Simon Thacker's Svara-Kanti in Edinburgh

Coincidence can add resonance to timing. The day after enjoying BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking discussion about the relevance and future of live classical music, I found myself at just the sort of event that could have informed the debate.

Now in its fourth year, Fringe by the Sea is an enthusiastically supported satellite of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe. Located 25 scenic miles from the capital, in the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick, it offers a wide variety of cultural events with music at its core. One of four simultaneous events on the evening of Aug 11, Camerata Ritmata drew a large crowd to St.

A game of three halves from the Britten Sinfonia, with a late appearance by three star soloists.

A conductorless performance of Handel's masterpiece lights up the Barbican.

Clyne, Ligeti and Pärt sit down with Bach and Scarlatti for a spot of lunch!

A clever programme of mid-20th century American music by Carter, Copland and contemporaries, watered down with a light sprinkling of Arlen and Gershwin.