Chinese artists among Edinburgh International Festival line-up

World
Europe

02:19

The Edinburgh International Festival plans to bring the best of music and dance from China to Scotland's capital in August as the organizer revealed the festival's full program this year.

Among the highlights is renowned Chinese choreographer Yang Liping, who will make her Edinburgh International Festival debut with her new interpretation of Stravinsky's iconic ballet "Rite of Spring."

The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, the first orchestra in China to introduce symphonic music to the local audience, will make its Edinburgh International Festival debut in its 140th anniversary year.

Meanwhile, Chinese Pianist Yuja Wang will return to the Edinburgh International Festival to give the European premiere of John Adams's new work, "Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes"?

Ballet dancer Eve Mutso celebrates the launch of the 2019 Edinburgh International Festival program at Tynecastle Park, the venue for the Festival's Aberdeen Standard Investments Opening Event: LA Phil at Tynecastle. /Photo courtesy of Edinburgh International Festival

Artists from around the world also feature in the program as this year's festival will attract 2,600 artists from 40 countries, including Australia, Nigeria, Canada, Belgium, China, Mali, Holland, South Africa, New Zealand, France, Germany and India.

As the Edinburgh International Festival approaches its 75th anniversary in 2022, the organizer aims to turn it into a truly global event by promising a greater representation of the world beyond Europe and the English-speaking countries.

"With artists and audiences from all over the world gathering to celebrate each other's music, theatre, dance, and art, we hope that the 2019 International Festival will offer a refreshing dose of generosity, inclusiveness, and optimism," said Fergus Linehan, the festival's director.

The Edinburgh International Festival will run from August 2 to 26.