About The Festival
The International Festival’s claims to be a ‘platform for the flowering of the human spirit’ are only the half of it! There’s nowhere else on earth you get this much artistic merit packed into 3 solid weeks of world-class performance.
Here’s our pick of some of the highlights:
Two Widows Scottish Opera
Scottish Opera could hardly fail with this heady mix of love, jealousy, humour and human frailty, all brought to life with Smetana’s melodic, sensitive score.
Krol Roger Mariinsky Opera Company
Karol Szymanowski’s deeply philosophical story of a charismatic shepherd and a principled King is one of the all time opera greats and, by our reckoning at least, not to be missed.
The New Europe Should Prefer the New Atheism Debate
Not everyone’s cup of tea, granted, but you don’t get many more lofty subjects for debate than whether or not God has any relevance in today’s world. Well worth a listen to some inspired and educated opinions.
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Events
Giselle – State Ballet of Georgia
Love, betrayal, madness and the supernatural - the tragic story of a young woman's devotion to her faithless lover.
9th till 10th August
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Venezuelan firebrand Gustavo Dudamel was an instant hit at Festival 07 and returns this year at the helm of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.
12th August
Roby Lakatos
Roby Lakatos has been called a gypsy violinist or devil's fiddler; a classical virtuoso; a jazz improviser; and a 19th century throwback.
15th, 16th & 17th August
Captain Overlord’s Folly or the Fool’s Revenge
A 19th century play is hijacked by a gang of buffoons (evil clowns) who are subsequently driven from the stage by a trio of theatre critics and academics.
19th & 20th August
Król Roger – Mariinsky Opera Company
Szymanowski's King Roger is one of the great operatic masterpieces of the 20th century.
25th & 27th August
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Oliver Knussen, one of the most respected figures in British music, leads the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in this evening of inventive re-interpretations.
29th August