New work premiering at the East Neuk Festival
This year, to celebrate its landmark 20th anniversary, the East Neuk Festival has commissioned four new pieces of work which will premiere this week.
Article Source: East Neuk Festival
Last Updated: 24 June 2025 13:03
The 20th East Neuk Festival begins tomorrow (Wednesday) and runs until Sunday
29th June. In addition to the festival’s outstanding programme of classical, jazz and world music on offer, this year, to celebrate its landmark 20th anniversary, the festival has commissioned four new pieces of work which will premiere this week.
• The Light, the Bell and the Burden – Sat 28 June, Sun 29 June (various
times)
Multi-disciplinary artist and designer Andy McGregor has teamed up with two of Scotland’s most exciting musicians, cellist Su-a Lee and fiddler/composer Donald Grant to create a compelling site-specific installation to be premiered in St Fillan’s Cave this festival. Commissioned by ENF with support from Event Scotland’s National Events Programme, The Light, the Bell & the Burden explores mysteries around belief, folklore, healing and ancient relics connected to St Fillan.
• Field of Stars – Sun 29 June, 3pm
The world premiere of Field of Stars by Sally Beamish performed by four of the world’s leading quartets (Belcea, Castalian, Pavel Haas and Elias) and inspired partly by pilgrimage, and the Santiago de Compostela or ‘Field of Stars’ – the navigational tool used by pilgrims over the ages.
• Zulu Voyage – Sat 28 June, 12pm
Celebrated harpist and singer Esther Swift returns to East Neuk with a new piece of music that explores the history of the Zulu boat. Inspired by the only remaining, first class Zulu boat in the UK – Research LK62 housed at the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Zulu Voyage will be performed by over 60 musicians drawn from community projects across Fife including the St Andrews Music Project (StAMP), Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra, and East Fife Community Ensemble. Joining them will be Andrew Robb on double bass, Tom Gibb on jazz piano, Juliet Lemoine on cello and Fife based storyteller David Hughes.
• Shibe Trail – Sat 28 June 11am, 2pm, 3.30pm
Star guitarist Sean Shibe, plays the Scottish premiere of Thomas Adès’ first major work for guitar, Forgotten Dances (written especially for him following collaboration at East Neuk Festival in 2022) as part of his Shibe Trail. The trail consists of three concerts spanning six centuries of music for lute, guitar and electric guitar.
Svend McEwan-Brown, Festival Director said: “New music of all kinds – and music new to us - is a thrill at every ENF and I look forward to hearing all these pieces alongside the most recent music of Kathryn Tickell, Tom Smith and Nizar Rohana, all being heard in Scotland for the first time.”
Further festival highlights include performances of all five of Beethoven’s late quartets by four of the world’s leading quartets (Belcea, Elias, Castalian and Pavel Haas), two of Schubert’s song cycles performed by Mark Padmore and James Newby and accompanied by Joseph Middleton on piano; and an incredible line-up of of jazz, folk, and experimental music performed by the legendary Kathryn Tickell with her band The Darkening; rising star of the London jazz scene saxophonist Tom Smith with his septet; jazz pianist Euan Stevenson; and celebrated Oud player Nizar Rohana.
East Neuk Festival is made possible thanks to support from Creative Scotland, EventScotland and the generosity of its patrons, partners, and various trusts and
foundations.
Image: The Light, the Bell and the Burden by Andy McGregor in St Fillan’s Cave, Pittenweem
Image credit: Neil Hanna
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Clans @ The Croft team mountain bike enduro event returns
A multiple Clan skirmish of epic proportions is on the cards again for mountain bike Enduro riders when Clans @ The Croft, the first team event on the UK's Enduro calendar, returns to Creiff.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Dobbies Dunfermline store to host National Vegetable Society Championships
Dobbies Garden Centre in Dunfermline is opening its doors to the National Vegetable Society, having been unveiled as the host of the Scottish Branch Championships for 2025.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews Launches Charity Golf Open
Fairmont St Andrews invites golfers to tee off for a cause with the launch of the inaugural Fairmont Golf Open, held in proud collaboration with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Volunteer cycles 1k miles for The Wave Project to mark turning 60
Steve Spencer cycles 1k miles over 2 weeks, volunteering at all 16 Wave Project UK locations, raising money for the charity, on the eve of his 60th birthday.
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Mindful Art: A New Creative Wellness Business in Fife
Mindful Art, a pioneering creative wellness business, offers a unique approach to mental and physical well-being through the power of art.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Cambo Presents Contemporary Art & Creative Expression in Myanmar at Pittenweem Arts Festival
Cambo is proud to present Contemporary Art & Creative Expression in Myanmar, a powerful exhibition showcasing the work of artists and artisans from Myanmar (Burma), at this year’s Festival.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
117 year old family gelato maker and pioneering distillery collaborate to create unique wild botanical sorbets
Highland Boundary and Jannetta's, join forces to create a series of sorbets, bringing the authentic taste of Scotland's native landscape directly to the people of St Andrews.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORE
Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour
Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.
READ MORE
Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month
The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
READ MORE
Assembly Festival relaunches Local Residents Ticket Offer
Fringe Tickets for Just £6.50: Assembly Festival re-launches Local Residents Ticket Offer for EH, FK, G, KY, ML & DG postcodes.
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews sets up for a SmurfTastic summer to celebrate the upcoming release
From Smurf-inspired activity trails to creative dining moments and blue-hued treats, dive into a playful world of imagination and cinematic fun this summer at Fairmont St Andrews!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links