Edinburgh International Festival

The weekend is almost here, so let's take a moment to relax and watch András Schiff perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 5 'Emperor' at the International Festival in 2016 in a Classic FM music session.

“I think at its best, it connects you with humanity, reminds you of your commonality and your difference.”
Back in 2016, Cabaret Artiste Meow Meow talked to us about bringing a true, human vulnerability into heightened performance, and the absolute, jubilant necessity of art in our lives.

Let Joan As Police Woman awake that Friday feeling in you with her performance of 'Tell Me' at the 2018 International Festival as part of Light on the Shore with Edinburgh Gin Seaside.
Have a great weekend!

📢NEWS: We are excited to announce that Sir Ian McKellen will return to the International Festival in 2019 with a new solo show celebrating his 80th birthday.
2019 marks the 50th anniversary of Sir Ian’s landmark appearance at the 1969 International Festival with his performance of Marlowe’s Edward ll and Shakespeare’s Richard ll at the Assembly Hall.
At Sir Ian's request, all profits from performance will be used to support regional theatres and local drama provision. Edinb...urgh proceeds will support drama training for young people via a bursary for an Edinburgh local to study performance, and by contributing to the refurbishment of the Drama Studio at Leith Academy as part of our residency partnership with the school and the City of Edinburgh Council. Read more: https://eif.buzz/2PioJSS
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Back in 2016, director John Tiffany talked to us about the moment he knew he wanted to be a director, and the projects that most excite and inspire him. Take a look.

Skeleton horses. Three-storey spiders. Apocalyptic nightmares.
Do you dare to revisit the seven times we got spooked at the International Festival? If so, read on...

“I find it really difficult to use the word art, because I don’t really know what it is”
Last year, artist, musician and Turner Prize-winner Martin Creed reflected on his job as an artist, trying to be true and trying to make life better.

We're delighted to announce the appointment of Francesca Hegyi OBE as the incoming Executive Director of the International Festival.
Having previously studied and worked in Edinburgh, Francesca returns to the city to join the International Festival in February 2019.
Read more on our website: https://eif.buzz/2Pp0gul

Need inspiration for some Halloween costumes? Visit our blog (if you dare!...) to see a whole lot of mysterious creatures that appeared at the International Festival over the years... 👻

As we're waiting for the weekend to begin, let's go back in time to the 2017 International Festival and let Magnetic Fields introduce us to a certain cat called Dionysus... 😼

Get to know Chorus Director Aidan Oliver as he answers some quickfire questions ahead of tonight's Edinburgh Festival Chorus open rehearsal.
If you're interested in coming along this evening, visit our website to sign up: https://www.eif.co.uk/about/edinburgh-fes tival-chorus

“I think part of being a human is to try and explore different ways of telling stories” - Zinnie Harris
Award-winning playwright talked to us last year about writing and forming stories, the importance of challenging something within the soul, and why that has always been a part of being human.

Come work with us! The International Festival is currently looking for: ➡️ Head of Communications (permanent) ➡️ Digital Content and Community Officer (long term contract)
Read more and apply here: https://eif.buzz/2yvpOvW

Can you feel that Friday feeling taking over? The weekend is almost here, so let's listen to some music - how about St. Vincent performing Masseduction at the 2018 International Festival? 🎸

Scottish International Storytelling Festival is starting today! Explore the full programme of events over on their website: https://www.sisf.org.uk/

“The music should be that; you should just have the pure pleasure and joy and be open to it”
In 2017, revered pianist Mitsuko Uchida talked to us about living for music and the unpredictability of performing on stage.

Such a wonderful day in Edinburgh today! 🍁 Have you ever been in the Princes Street Gardens for the International Festival‘s finale, the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert?
Ps. Can you spot our home The Hub - Edinburgh's Festival Centre in the photo?

It's time to let that Friday feeling take over! Let's go back in time to hear Youssou N'Dour rehearse at the Usher Hall ahead of his performance at the 2016 International Festival.