James MacMillanQuickening
Strauss Ein Heldenleben

Birth, life, struggles and triumphs: two immensely powerful reflections on our existence, performed by a celebrated International Festival music partnership.

Sir James MacMillan’s epic cantata examines the drama and joy of birth and new life, blending expectant wonder with awe-struck mystery, mystical spirituality with volatile energy.

British conductor Edward Gardner and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra have been highly praised for their explosive collaborations at the International Festival in recent years.

Richard Strauss’s all-encompassing Ein Heldenleben tells the life story of a hero – his loves, his battles with enemies, his ultimate victory – in music of huge power, dignity, and vivid sonic picture-painting.

Gardner and the RSNO are joined by the outstanding vocal forces of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, the RSNO Junior Chorus and The King’s Singers for Quickening.