As a part of My Light Shines On, the Edinburgh International Festival has commissioned some of Scotland’s major national artistic companies to create extraordinary works that audiences can enjoy from their own homes. In a tribute to the enduring spirit of our Festival City, they bring light and life to sites that must stay empty this year. These unique performances for film reflect on what it means to keep a hopeful light burning in dark times.

You can watch now the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and other films as part of My Light Shines On on the Edinburgh International Festival's YouTube channel.

From the solemnity of its opening, to the atmospheric Night Music movements and its joyous conclusion, Mahler’s Seventh Symphony takes us on a journey from fading dusk to a bright new day. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra perform Klaus Simon’s arrangement for chamber orchestra. They are led by Music Director Thomas Søndergård making his International Festival debut.

Orchestra and conductor are joined by celebrated Scottish mezzo soprano Karen Cargill for three of Mahler’s wistful Rückert-Lieder. Cargill is a regular presence on prestigious opera stages the world over, a Kathleen Ferrier Award-winner and a firm favourite with International Festival audiences thanks to performances including 2019’s Götterdämmerung. Her recent recording of lieder by Alma and Gustav Mahler has been widely acclaimed, making her the perfect choice for this rich programme of Mahler and celebration of Festival legacy.