First Night at The Hub
First Night at The Hub
Join violinist Nicola Benedetti and musicians from across the Festival for a surprise late-night lineup.
Nicola Benedetti hosts the opening night at our Festival home at the top of the Royal Mile. A consistently sold-out event, First Night at The Hub has become an energetic staple in our calendar.
With a surprise musical lineup, this eclectic evening gives you a taste of world-class talent, up-close. Previous performances have been described as having ‘the genuine feeling that you didn’t know what was coming next’ (The Arts Desk 2024) and being ‘adventurous and unceasingly engaging’ (The Scotsman 2023).
Due to the popularity of the format, this year we’re putting on two more evenings where you can get to know leading artists from across the Festival. Check out Up Late with Mark O’Connor & Gustavo Dudamel and Up Late with Donald Shaw.
a varied and extremely satisfying musical feast
What to expect at The Hub
The most intimate performances and conversations unfold here. Experience music traditions and rising stars from across the globe.
Your ticket includes a welcome drink 🍸
Programme
Ungar Ashokan Farewell
Performed by Nicola Benedetti
Blues for the World
Performed by Abdias Armenteros, Alexa Tarantino, Chris Lewis, Joe Webb, Domo Branch, Sam Chess
Take the A Train
Performed by Abdias Armenteros, Alexa Tarantino, Chris Lewis, Joe Webb, Domo Branch, Sam Chess
Debussy Cinq Poèmes de Baudelaire - V. La mort des Amants
Performed by Anna Dennis, Kirill Gerstein
Wagner Wesendonck-Lieder - V. Träume
Performed by Anna Dennis, Kirill Gerstein
Shostakovich 7 Romances on Poems by Alexander Blok, Op.127 - III.We were together (That Troubled Night)
Performed by Anna Dennis, Nicola Benedetti
Wynton Marsalis Fiddle Dance Suite, Strathspey for Nicola
Performed by Nicola Benedetti
Shostakovich 5 Pieces For 2 Violins and Piano
Performed by Nicola Benedetti, Karina Canellakis, Kirill Gerstein
Ravel Sonata No.2 for Violin and Piano MVMT II "Blues"
Performed by Karina Canellakis, Kirill Gerstein
Scallywags
Performed by Dàna
Blackford Hill Pt 1 & Pt 2
Performed by Dàna (pt 2 with Nicola Benedetti)
Din' it rain arr. Donald E. Dillard
Performed by Jason Max Ferdinand Singers
John Stoddart Choral Mosaic 1, movement 4: On the Other Side
Performed by Jason Max Ferdinand Singers
Lift Every Voice and Sing from JMF Singers' book, arr. by Sam Chess
Performed by all the above artists.
