Triumphant Tavener opens the Edinburgh International Festival

The Veil of the Temple

The National Youth Choirs of Scotland in The Veil of the Temple

By David Smythe, 03 August 2025

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“stunned by Tavener’s euphoric music still swirling around our heads”

Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 2 August 2025

Tavener, The Veil of the Temple

Thomas Guthrie, Director

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Sofi Jeannin, Conductor

Edinburgh Festival Chorus

James Grossmith, Choirmaster / chorus director

Monteverdi Choir

Jonathan Sells, Choirmaster / chorus director

National Youth Choir of Scotland

NYCoS Chamber Choir

Christopher Bell, Choirmaster / chorus director

Sophia Burgos, Soprano

Calum Robertson, Harmonium

Hovhannes Margaryan, Duduk

Richard Hellenthal, Tibetan horn

Theano Papadaki, Soprano

Thomas Herford, Tenor

Hugo Hymas, Tenor

Tom Kelly, Tenor

Edward Ross, Tenor

Robert Davies, Baritone

Tristan Hambleton, Bass-baritone

Jack Lawrence-Jones, Baritone

Thomas Lowen, Bass

Robert Macdonald, Bass

Florian Störtz, Bass

George Vines, Bass

Richard Wiegold, Bass

Stephen Hough makes a convincing case for Rachmaninov 1 with the RSNO

Simon Thompson, 24th April

On a return visit to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, John Wilson shapes A London Symphony with melancholy sweep.

****1

Kristiina Poska makes an exciting return to conduct the RSNO

Simon Thompson, 20th March

Kristiina Poska directs the RSNO in gripping Tchaikovsky and Pärt, but words and music only occasionally match in Elena Langer's new song cycle.

***11

Felix Klieser plays Strauss with the RSNO, before Bruckner exodus

Simon Thompson, 21st February

Felix Klieser is quietly remarkable as he plays Strauss' First Horn Concerto with the RSNO, but why did so many people walk out during Bruckner's Eighth Symphony?

****1

Giedrė Šlekytė conducts the RSNO in passionate, exciting Mahler

Simon Thompson, 5th December

Giedrė Šlekytė makes a stellar conducting debut with the RSNO, while violinist Nemanja Radulović has a great look but a disappointingly ordinary sound.

****1

Mahler magic: RSNO opens season with the Seventh Symphony

Simon Thompson, 3rd October

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Thomas Søndergård open their season, continuing their Mahler cycle, with the Seventh Symphony.

****1

A dramatic, declamatory Elijah closes the 2025 Edinburgh Festival

Simon Thompson, 24th August

The festival’s closing concert brings drama from the RSNO and conductor Thomas Søndergård, but Christopher Maltman's Elijah brings the presence of greatness.

****1

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

The Veil of the Temple triumphantly opens the Edinburgh International Festival