The Sound of Music

 

 

When I was nine, the Sound of Music film with Julie Andrews played for a whole year at the Odeon in Edinburgh. My family went three times to see it, as did many others!

 

‘My heart will be filled with the sound of music, and I’ll sing once more.

 

‘Nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could, so somewhere is in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good.’’ 

 

‘Climb every Mountain, search every stream, follow every rainbow, until you find your dream.’ 

 

In a recent Bazaar article Kaitlyn Greenage on Icons, said she re-watched the Sound of Music, ”because she "wanted to watch something that looked nothing like our current reality,"

 She wanted the "low hum of the Deluxe Colour Sky, and the smooth matte face of Julie Andrews, and the assurance that the voices of pyrotechnics can protect a family from fascism.”  

 

 

The Sound of Music is set to a true story, against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Austria. Maria was brought up by an abusive uncle with mental health problems, before joining a convent. 

 

Kaitlyn Greenage writes, “In part the film is about the triumph over the emptiness of nihilism, about how to believe in something outside your own fear and doubts. You cannot reach somewhere good without the foundation of some small steps in that direction.”

 

“You cannot create something that will endure without the practice of devotion. Devotion for the artist can be found in the purity of a brushstroke, for the musician the profound, floating notes that lift your soul to a higher place.” 

 

“A fearless devolution to their work.”

 

 I played the songs on the piano over and over. It all had a profound influence on me growing into my teenage years. My childhood wasn’t often a happy place, with my dad’s drinking issues, my mum often escaping to the garden. Music and songs were my father’s safe place. Music also became my safe and happy place. A place of hope.

Celtic Connections 2027 announced

 

Transatlantic Sessions

GRIT orchestra

From 14 – 31 January 2027, world renowned Celtic Connections will inspire in 2027, with 18 days of unique events, special collaborations, world premieres, and intimate shows, all celebrating music’s power to transcend borders, cultures, generations and genres.

  - of folk, traditional, roots, world, jazz, orchestral, electronic, Americana and indie music will welcome musicians from 20 countries, across Scotland, Ireland, the US, Canada, Spain, Senegal, Australia, Pakistan, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway,  France, Sudan, India and Portugal, for its 34th edition. This forward-thinking festival, embraces tradition as constantly evolving. 

With 300 events across 25 venues.

The festival returns to venues O2 Academy, Glasgow International Arena – formerly the Emirates Arena – best loved venues Old Fruitmarket, SWG3 and Saint Luke’s.

From emerging talent to world-class acts, highlights of the 2027 programme include:

      Scotland's GRIT Orchestra: World Premiere – Celtic Connections’ famed Opening Concert will welcome Scottish traditional music in an orchestral setting,  a homage to Martyn Bennet. This acclaimed ensemble, conducted by Greg Lawson, will perform brand new arrangements of some of the greatest melodies in the folk repertoire, bringing both ancient and contemporary tunes into a symphony setting.

Headliners at Glasgow International Arena – The festival will take over Glasgow International Arena. Friday night, Irish folk-rock giants The Saw Doctors take on one of their biggest headline gigs in the city to date, Saturday night will welcome Indian composer AR Rahman for a spectacular orchestral collaboration, Rangreza with British talents Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa. the first time the show that bridges the gap between Western and Indian classical music has been performed in the UK outside of London’s Royal Albert Hall.

One of the most widely regarded live performers in contemporary music, José González, will play Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The international star is best-known for his cover of Heartbeats, which has earned him over 1 billion streams to date. Irish accordionist Sharon Shannon will play the O2 Academy with her Big Band and some very special guests including Bob Geldof.

Orchestral twist – Celtic Connections will pair folk music with Scotland’s national orchestras. This year Irish collective Ye Vagabonds backed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. King Creosote will partner with Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and experimental small- piper Brìghde Chaimbeul teams up with the Scottish Ensemble.

Tribute to Scottish folk legend Archie Fisher at City Halls; Tribute to songwriting of Joni Mitchell at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum; Fifty years on from his passing, Glasgow’s legendary folk singer Matt McGinn will be honoured at the Tron Theatre; Georgia Rose Lucas presents a special 80th anniversary tribute to her mum, British folk-rock pioneer Sandy Denny.

Trad mad – giants of Scotland and Ireland’s flourishing folk and trad scenes will put on shows across the festival’s three weeks. West coast party starters Trail West, Highland heroes Elephant Sessions, Scots singers Siobhan Miller and Kris Drever, Gaelic artists Julie Fowlis, Breabach, Kim Carnie and Irish trad stars Beoga all have headline slots.

Amazing Americana – A wealth of Americana, country and folk talent will cross the Atlantic for Celtic Connections, with chart-topping bluegrass star Sierra Hull, Seattle’s The Brudi Brothers, LA duo Milk Carton Kids, Grammy award-winning Punch Brothers.

Global beats – Sudanese singer, oud player Sulaf makes her Scottish debut Òran Mór, blending her soaring voice with electronics. Raghu Dixit, one of India's most inventive and charismatic artists brings his trio to the Drygate on the festival’s final night. Mauritanian singer, songwriter griot Noura Mint Seymali will share her exciting trance blue, star of a new generation of West African musicians Momi Maiga performs as part of World Connections at the Tramway.

Platforming new voices – This year’s three exciting young artists commissioned to create an entirely new suite of music through the New Voices initiative 2027 are small pipes player Fionnlagh Mac A' Phiocair, accordionist  Andrew Waite, and fiddle player Madeleine Stewart.

●      Óle for Asturias – the festival welcomes Spanish principality Asturias as its international partner, showcasing music from the rich folk music heritage of the region.

●      Fun for all ages – from dementia-friendly shows and school concerts to late-night, spontaneous sessions at the Festival Club and Late-Night Sessions at Drygate, the usual dynamic mix of events and experiences will be on offer.

Breabach

Kris Drever

Julie Fowlis

General tickets go on sale Thursday 8 October at celticconnections.com for the first shows confirmed for 2027, with new gigs on sale each Thursday in October. 

Delivered by Glasgow Life – the charity that leads culture, events and active living in Glasgow – the multi-award-winning festival reflects the UNESCO City of Music itself: international, creative, welcoming, packed with personality and proud of its identity. For 2027, Celtic Connections is embracing its role both as the ultimate winter blues buster. The roll out of New Roots – a £1 membership scheme for under 26s – will allow students and young music lovers to get up to 50% off tickets for selected shows.

Duncan Chisholm

Celtic Connections Creative Director Donald Shaw, who will mark 21 years at the helm of the festival, said: “January is all about embracing musical exploration, uncovering something new that takes you by surprise, and getting out and about regardless of the dark nights. This festival believes in great music, excellent company and the power of connection. That spirit of discovery and optimism runs right through the 2027 programme, with artists people will know and love, new names, unique collaborations and shows that simply won’t happen anywhere else. For 18 days, Celtic Connections will be a meeting place for cultures, ideas and a sprinkling of intangible magic, so come and get curious, we promise you won’t regret it.”

 

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said: “Celtic Connections is one of Scotland’s most popular festivals and a shining example of the strength, diversity and global appeal of Glasgow’s iconic music scene. It’s a source of great pride for Glasgow that thousands of visitors make their way to our UNESCO City of Music each year to experience the thrilling sights and sounds of Celtic Connections and be part of the festival’s legendary audiences. We’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning festivalgoers to another spectacular celebration of folk, roots and world music in 2027.”

Celtic Connections is supported by the Scottish Government’s Expanded Festivals Fund and Creative Scotland, and CalMac.

 

Edinburgh Festivals Begin 2026

As the Edinburgh festivals begins, the cobble streets that surround at Giles, will spring back to life, with the colourful sights and sounds of worldwide performers, who will visit. The many footprints of the packed crowds of both tourists and locals. 

It’s a joy filled exuberance, to celebrate not only culture, but the uplifting spirit of the best of us. 

There are shows for all tastes here – from the main festival’s choral music, premiers, world class orchestral, musicals, comedy, dance, renowned theatre and opera.

Enemy of the People

The Edinburgh International festival shows explore many challenging themes – morality, hierocracy, ignorance, politics, corruption, freedom, democracy, prejudice. 

An Enemy of the People. Famous actor Wagner Moura performed in an adaptation of the play by Henrik Ibsen of. A public trial in modern day Brazil

The festivals always attract controversy – this year at the Fringe Amanda Knox show. She was wrongly accused and imprisoned for four years in Italy for the murder of her friend Meredith. Reviews of her show say it is about motherhood and the persecution of women. 

Wynton Marsalis

**EIF SHOWS 2026

All Rise Opening concert, Usher hall was recorded and filmed – marking the 250 years of American independence. All Rise received excellent reviews and celebrated the profound influence of American creativity with the improvisation of jazz. Led by musician WYNTON MARSALIS iExamined the nation's paradox of freedom alongside prejudice, hypocrisy, and cultural friction. Plus the evolving crisis, joy and nature of life.

 

The Galloping Cure, Festival theatre: 9-12. A new opera. Franz Kafka, a country doctor on opioid crisis.

The Last Drop, 200 Playground. Dante Passarelhs figurative play about an aging apartment resistant to change in Edina (showcase Brazil)

 

Mayflies, Browns of Leith. Adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s book with themes of friendships and aging. It evokes the rock music sounds of 1980s Manchester.

Mrs Stern wanders the of Russian State Library, Traverse: 6- 30 Aug. a play by Jenny Lyn Bader, inspired by Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt (the banality of evil of Adolf Eichmann.

 

Clown Show at Kings theatre: 27- 30 Aug. a play by Geoff Sobella. A political metaphor – with acrobats and jugglers have gone, clowns are desperately trying to hold things together.

Endgame, at the Pleasance. Based on a play by Samuel Beckett, the great Irish playwright.

Angels in America, Kings theatre. explores the mentor to Trump, Roy Cohen, with David Bowie music.

 

**

A major part is the comedy at the Fringe, with around a mind boggling 4,000 shows! 

Scotland is in the world’s top three nations for culture and festivals, bringing in around 145 Billion. But the arts must be properly supported by government if they are to continue at this level. 

 

2026 Edinburgh International Festival addresses complex and challenging themes under its overarching "All Rise" theme, notably marking the 250th anniversary of American independence by examining the nation's paradox of freedom alongside prejudice, hypocrisy, and cultural friction. 

Images Edinburgh festival 2026

I’ve been making the journeys over to Edinburgh festivals the past twenty years. August is Edinburgh festival – art, music, theatre, books, comedy, dance, opera – all the arts interplay and overlap together to make this unique melting pot of what makes art special in our lives, lifts us up and why art matters. I’ve taken photos at the Fringe and the book festival.

There’s the official International festival which this year is titled ALL RISE, to celebrate the links to America and the 250 years since America’s Declaration if independence. 

The Edinburgh International Festival 2026 – 7-30 August 2026

“I am, All Rise.. look further, look beyond, can’t you see - look higher. I’m going to rise and rise.’

World-class Opera, Music, Theatre and Dance over 24 days and 147 performances. With 5 world premieres, and 10 works commissioned by the Festival. All Rise is a rallying cry encompassing collaboration, resilience and ascendance. To experience themes of freedom, ingenuity, prejudice, and hypocrisy, alongside the creative achievements made possible by the friction and energy of America's cultural melting pot. 

Nicola Benedetti - I fell in love with U S of A. instantly. I was 16 years old and within 24 hours my relationship to its “wild, abrasive, exuberant, heart filled yet harsh ferocity was sealed. I was shocked and intoxicated.”

 

There’s the International Edinburgh book festival at the Futures institute, August 15 to 30,

with 600 writers from 41 different countries. of fiction, politics, science, history, music and live performances. 150 events for families, and young adults. The theme 2026, "Changing Your Mind", to encourage visitors to "stay open and curious, championing deep listening and celebrating our capacity to evolve our thinking".  Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, "How to lead a country" along with former Finnish PM Sanna Marin, memoirs, Frankly and Hope in Action. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and technology writer Cory Doctorow. Leading writers - John Grisham, Ian Rankin, Maggie O'Farrell, Ali Smith, Jenni Fagan, Matt Haig and 2026 International Booker Prize winner Yáng Shuāng-z(Image: D

With a focus on trust and information, with conversations with journalists, researchers examining misinformation, and global narratives. Plus the rapid growth of AI and its regulation, with Steve Crossan, original DeepMind team, and Sarah Wynn-Williams, former director of public policy at Facebook.

There’s the Edinburgh FRINGE festival – with over 4,000 shows, performers from all across the world. Its comedy festival is a a major attraction. Edinburgh festival was one of the first major arts festivals begun after the second world war. Edinburgh festival was one of the first major arts festivals begun after the second world war In 1947, the founding vision was to reunite people through art. People overcame the post-war darkness, division and austerity in a blooming of festival spirit. In the 1970s with only a few hundred shows.

Edinburgh Festival All Rise 2026

“I am, All Rise.. look further, look beyond, can’t you see - look higher .

I’m going   to rise and rise.

World-class Opera, Music, Theatre and Dance  Spanning 24 days and 147 performances, 

The Edinburgh International Festival returns 7–30 August 2026. With five world premieres and ten works commissioned by the International Festival, this year marks Nicola Benedetti's fourth year as Festival Director.

Nicola Benedetti - I fell in love with U S of A. instantly. I was 16 years old and within 24 hours my relationship to its “wild, abrasive, exuberant, heart filled yet harsh ferocity was sealed. I was shocked and intoxicated.”

Angels in America

An Enemy of the People

This years program celebrates the ideas and impact of the USA’s 250 years, from the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

With “recurring themes of freedom and ingenuity, leadership and cruelty, prejudice and perseverance and hypocrisy sit colourfully within proud demarcations of the height of artistic and creative achievement.’ Many of these could happen only in America.  

 

2026 Theme: All Rise  All Rise is a rallying cry encompassing collaboration, resilience and ascendance. 

Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. To experience themes of freedom, ingenuity, prejudice, and hypocrisy, alongside the creative achievements made possible by the friction and energy of America's cultural melting pot. 

ALL RISE ! With Wynton Marselis

All Rise Opening concert! -

All Rise celebrates togetherness and transcendence.”

The world of the magnificent, the dazzling, the dark, the powerful, the tragic, its extreme, the powerful, the tragic, the 

virtuous, the art of the possible.

Opens with a rise to action, All Rise is an epic symphonic work, by Wynton Marselis, with over 200 performers in a communal journey through 12 stages of living - of Joy, romance, virtuosity, fun and improvisation, our making mistakes and subsequent suffering and ultimate forgiveness, freedom and self knowledge.

 

Opera The 2026 opera programme hosts two staged operas at the Festival Theatre. Verdi's A Masked Ball from Zurich Opera is set in the opulent American Gilded Age, whilst The Galloping Cure, a world premiere from Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s confronts the global opioid crisis. Scottish companies lead the charge with two thrilling operas-in-concert at the Usher Hall.  

TICKETS for Edinburgh International festival 2026 now on sale - https://www.eif.co.uk