Greyfriars
Homayun Sakhi Trio Homayun Sakhi Rubab Salar Nader Tabla Abbos Kosimov Doyra Kabul-born virtuoso Homayun Sakhi is arguably the greatest living exponent of the Afghan rubab, a plucked stringed instrument of great subtlety. This is a rare chance to hear the highly expressive music of Afghanistan, involving thrilling interplay between the three musicians, building to exciting conclusions full of swirling melodic colours. Friday 17 August 5.45pm eif.co.uk/homayunsakhi
Supported by Aga Khan Foundation
Ricercar Consort 01
Hebrides Ensemble and Synergy Vocals JAMES MACMILLAN WORLD PREMIERE William Conway Cello and director Scotland’s premier new-music group, Hebrides Ensemble joins forces with Synergy Vocals and renowned bass Brindley Sherratt for the world premiere of a new hour-long piece, co-commissioned by the Festival, by leading Scottish composer James MacMillan. Based on the story of the Resurrection, Since it was the day of preparation… is a major work full of dazzling virtuoso music in which Sherratt portrays the figure of Christ. Wednesday 22 August 5.45pm eif.co.uk/hebrides-synergy
Supported through the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund
MUSIC BY JOHN BLOW AND HENRY PURCELL Philippe Pierlot Bass viol and director Robin Blaze Countertenor Carlos Mena Countertenor Philippe Pierlot and his renowned period-instrument Ricercar Consort make a welcome return to the Festival for two concerts of early English music. The first explores poignant songs and odes by Purcell alongside Blow’s Ode on the Death of Henry Purcell. Monday 20 August 5.45pm eif.co.uk/ricercar1
Ricercar Consort 02
Alim Qasimov Ensemble Alim Qasimov Voice, daf Fargana Qasimova Voice, daf Rauf Islamov Kamancha Zaki Valiyev Tar Rafael Asgarov Clarinet, balaban Javidan Nabiyev Naghara Alim Qasimov has been described as one of the world’s greatest vocalists. His performances of Azeri mugham – the classical music of Azerbaijan – are recognised worldwide for their searing intensity and raw emotion. Qasimov shares the stage with his daughter Fargana, their soaring voices combining in dramatic vocal duets on themes of love and devotion.
MUSIC BY CHRISTOPHER TYE AND WILLIAM BYRD
Thursday 23 August 5.45pm
Philippe Pierlot Bass viol and director
eif.co.uk/alimqasimov
For their second concert, Philippe Pierlot and the Ricercar Consort explore uplifting and moving music by Byrd and Tye for viol consort, an expressive early ensemble that can be considered a predecessor of the string quartet.
Supported by Aga Khan Foundation
Tuesday 21 August 5.45pm eif.co.uk/ricercar2
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