets, and are popular Fringe regulars. They are: Laurie Brett on vocals and guitar, Andrew Macintyre on vocals, Scottish small pipes and whistles, and Donald Gorman on fiddle, mandola and backing vocals. As always, sweetie-packet rustlers will be ejected; joiners-in on choruses are encouraged. Light-hearted banter assured!

Curmudgeon: Traditional Scottish Folk Music

Stand Out – a show created to help our students do just that! Join The Performance Academy Scotland as we welcome you to a variety show to remember! Enjoy a show packed full of drama, song, musical theatre and more! A show for all ages to enjoy. Performed by the talented young performers from The Performance Academy, a Scottish award-winning performing arts school. Returning again for 2025, after four years of previous sell-out shows!

Stand Out

An exciting collaboration to begin Alastair's eclectic Fringe programme. He is joined by five-time National Mod Gold Medalist and multi award-winning composer/harpist, Ailie Robertson for their first-ever duo Fringe appearance. With both musicians steeped in traditional and classical disciplines, this promises to be a tour de force with some of Scotland's finest melodies performed on fiddle and clarsach. 'Alastair Savage is a master of the instrument' (Threeweeks). 'Flair, precision and consummate skill' (Folkwords). 'A player of Ailie's class has the ability to tear your heart out' (Maverick).

Alastair Savage and Ailie Robertson: Fiddle and Clarsach – Scottish Roots

Join the hilarious fun as Dr H revives the great satirical songs from the Monty Python era. Participation is a must, with cabaret antics, interactive patter, and lots of singalong in this piano cabaret show. Songs include: Lumberjack Song, Sit On My Face, Galaxy Song, Finland, Knights of the Round Table, Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life and many, many more… So, book your tickets, bring your friends and family, and enjoy an uplifting and fun hour revisiting the songs and stories of one of the world’s most successful comedy groups.

A Monty Python Cabaret Singalong Circus

Enjoy musical satire at its finest: celebrating the mischievous wit of Tom Lehrer, performed by Australian entertainer, singer and pianist, Antony (Dr H) Hubmayer. This award-winning smash-hit of the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe includes all Tom's hits plus even more laughs, songs and games. Join the merry journey exploring the life and times of Tom Lehrer, retold through such timeless songs as Masochism Tango, Vatican Rag, Poisoning Pigeons in the Park. You’ll be laughing and singing your way through a great evening of cabaret entertainment as you experience An Unwasted Evening.

An Unwasted Evening – The Genius of Tom Lehrer

Rock on with the greatest Queen piano cabaret tribute singalong show ever! All the hits, fun stories and lots of laughs as you transform from an audience into the world’s greatest Queen cabaret singers… This is a high-energy, interactive show that will have you singing, laughing, dancing and generally having one of the best nights of your life. International piano cabaret entertainer Antony (Dr H) Hubmayer will lead the celebrations as we sing all the best bits from Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, and many more.

Queen – A Night at the Cabaret Opera

Celebrate the songs and stories of Frank Sinatra with award-winning international piano cabaret entertainer Antony (Dr H) Hubmayer. The show features all his classic hit songs spanning over 50 years of recording and includes plenty of singalongs, laughs and colourful background stories retold and sung 'our way'.

Frank Sinatra – Our Way

From Caroline’s on Broadway to Mozarthaus in Vienna, Polish pianist Igor Lipinski returns with his one-of-a-kind show of piano and magic at the stunning St Mark’s Unitarian Church. Featuring flutist Anna Chenoweth Lipinski. Directed by Paul Christman. ‘Igor is an original. He thrills you on the piano. He mystifies you with magical illusions. And he keeps you laughing with his impudent, charismatic charm’ (Teller of Penn & Teller).

Igor Lipinski's Piano Illusions

'Best of the Festival and Fringe: Riveting Highland tales fresh from the Gaelic' (Independent). Presented by James MacDonald Reid in the traditional manner, with Gaelic songs and antique Highland bagpipes. James MacDonald Reid 'is a hugely accomplished teller of tales, quietly humourous and learnedly respectful of his craft. This is a rare Fringe opportunity to plug into ancient currents and it should be grabbed at by anyone who sees the arts as more than just a series of transient events' (Scotsman).

Folklore of the Scottish Highlands

Judy and Sally perform traditional and contemporary folk music and songs on Scottish smallpipes and English concertina. Their playing explores how these two very different instruments can complement and support each other and Judy’s vocals, whilst also maintaining the integrity and essence of traditional music. Drawing on a wide range of sources from across the UK, their focus is on finding songs and tunes which show these two instruments at their best, both individually and together.

Judy Barker and Sally Thomas

Enjoy a chilled afternoon of violin and piano music with Sheena Jardine (violin) and Richard Lewis (piano). The lovely Saint-Saens Sonata No.1 and Mozart's joyful Sonata in G major K301 will be performed alongside a selection of shorter works including Tango by local composer John Glenesk Mortimer, and Arabesque No. 3 by Michael Garrett who was a composer and fabulous jazz musician also based in Edinburgh. Some delightful 18th Century Edinburgh salon music by William McGibbon, along with one or two other violin and piano surprises will complete this varied and colourful programme.

Afternoon Violin and Piano

Musical gems from Renaissance Europe, including jewels from the Scottish repertoire performed on our huge collection of period instruments – an opportunity to both see and hear sackbuts, cornetts, serpent, shawms, curtals, bagpipes, recorders, gemshorns, viols, violins, rebecs, harps, symphony, assorted percussion and more, joined by our singers. The show is entertaining and informative, the presentation is friendly and the performers are happy to chat with you. Children very welcome to join for free but require a ticket.

Edinburgh Renaissance Band at Home and Abroad

Peter Seivewright performs Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and music by the Austrian jazz composer Friedrich Gulda.

Jazz Meets Western Classical Music

Join us for a lunchtime concert recital of romantic art-song from France and Germany! Louise Martyn (soprano), Nadanai Laohakunakorn (piano), Robbie Milner (baritone) and Ben Eames (piano), bring you a programme of mélodie and lieder gems. Escape the city buzz for a concert of atmospheric song in the resonant acoustic of ArtSpace at St. Mark's Unitarian Church.


French Mélodie and German Lieder

A musical voyage into outer space for solo piano by Scottish composer Morris Pert (1947-2010). Best known for his session work with Kate Bush, Mike Oldfield etc, he also wrote three orchestral symphonies and much else. 

Morris Pert: Voyage in Space CANCELLED

Scottish folklorist James MacDonald Reid and Highland bagpiper Cameron May present a classic Gaelic epic folktale, blending traditional narration with píobaireachd. A story originally learned in his youth, James shares it as he heard it in the traditional manner, while Cameron responds by playing the corresponding classical bagpipe piece of the same title. An exciting blend of ancient oral lore and music! Performed in English, with Gaelic throughout. 'James is a hugely accomplished teller of tales; quietly humorous and learnedly respectful of his craft' (Scotsman).

Bagpipes and Folklore: Desperate Battle of the Birds

Enter a world where the echoes of time reverberate through a tapestry of sound. Our concert invites audiences on a mesmerizing journey to baroque times. This enchanting evening is set in St Mark's – a wonderful, intimate chamber music venue with outstanding acoustics. This promises a truly historical experience where musicians, including soprano Angela Hicks, theorbo Kristiina Watt and viola da gamba Harry Buckoke, breathe new life into timeless songs. Our concert Echoes of Time is a celebration of music's ability to transcend time and connect us to our past.

Ancient Music Promotions: Echoes of Time 

Experience the rich traditions of Scottish piping with The Royal Scottish Pipers' Society and friends at this special Fringe event. Featuring fine piping with guest performers to showcase the rich heritage and powerful melodies of Scotland's national instrument. Whether you're a lifelong piping fan or experiencing it for the first time, this is a great opportunity to enjoy authentic Scottish music in a welcoming setting.

Royal Scottish Pipers' Society and Friends

We have thrilled audiences around the world, but we feel especially at home at the Fringe. Enjoy our unique blend of fiddles, flute, smallpipes, harp, concertina and percussion. Hear our albums on Greentrax and Claddagh. The group is renowned for bringing new pieces into the tradition and have worked with leading musicians such as Yehudi Menuhin and John Cage (our recording of his Scottish Circus is being issued by Mode Records). A welcome awaits you from Rab (lowland and smallpipes), Eddie (flute), Karen (harps), Anna Louise (violin), Mark (violin), Peter (drums) and Stuart (concertina).

The Whistlebinkies Play Scottish Folk

Music by JS Bach (1685-1750) transcribed by Ferenc Liszt (1811-1886), and the celebrated Walsingham Variations by the Welsh composer John Bull (1562-1628).

Time Travel – Renaissance and Baroque Music Meet the Modern Grand Pianoforte

Peter Seivewright {pianoforte} performs the masterpiece of American Transcendentalism Concord Sonata by Charles Ives (1874-1954) and music by Scottish composers Eddie McGuire and Tommy Fowler.

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