Edinburgh International Festival: Family Concert
Artists
Conductor to be announced
Lucy Drever – presenter
Nicola Benedetti – violin
Programme to include:
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending
On the day Britain entered World War I, Ralph Vaughan Williams turned to the poem The Lark Ascending by George Meredith. Williams transformed the skylark’s other-worldly song into a symbol of resilience during a time of international struggle. The story goes that he was walking on a cliff in Margate, Kent, with views of a fleet of ships when inspiration struck him. His flow was interrupted, however, when a young scout made a citizen’s arrest, mistaking the composer’s notebook scribbles for observations of the coastline for the enemy.
Even if you don’t know this beloved classical piece by its name, you will instantly recognise the soaring violin solo, which mimics movements of the skylark. It’s so embedded in our consciousness that it was once voted the nation’s favourite Desert Island Discs track.
In collaboration with the Philharmonia, Festival Director Nicola Benedetti is the solo violinist in this relaxed, family-friendly performance of Williams’s masterpiece alongside beloved classics.
Need to know
Prices & Discounts
From £10
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and under 18s are entitled to a 50% concession discount.
A limited amount of £10 Affordable Tickets are available for every event in the programme for those who need them. Enter promo code INVITED at checkout to claim this offer. Subject to availability, no proof of eligibility required.
Arts workers and under 30s are entitled to a 30% concession discount. Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
All concessions are subject to availability. Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
Running time
50 mins, without an interval
Box office
Edinburgh International Festival box office: 131 473 2000