This year is a major milestone: the Festival’s flagship creative learning workshop celebrates 25 years of engaging children with live classical music. 

Record impact 

In 2025, Art of Listening reached an unprecedented 3,000 children in one year — the most participants in one year to date. 

Designed for pupils aged 10-12, these interactive workshops introduce children to classical music and opera through an imaginative blend of live performance, songs and activities. Led by a professional opera singer and a pianist, the sessions encourage participants to engage their imaginations, strengthen listening skills and respond creatively to music. 

For many children, this is their first experience of live classical music. For some, it inspires a lifelong passion – years later, several have even gone on to work for the International Festival as adults.

In 25 years, over 23,000 school pupils have taken part in Art of Listening, from across all 17 wards in Edinburgh. It is offered every year to every state primary school in the city, anchoring the International Festival’s strong commitment to culturally impacting civic life and children's futures.

Take Part: Art of Listening for Families
Mon 4 – Sat 9 Aug

As part of the celebrations, Art of Listening workshops will be open to the public for the first time. During the International Festival, children aged 7-11 can bring their parents, guardians and grandparents along for the experience.

Dive into the stories hidden within classical music, tap into its ability to stir your imagination and uncover its power to soothe and relax you. Come together across the generations to learn fresh ways to listen, share and connect.

Spaces are limited, so book your place now to secure your spot.

Help bring classical music to children across Edinburgh
Support Art of Listening with a donation

Art of Listening workshops are provided free of charge to all Edinburgh state primary schools. This includes coaches to transport pupils to and from The Hub, and activities to continue the workshop back in the classroom – all provided at no cost to the school or pupils.

This is only possible thanks to the kindness and generosity of our Art of Listening donors. If you are inspired to help us bring classical music to the next generation of Primary 7 schoolchildren, we welcome your support.

It costs £650 to run one Art of Listening workshop for 30 children, but donations of any amount can help us continue offering these workshops next year.