Five-day winter music festival returning to Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre
The Soundhouse Winter Festival will celebrate Scotland's homegrown music scene with a packed programme
A five-day winter music festival celebrating Scotland’s homegrown jazz, trad and indie scenes is returning to Edinburgh this November.
The Soundhouse Winter Festival will take place at the Traverse Theatre from Thursday, November 26 to Monday, November 30.
The festival is a packed programme featuring established musicians alongside some of Scotland's emerging talent.
The third annual festival will open on Thursday evening with a free performance from the Soundhouse Choir, celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Led by founder Heather Macleod, the choir has become renowned for its original collaborations and brings together singers for a performance celebrating a decade of making music.
She said: “It’s really lovely and fitting that this concert, which celebrates 10 years of Soundhouse Choir, also celebrates our partnership with the Soundhouse Organisation.
“To see how they’ve both grown over the years into such an active and important part of Edinburgh and Scotland’s rich musical tapestry is a joy.”
Among this year's headliners are Irish singer Heidi Talbot and Ivor Novello nominated singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine as well as the Scottish indie duo Sacred Paws.
Edinburgh based singer-songwriter Jake Cogan will also perform songs from her upcoming album, while award winning queer bagpiper, fiddle player, instrument maker and composer, Malin Lewis will also take to the stage.
One of the festival’s new commissions, Space for Dreaming, has been created by musician Harben Kay and will bring together performers from a range of musical backgrounds for a specially commissioned set.
The festival is also shining a spotlight on Scotland’s next generation of jazz talent, with Glasgow saxophonist Nor, singer-songwriter Laura Osa and tenor saxophonist Zoe Downs among those showcasing their work.
Alongside the music, visitors can take part in a jazz singing workshop with songwriter and vocal educator Sophie Bancroft, as well as a street band techniques session with specialists Oi Musica.
Now in its third year, the festival runs across St Andrew’s Day and the Fair Saturday weekend, with organisers aiming to showcase the breadth of contemporary Scottish music.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said: “It seems to us that no one is very sure what to do with St Andrew’s Day beyond re-enacting a shortbread tin scene with pre-recorded pipers and kilted dancers.
“We want to do a lot better than that and celebrate the enormous breadth and quality of music being made in Scotland right now.”
Tickets are now on sale and you can book via soundhousewinterfest.com