Explore the 2019 programme

Unforgettable orchestral classics and 400,000 fireworks launched from Edinburgh’s iconic Castle make this one of the biggest fireworks concerts in the world.

A dark, compelling award-winning drama adapted from Kate Grenville’s novel. 

Scottish star James McArdle takes the challenging title role in a raucous reboot of Ibsen’s epic play.

An exceptional songwriter and gifted storyteller, This Is The Kit is the much-beloved musical project of Kate Stables.

Based on the play by Arthur Miller, a brand-new narrative ballet, given its world premiere at the International Festival as one of the highlights of Scottish Ballet’s 50th anniversary year.

The graphically glorious 1927 return to the International Festival with the European premiere of brand-new show Roots.

Our senses allow us to apprehend the world around us. 9 brings them to vivid life through a bold journey of sensation. A work for families. 

The European premiere of a new opera from Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek adapted from Lars von Trier’s controversial film.

Thomas Dausgaard explores Grieg’s exuberant music and Glorious Percussion, an astonishing concerto by composer Sofia Gubaidulina.

A timeless love story; an electrifying spectacle. Jets versus Sharks. Loosely based on Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is a cultural phenomenon.

The Finnish string quartet makes its International Festival debut, with a recital of surging emotion.

Komische Oper Berlin return to the International Festival for Tchaikovsky’s best-loved opera, based on Alexander Pushkin’s classic verse novel.

World-renowned British countertenor Iestyn Davies performs one of the most powerful love stories in all of opera.

A visually stunning, exhilarating dance reinterpretation of Stravinsky’s masterpiece. 

Two immensely powerful reflections on our existence, performed by a celebrated International Festival music partnership.

The LA Phil play music from the Golden Age of Hollywood by Korngold, Herrmann, Waxman and a selection by John Williams.

Intricate songcraft, virtuoso fingerpicking and ear-catching melodic electronica combine in Villagers' astonishing music. 

Chronicling Jackie Kay’s 20-year search for her biological mother and father and her quest for them to recognise her own existence. 

A revelatory updating of Sophocles’ tragedy, Oedipus is a chilling thriller, told in real time.

Discover an alternative, unseen Edinburgh. A city where memory and history collide, where the strange and the unexpected skew your sense of what is real.

Returning from a six-year hiatus the Danish indie rock group make their International Festival debut at Leith Theatre

The Canadian pianist is revered above all for her performances of Bach. The second of two concerts.

Adapted from his best-selling book, Stephen Fry brings to brilliant life the gods, monsters and mortals of ancient Greece.

Berlioz’s colourful, Byron-inspired tour of Italy and Beethoven’s radiant musical tribute to the natural world.

The Italian period instrument Baroque orchestra journey through four of Mozart’s youthful string quartets and forgotten gems by Italian composer Carlo Monza.

Expect thundering guitars, dramatic dreamscapes and operatic vocals in Anna Calvi’s return to the International Festival.

Winner of numerous major international awards, the American classical pianist makes his International Festival debut with a wide-ranging programme.

A special collaboration between former BBC New Generation Artists to perform two iconic chamber works by Franck and Dvořák.

Ten of Nigeria’s biggest stars come together to tell stories of domestic violence, overturning the status quo, abuse, disrespect, bravery, sisterhood and joy.

A dance piece which looks behind the masks of violence and machismo to the inner lives of Belfast hard men and strong women.

The legendary singer, composer, oud player and folk hero Marcel Khalife makes his Scottish debut at the Edinburgh International Festival.

Milo Rau constructs an uncompromising theatrical documentary around a savage killing that shocked Belgium. 

A dizzying fusion of dance, music and revolution, inspired by the supercharged music and scandalous life of Fela Kuti. 

A dramatic meeting between two extraordinary artists, examining their intertwined histories, colonial legacies and the changing climate we all face. 

Raucously funny and brutally honest, Purposeless Movements is an eye-opening dance theatre work.

The graphically glorious 1927 return to the International Festival with the European premiere of brand-new show Roots.

A new play presented through combined stage action and illustrated text.

Our senses allow us to apprehend the world around us. 9 brings them to vivid life through a bold journey of sensation. A work for families. 

Chronicling Jackie Kay’s 20-year search for her biological mother and father and her quest for them to recognise her own existence. 

The Scottish Celtic fusion band bring a host of their international collaborators for a very special International Festival gig.

Mali and the American South come together in this compelling collaboration between two of today’s greatest world music groups.

The poet, rapper, novelist and playwright makes her International Festival debut. 

A morning of provocation and discussion that continues this cross-festival conversation about power and gender in the arts. Part of the Saturday Sessions.

A morning of provocation and discussion on the Climate Crisis. Part of the Saturday Sessions.

Common People is a call to action; a commitment by organisations to creating meaningful and sustainable change to ensure that arts and culture truly is accessible to everyone. Part of the Saturday Sessions.

Over three weeks, 15 writers from around the world each write a manifesto for the future. 

Come for a meal hosted by an artist, inviting you to think and talk together.

A series of new short plays written by emerging international writers.

 A series of new short plays written by emerging international writers.

 A series of new short plays written by emerging international writers.

 A series of new short plays written by emerging international writers.

 A series of new short plays written by emerging international writers.

A series of performances to explore the ideas in You Are Here and encourage audiences to join the conversation.

A series of performances to explore the ideas in You Are Here and encourage audiences to join the conversation. 

A series of performances to explore the ideas in You Are Here and encourage audiences to join the conversation. 

A series of performances to explore the ideas in You Are Here and encourage audiences to join the conversation. 

A series of performances to explore the ideas in You Are Here and encourage audiences to join the conversation. 

A series of performances to explore the ideas in You Are Here and encourage audiences to join the conversation. 

The R.A.P (Rhythm and Poetry) Party is a unique, vibrant live literature event inspired by hip-hop culture and hosted by Inua Ellams. Joining the party are a floor-filling selection of poets.