Together We Rise

Together We Rise

Celebrate the power of collaboration through joyful, community-led performances in Princes Street Gardens.

Stroll through Princes Street Gardens in the heart of the city and delight in pop-up performances from the likes of Oi Musica and Phoenix Choir.

Experience vibrant music and dance from across Scotland and the US in this collaborative event inspired by our 2026 Festival theme, All Rise. Over 300 performers gather to fill the park with sound and movement – from a brass band to a gospel choir, from Highland dance to African drumming.

We gather together for the finale, bringing together the sounds of Scotland and New Orleans. Expect a heart-expanding, jaw dropping moment of collective expression inspired by the final, soulful movement of Wynton Marsalis’s All Rise.

Bring a picnic, and drop in as suits you for this relaxed, family-friendly, free performance  🧺

The Warm Up: All Rise Theme

Listen to The Warm Up, your bite-sized audio introduction to the performance.

In a personal welcome to the 2026 Festival, Festival Director Nicola Benedetti introduces All Rise - and extends a special invitation.

Downloads List

In collaboration with Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

Supported by

Programme

Performers

Together We Rise Creative TeamCloseOpen
  • Creative Director
    Jen Irons
  • Participation Producer
    Wezi Mhura
  • Head of Discovery & Participation
    Caroline Donald
  • Music Lead
    Sam Chess
Participant GroupsCloseOpen
  • Phoenix Choir
    Choral Director, Kat Brooks
  • All Rise Community
    Band Lead and Conductor, Sue McKenzie
  • Oi Musica Brass Blast
    Band Directors, Oli Furness & Marcus Britton
  • Diwan Collective
    Group Director, Samba Sene
  • Malhar Odissi
    Choreographer, Shilpi Dhara
  • Movement in Worship
    Group Directors, Kirsty Jamurath & Andy Au
  • Flings & Things Highland Dance
    Rachel McLagan, Group Coordinator & Director
  • Special Thanks to
    Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival - Mark Sandford & Fiona Alexander – Collaboration Leads

    Sewing2gether All Nations - Costumes

    The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust - Instruments
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