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Having studied at music school in Edinburgh from age 9, I practically grew up with the Festival on my doorstep. I have countless memories of going to concerts with friends, so it's going to be a joy to return and perform this year alongside so many incredible musicians!Finn Mannion, Cello
The Next Generation of World-Class Performers
For the fourth year in a row, our Rising Stars programme offers outstanding young musicians an opportunity to perform on an international stage. Selected through audition, the programme unites up-and-coming young musicians with mentors for performance opportunities and professional development.
Find out more about this year's Rising Stars and where to see them this August ⬇️
Rising Stars of Voice
The 2026 Rising Stars of Voice are Katie Carmichael, Theano Papadaki [Soprano], Lucy Gibbs, Louisa Stuart-Smith [Mezzo Soprano], Sam Britner, Quito Clothier [Tenor], Filippo Turkheimer and Paul-Louis Barlet [Baritone]. They are joined by Rising Star Francesca Lauri on piano.
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Theano Papadaki
Katie Carmichael
Lucy Gibbs
Louisa Stuart Smith
Sam Britner
Quito Clothier
Filippo Turkheimer
© Credit : Cristina Saiz
Paul Louis Bartlet
© Credit : Edouard Brane
Francesca Lauri
© Credit : Ben ReasonWhere To Catch Them 🌟
Rising Stars of Voice with Louise Alder
Tue 18 Aug 2026, 11.00am
Our Rising Stars of Voice take to The Queen’s Hall stage alongside their internationally acclaimed mentors, soprano Louise Alder and pianist James Baillieu. The musicians will come together for an exceptional recital of vocal music, centred on Johannes Brahms’s dramatic Neue Liebeslieder (Love Songs).
The Voice cohort will curate and perform the first half of the concert, before being joined after the interval by Louise Alder, fresh from her appearance in Don Giovanni at the Usher Hall.
This Shining Night
Thu 13 Aug 2026, 9.00pm
The Edinburgh Festival Chorus joins forces with our 2026 Rising Stars of Voice for a dynamic programme of American music spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. Conducted by Sofi Jeannin, the concert celebrates the richness and diversity of the choral tradition.
The concert is presented as a fully immersive experience, best enjoyed from the comfort of a beanbag.
I'm so looking forward to performing in the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival as one of the Rising Stars of Voice. I'm especially excited to work on song repertoire with Louise Alder and James Baillieu; two artists I admire enormously and will learn a huge amount from!Lucy Gibbs, Mezzo Soprano
Rising Stars of Jazz
Our Scottish Rising Stars of Jazz 2026 are Liam O'Neil [Trumpet], Arda Daltaban [Alto Saxophone], Zoe Downs [Tenor Saxophone], Douglas Wright [Piano] and Enzo Keyan Mpore [Double bass].
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Liam O'Neil
Arda Daltaban
Zoe Downs
Where to Catch Them 🌟
Up Late: Jazz Jam
Tue 11 Aug 2026, 10.00pm
Joe Webb and Domo Branch return to the Festival for an electrifying late-night session, joined by guest artists from the American jazz scene and our 2026 Rising Stars of Jazz.
With jazz standards at the heart of the performance, the ensemble brings fresh, dynamic interpretations to timeless repertoire, showcasing thrilling improvisation and raw creative energy.
Dementia-Friendly Concert
11am & 2:30pm, Sun 30 Aug
Experience a relaxed atmosphere and lively music with our Scottish Rising Stars of Jazz, joined by presenter Lucy Drever for two Dementia-Friendly concerts that revisit well-known jazz standards and explore new sounds, accompanied by conversation, tea and cake.
Familiar music is presented in a comfortable and welcoming environment where you are free to move around the auditorium, arrive early and take breaks.
I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with Joe Webb and Domo Branch. It is always an enlightening experience to be able to learn and perform with amazing musicians of this calibre.Arda Daltaban, Alto Saxophone
Rising Stars of Strings
Our 2026 Rising Stars of Strings are Dexter Doris [Violin], Wanxinyi Huang [Viola], Finn Mannion [Cello] and Svenja Dose [Double bass].
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Wanxinyi Huang
Finn Mannion
Dexter Doris
Svenja Dose
Where to Catch Them 🌟
Classical Jam with Nicola Benedetti [NO AVAILABILITY]
Mon 17 Aug 2026, 8.00pm
This impromptu concert Classical Jam returns to The Hub, performed by the Rising Stars of Strings alongside Festival Director and world-renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti. Classical Jam is inspired by the improvisatory spirit of jazz, with performers discovering the repertoire in real time based on audience choices.
The result is a vibrant performance where the audience and artists are closely connected, offering a thrilling sense of unpredictability and the chance to witness the stars of tomorrow in action.
Previous Rising Stars of the 2024 & 2025 cohort will join for this electric performance.
I am very happy to be part of Rising Stars this year. I believe that the music world needs projects like this, that foster international exchange and bring new concepts to the classical music stages.Svenja Dose
Photo: Finn Mannion
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