Musicians and artists have the responsibility to challenge disinformation and cynicism in global politics by advocating for fundamental truths, according to violinist Nicola Benedetti.
Benedetti, who is leading the Edinburgh international festival this year, emphasized the crucial role of the arts during turbulent times, highlighting how they showcase the pinnacle of human achievements.
“We’re navigating a confusing whirl of truth and alternative facts, with language manipulated to resemble information,” she remarked, as she unveiled this year’s festival program themed “the truth we seek”.
Following the program launch, Benedetti acknowledged the global crises since Donald Trump’s re-election as the US president, noting the significant impact on leadership and political agendas worldwide. “There’s no avoiding the presence of the United States [in the conversation]. The world is paying attention, and we’re witnessing major shifts in leadership and political dynamics,” she said.
However, she pointed to the arts’ advantage in using allegory to address pressing and timeless issues, urging the sector to intensify this effort.
The festival kicks off with an eight-hour performance at the Usher Hall of Sir John Tavener’s religious song cycle The Veil of the Temple, which Benedetti believes captures the essence of how religious belief illuminates universal truths.
The festival will also host a variety of significant events, including a premiere by the NYO2 youth orchestra, interactive jam sessions, and several notable performances and productions. Despite facing funding cuts, the festival will continue to offer tickets at accessible prices, showcasing a commitment to making art accessible to all.
Benedetti expressed concerns over the cuts in government and philanthropic funding for the arts but remains hopeful thanks to a recent substantial funding award from Creative Scotland. She emphasized the importance of maintaining non-partisan integrity and ambitious planning for the festival’s continued success.
The festival will take place from August 1st to August 25th, with ticket sales opening on March 27th through eif.co.uk.
Among the highlights of this year’s festival are performances showcasing a range of artistic disciplines, from a Nederlands Dans Theater’s exploration of environmental themes to a satirical play by Brian Cox about the financial crisis, a Scottish Ballet production on historical power politics, and an acrobatic opera interpretation of “Orpheus and Eurydice”.
