Opening Concert: St Matthew Passion
The young Felix Mendelssohn transformed Johann Sebastian Bach’s majestic St Matthew Passion for modern orchestra. His groundbreaking performances of his impassioned arrangement in Berlin (1829) and Leipzig (1841 – the version heard in this concert) changed the course of music history. Without these, the great Bach revival might never have happened.
Mendelssohn’s version foregrounds the urgent narrative and potent emotions of the Passion story, illustrating Christ’s capture, trial and crucifixion.
Join the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, their Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth, the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and six soloists – including ‘star evangelist’ (The Arts Desk) Ed Lyon – as they rekindle an epoch-defining event.
For the full opening weekend experience, discover Osvaldo Golijov’s contrasting exploration of the Passion story, performed on 3 August.
Buy standard price tickets for both Opening Weekend concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.
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A souvenir programme is available for this performance. Available at the venue for £10 (card only). You can also pick up a freesheet with all the essential information you’ll need.
Full Orchestra Listing
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Ryan Wigglesworth Conductor
Edinburgh Festival Chorus
James Grossmith Chorus Director
RSNO Youth Chorus
Patrick Barrett Chorus Director
Elizabeth Watts Soprano
Dame Sarah Connolly Alto
Laurence Kilsby Tenor
James Atkinson Bass
Ed Lyon Evangelist
Neal Davies Christus
Bach arr. Mendelssohn St Matthew Passion (1841 Leipzig version)
TICKET PRICES AND CONCESSIONS
A limited number of £10 Affordable Tickets are available for every concert. First, log into your online account or create a new account if you don’t have one. £10 Affordable Tickets are available in the Upper Circle in Price Q only. Select your seat(s) in this area and add the tickets to your basket. Enter promo code INVITED at checkout, and your ticket(s) will be discounted to £10.
The £10 Affordable Ticket is subject to availability and limited to two per customer per event. No proof of eligibility is required. £10 Affordable Tickets work on a trust basis and we hope that these will only be chosen by people who need them.
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and under 18s are entitled to a 50% concession discount.
Free Essential Companion tickets are available for those who need them. Select Essential Companion ticket from the drop-down menu, and the price will automatically update to a free ticket in your basket. You must purchase two tickets for the Essential Companion offer to apply.
Arts workers and under 30s are entitled to a 30% concession discount. Arts workers and under 30s concessions are not available on top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H). Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
All concessions are subject to availability. Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
MULTIBUY OFFERS
We have a variety of multibuy offers where you can save 20% on standard price tickets when you buy tickets for multiple shows. Multibuy offers will only apply when tickets are purchased in the same transaction.
Opera Lovers: Buy standard price tickets for three or more operas (Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Oedipus Rex, Così fan tutte, and Capriccio) and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Opening Weekend Concerts: Buy standard price tickets for both Opening Weekend concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Bamberger Residency: Buy standard price tickets for all three Bamberger evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
Philharmonia Residency: Buy standard price tickets for all three Philharmonia evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. This offer excludes concessions and top-price tickets (Prices A+, A, G and H).
GROUP BOOKINGS
Groups of ten or more receive a 10% discount on full-price tickets for selected performances. For groups of more than 20, phone the box office or email [email protected]
YOUNG CHILDREN POLICY
We adhere to each venue’s individual policy and advise that you contact our box office for further information before booking tickets. We will include age guidance on relevant performances.
TICKET EXCHANGES & REFUNDS
No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged.
We have partnered with TicketPlan to offer optional ticket protection. This allows you to recoup 100% of the paid ticket price (including any booking fee) if you are unable to attend your event for any number of covered reasons, including illness, travel delays, adverse weather conditions and more. For more information, visit ticketplangroup.com/eifrefundpromise
Refund Protection is an optional service offered by Edinburgh International Festival and administered by TicketPlan. It is not an insurance policy.