Gershwin & Bartók

Gershwin & Bartók come to Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Monday, 10 August 2026 as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

The concert is performed by the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America, with Karina Canellakis conducting and Kirill Gerstein as piano soloist. The official Festival listing sets out a three-work programme: Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal, Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra.

That makes this a strong one for classical listeners who want more than a generic gala concert. The programme has a clear identity, and the combination of a major youth orchestra, a high-profile conductor and a well-known soloist gives the evening more weight than a standard touring stop.

Key Event Details

Event	Gershwin & Bartók
Date	Monday 10 August 2026
Time	7.30pm
Venue	Usher Hall
Address	Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA
Tickets	From £22.50
Event type	Classical concert / Edinburgh International Festival

What To Expect

The first thing that stands out is the programme mix. Gershwin brings rhythmic energy and jazz-inflected colour, while Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra gives the night a larger, more dramatic finish. Barber’s overture rounds it out neatly as an opener.

The other draw is the performers. NYO-USA is not being pitched as a youth concert in the lightweight sense. This is a serious Festival booking, and the collaboration with Carnegie Hall gives it extra interest. Karina Canellakis and Kirill Gerstein add another layer of appeal for anyone who follows current classical performers.

For Edinburgh in August, it is the sort of concert that should work well for visiting Festival audiences and local classical regulars alike.

Tickets & Entry

Tickets are listed through the official Edinburgh International Festival event page. Ticket availability can change, so check the live listing before booking.

The Festival page lists tickets from £22.50 and gives full programme details, along with booking information and ticket options.

Location

The concert takes place at Usher Hall on Lothian Road, close to the West End and Princes Street.

Getting There

The West End tram stop is the simplest tram link. Haymarket is usually the easiest rail station for Usher Hall, though Waverley also works if you do not mind a longer walk.

Our Tips

• Festival dates can be busy, so public transport is usually the easier option.
• Check the official programme listing if you want the full performer line-up before booking.
• Arrive a bit early if you want time to find your seat without rushing.