At this year’s Festival, there are three residencies on the programme, curated to help you dive deeper into the variety of sounds and histories the ensembles have to offer, and foster union between artists and audiences. One of these residencies is with German orchestra, The Bamberger Symphoniker.

A History of Bamberger

This group embodies the sense of resilience and cross-border connection which is integral to the Edinburgh International Festival. Based in Bamberg, they were established in 1946 (just one year before us), and similarly emerged amidst the aftermath of World War Two. The Orchestra began to take shape as previous members of Prague’s German Philharmonic met with fellow musicians, who were forced to flee their homes during the war. The musicians united and began the Bamberger Tonkünstlerorchester, which later became Bamberger Symphoniker.

The Bamberg Symphony’s origins can be traced back to The Estates Theatre, who premiered Mozart’s Don Giovanni in 1787. The Estates Theatre remains one of the most eye-catching historical theatres in Europe. With such prestigious musical origins, Bamberger Symphonkier continues to embody musical tradition, stretching as far back as the 18th century. Embracing the 2024 Festival’s theme, Rituals That Unite Us, conductor Jakub Hrůša has reflected on the importance of this ritualistic passing of musical knowledge and craft, down the generations.

Dive Deeper

You can enjoy three concerts with Bamberger Symphoniker at the International Festival, between 6 – 9 Aug, at the Usher Hall. This residency also offers you the chance to experience the conductorship of Hrůša, before he begins his tenure as Music Director at the Royal Opera House.

So before watching them on-stage, get to knowBamberger Symphoniker in even more depth off-stage.

The Hidden Gem

The first concert is Hans Rott’s First Symphony, a concert all about discovery. Considered the ‘hidden gem’ of Rott’s, it’s hard to believe that the piece was initially mocked by Rott’s contemporaries. This concert promises to be a melodic exploration of his only completed symphony, giving you a rare opportunity to experience this live.

Hans Rott’s First Symphony also has a special tie to the Festival city, as mezzo-soprano Catriona Morison was born and raised here in Edinburgh. From being a member of the Waverly Singers Choir as a child, to making her professional song recital debut in none other than Festival venue the Queen’s Hall in 2018, Morison keeps Edinburgh at the forefront of her career milestones.

Concert of Connection

Next is Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, a tribute to the romantic geniuses that are Brahms and Dvořák. Intimate and poetic, this concert is all about connection, and celebrating great pairings. This year’s Festival theme aligns with the themes of love and togetherness, which run throughout the orchestra’s three concerts. From the close friendship between Dvořák & Suk which fostered genius works, to the musical relationship between Mahler and Rott, the spirit of connection speaks to this year’s theme perfectly. So, who will you bring along to enjoy Dvořák’s orchestral swangsong, and make the perfect pair?

Balance and Contrast

Concluding the residency is Dvořák & Suk, an ambitious work which highlights great balance and contrast. On the one hand there’s joyful sound from Dvořák’s Te Deum, and on the other, mournful themes from Suk’s Asrael Symphony. Joined by our very own Edinburgh Festival Chorus, this concert beautifully draws the residency to a close, bringing together explorations of faith, anguish hope.

What are you waiting for

Now you know some more aboutBamberger Symphoniker, don’t miss out on the chance to hear one of Europe’s greatest orchestras across their residency at the International Festival, right here in Edinburgh.

Get your tickets, and check out the other two residencies, Ilumina Ensemble and the Philharmonia Orchestra at the International Festival this year.