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Not only one of the world’s most revered and exceptional composers, Sir James MacMillan is also an immensely popular global figure, creator of music that brings together a thrilling visceral impact, spiritual contemplation and a startling immediacy.

The Edinburgh International Festival celebrates his rich, vibrant music in a major five-concert retrospective for his 60th birthday, bringing together a wealth of first performances – a major world premiere, Symphony No.5 Le grand inconnu, as well as UK and Scottish premieres – and performers who have long collaborated with MacMillan.

In this opening concert, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ SSO and brilliant Portuguese conductor Joana Carneiro, are joined by eminent organist Stephen Farr for the sonic spectacle and riotous fun of 'A Scotch Bestiary', before exploring the intense drama of MacMillan’s virtuosic, kaleidoscopic concerto for orchestra 'Woman of the Apocalypse'.

The concert will be recorded for future broadcast on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 3.