From a life-size whale theatre, to video mapping of St Magnus Cathedral, this year's St Magnus International Festival will feature its usual mix of the unique and eclectic, with something on offer for everyone.
Orkney’s annual midsummer celebration of the arts is the centrepiece of the season with performances planned across the county, from Birsay to South Ronaldsay.
St Magnus Cathedral remains at the heart of the week-long festival, held between June 21-29, hosting concerts by Swedish string orchestra, Musica Vitae; a promenade-style performance from the Morris Begg Duo, The Assembly Project and Illuminos Video Mapping, transforming the building with video, lighting and live music; and the homecoming of Orcadian musician and composer, Erland Cooper.
Elsewhere, there will be a world premiere of ‘The Rhythm of Stones’, a collaboration by Stephen Deazley and the Orkney Voices Group, featuring young Orcadians, folk tales and legends. Scottish Opera will bring miniature performances to some of Orkney’s smaller venues, and there will be plenty of showcases of local talent, including musical duo Jeneric, historian Joceyln Rendall, and the Festival Chorus too.
The first St Magnus International Festival was held in 1977 and has become an important part of Orkney’s annual calendar. It brings a huge variety of events to the islands in late June, from music and theatre, to arts, dance, literature and cabaret. It also has important connections with the local community, with education projects and collaborations with schools a vital part of the festival’s plans each year.
You can view the full programme online. Tickets for the 2024 festival go on sale to Magfest Members from 10am on April 8th. General booking opens at 10am on April 15th.
Find out more via the official St Magnus International Festival website.