The Edinburgh International Festival has announced that the Opera Queensland and Circa co-production Orpheus & Eurydice will be one of its key productions in 2025.

Helmed by Festival Director Nicola Benedetti, Edinburgh International Festival takes over the Scottish capital from 1 – 24 August.

Also announced: a brand new narrative ballet from Scottish Ballet telling the story of Mary, Queen of Scots and a European debut for the US-based National Youth Orchestra 2, inaugurating a new three-year creative partnership with Carnegie Hall

Orpheus & Eurydice, Opera Australia and Sydney Festival, 2024. Photo @ Keith Saunders

A highlight of the 2024 arts year in Australia, Orpheus & Eurydice breathes new life into the ancient myth, in a ground-breaking work exploring the enduring theme of true love and the depths to which our inner beliefs are challenged. Created in collaboration with the Brisbane-based contemporary circus company Circa and its director Yaron Lifschtz, the Edinburgh season will mark the production’s European premiere.

The score will be performed by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by Laurence Cummings and the production will star British countertenor and Grammy Award winner Iestyn Davies as Orpheus, and Australian...