We welcome three outstanding and vividly contrasting ensembles to the 2025 International Festival. Taking up residency during the Festival run in August, these ensembles offer us in-depth and unique perspectives on the inner workings of their collective sound and ambitions. Residencies make time and space for the ensembles to deepen their connection with Edinburgh’s communities – from primary school pupils to our homegrown rising stars.  

The NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra, resident at the National Forum of Music in Wrocław, takes centre stage as the flagship ensemble of our Focus on Poland season during their International Festival Residency.

For nearly 40 years, this string orchestra has honed their distinctive sound under the leadership of exceptional violinist-directors. Originally rooted in classical and Baroque repertoire, the NFM later embraced 20th-century works. Since 2023, British violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky has been leading the charge.

In their first concert, Bizet’s Carmen Suite, the NFM perform a deeply emotive programme, featuring works by Grażyna Bacewicz, Richard Strauss and Wojciech Kilar. Scored for Rodion Shchedrin’s imaginative arrangement of George Bizet’s opera Carmen closes their performance.  

The following day, the NFM celebrate Yehudi Menuhin, one of the foremost violinists of the 20th century. Two of Menuhin’s former pupils – Festival Director Nicola Benedetti and fellow virtuoso Alexander Sitkovetsky – perform a moving and very personal programme in Benedetti & Sitkovetsky’s Tribute to Menuhin.