2026 Edinburgh International Festival Participation

The 2026 Edinburgh International Festival, directed by violinist Nicola Benedetti, is themed 'All Rise' to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. This represents the largest representation of American artists at the festival since its inception in 1947. The festival will feature three orchestras in residence: Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra (JLCO) under Wynton Marsalis, Berliner Philharmoniker, and Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. The opening concert will premiere Marsalis's symphonic work 'All Rise,' featuring 200 singers and musicians combining African chant, New Orleans parade music, gospel, and Latin American styles. Theatre productions include Internationaal Theater Amsterdam's staging of Tony Kushner's 'Angels in America,' and a modern update of Henrik Ibsen's 'An Enemy of the People' starring Wagner Moura. Scottish Opera will stage the world premiere of 'The Galloping Cure,' addressing the global opioid crisis. Family events include the Scottish premiere of 'Hostile,' a one-man Spaghetti Western, and a family concert from Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) in collaboration with Big Noise, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. The festival celebrates artistic endeavor as a means to foster understanding and common humanity. Both Benedetti and Marsalis emphasize the importance of music education and the power of all musical traditions in contemporary conversations.