Meet One of Our Rising Stars Alumni:  Wanshu Qiu

For the last three years, we have worked with classical music’s brightest and most passionate as part of the Rising Stars Programme. This unique programme provides a vital platform to showcase emerging talent on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.

We caught up with returning star Wanshu Qiu to get her take on the Rising Star whirlwind experience and being mentored by her musical heroes.

What did performing at the Edinburgh International Festival mean to you personally and professionally?

Performing at the Edinburgh International Festival has been a very significant part of my journey. It has become a place where I feel artistically stimulated and warmly supported. It has given me the chance to share my work on a world-class stage with amazing mentors and peers, reach new audiences, and build connections that continue to shape my artistic development. And I love Edinburgh, each year a bit more than the last.

As part of the programme, Rising Stars get the opportunity to develop community engagement skills through performances in healthcare and community settings. What did you gain from taking part in these community activities?

Through working in hospitals and community settings, I once again felt how powerful music can be in creating moments of connection beyond the concert hall. Working with Lucy [Drever] is always a pleasure, she’s so warm and brilliant and connecting us performers and audiences seamlessly. Engaging in Q&As with passionate young people also strengthened my love in what I do and gave me insight into how to share my experiences in a way that is open, responsive, and inspiring.

What impact do you anticipate the Rising Stars opportunity will have on your career development?

EIF is a pivotal step in my development: it offered invaluable exposure and performance experience on major stages with my music hero’s. Performing at EIF is not just limited to the stage experience, but access to an incredible network of artists, presenters, and peers. Being part of the Rising Stars pool is very exciting, connecting with other emerging musicians from around the world has provided creative exchange, encouragement, and lasting professional relationships that continue to shape my career.

What would you say to a musician who is considering applying for the Rising Stars programme?

I would tell them to expect an intense but hugely rewarding journey: to make the most of it, they should stay open, adaptable, and curious. The programme allowed us to communicate authentically and connect beyond just the notes. Musicians who are eager to share their voice, embrace new experiences, and engage with communities will thrive here.

Any additional thoughts about your Rising Stars experience that you would like to share?

What surprised me most was the warmth of the mentors and the audiences across all the event. It felt like a genuine cultural exchange each time. The support from the organisers was excellent, and the balance between performance and community engagement made the experience especially meaningful. If anything, I think even more opportunities to connect with local communities and young musicians would enrich the programme further.

Join our stage for 2026! We open applications for Rising Stars each year.