Opening Concert: La Pasión según San Marcos
SCOTTISH PREMIERE
Latin American music meets Afro-Cuban and contemporary classical in this bold interpretation of Christ’s Crucifixion.
Our first opening concert is Osvaldo Golijov’s captivatingly rhythmic La Pasión según San Marcos, one of four Passions commissioned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach. The next day, the same miracle of faith is explored in a vividly contrasting performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St Matthew Passion.
In this transformative interpretation of Christ’s crucifixion, Golijov crosses cultural boundaries. His dramatic score combines Latin American and Afro-Cuban musical styles – including samba, tango and son cubano – with contemporary classical expressions. His text is equally eclectic, grounded in Old Testament extracts and the Hebrew Kaddish (prayer for the dead), all offset by modern-day Spanish poetry.
Internationally acclaimed conductor Joana Carneiro joins musicians brought together especially for this Scottish premiere of this poignant work. They are joined by the 'amazing’ (Observer) Schola Cantorum of Venezuela, the outstanding National Youth Choir of Scotland and a line-up of soloists from jazz, popular and classical backgrounds.
Buy standard price tickets for both Opening Weekend concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.
a roaring success
the first indisputably great composition of the 21st centuryThe Boston Globe
Supported by Dunard Fund with additional support from Camões I.P.
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La Pasión según San Marcos by Osvaldo Golijov
Commissioned by the International Bach Academy in Stuttgart,
on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death.
Musicians from the RSNO
Joana Carneiro Conductor
National Youth Choir of Scotland
Christopher Bell Chorus Director
Schola Cantorum de Venezuela
María Guinand Chorus Director
Osvaldo Golijov La Pasión según San Marcos
Performances of the Work are given by permission of Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Limited.
TICKET PRICES AND CONCESSIONS
A limited number of £10 Affordable Tickets are available for every concert. First, log into your online account or create a new account if you don’t have one. £10 Affordable Tickets are available in the Upper Circle in Price Q only. Select your seat(s) in this area and add the tickets to your basket. Enter promo code INVITED at checkout, and your ticket(s) will be discounted to £10.
The £10 Affordable Ticket is subject to availability and limited to two per customer per event. No proof of eligibility is required. £10 Affordable Tickets work on a trust basis and we hope that these will only be chosen by people who need them.
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and under 18s are entitled to a 50% concession discount.
Free Essential Companion tickets are available for those who need them. Select Essential Companion ticket from the drop-down menu, and the price will automatically update to a free ticket in your basket. You must purchase two tickets for the Essential Companion offer to apply.
Arts workers and under 30s are entitled to a 30% concession discount, which are available from 21 March. Arts workers and under 30s concessions are not available on top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H). Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
All concessions are subject to availability. Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
MULTIBUY OFFERS
We have a variety of multibuy offers where you can save 20% on standard price tickets when you buy tickets for multiple shows. Multibuy offers will only apply when tickets are purchased in the same transaction.
Opera Lovers: Buy standard price tickets for three or more operas (Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Oedipus Rex, Così fan tutte, and Capriccio) and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Opening Weekend Concerts: Buy standard price tickets for both Opening Weekend concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Bamberger Residency: Buy standard price tickets for all three Bamberger evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Philharmonia Residency: Buy standard price tickets for all three Philharmonia evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
GROUP BOOKINGS
Groups of ten or more receive a 10% discount on full-price tickets for selected performances. Group discounts are available from 21 March. For groups of more than 20, phone the box office or email [email protected]
YOUNG CHILDREN POLICY
We adhere to each venue’s individual policy and advise that you contact our box office for further information before booking tickets. We will include age guidance on relevant performances.
TICKET EXCHANGES & REFUNDS
No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged.
We have partnered with TicketPlan to offer optional ticket protection. This allows you to recoup 100% of the paid ticket price (including any booking fee) if you are unable to attend your event for any number of covered reasons, including illness, travel delays, adverse weather conditions and more. For more information, visit ticketplangroup.com/eifrefundpromise
Refund Protection is an optional service offered by Edinburgh International Festival and administered by TicketPlan. It is not an insurance policy.