Help us bring classical music to 3,000 schoolchildren across Edinburgh in 2024/25

Art of Listening workshops introduce schoolchildren aged 10-12 to classical music, through songs, games and live performance.

Taking place at the International Festival’s home, The Hub, each two-hour workshop features music ranging from Beethoven and Britten to the Harry Potter film scores and Taylor Swift.

We run these workshops free of charge for all schools – including covering transport costs – to remove financial barriers for children and their parents/guardians.

For many children, this is their first experience of live classical music.

Guided by a professional opera singer and a pianist, participants learn to engage their imaginations, develop stronger listening skills and respond creatively.

This year, we want to reach more children than ever before.

It costs £650 to run one Art of Listening workshop for a class of 30 children.

Your support, at any level, will give children of all backgrounds in Edinburgh the opportunity to experience live classical music for free.

Like many non-profits, The Edinburgh International Festival has partnered with the Chapel & York US Foundation allowing our American donors to make gifts to a registered 501(c)(3) whilst continuing their support of the Festival. If you would like to donate via this method, visit our dedicated Chapel & York Foundation webpage.

If you would like to make a corporate donation to Art of Listening or wish to donate via a trust, please contact the Development team at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 131 473 2063.